Chapter 233
Karin was well aware of the tense political situation within the palace, especially the strained relationship between Queen Rania and the council of elders. She warned that if Rania refused to meet the elders, they would seize the chance to criticize her again, disregarding any excuses about her illness. Elder Gallant, in particular, was eager to exploit any sign of weakness.
Despite her unease, Rania recognized her duty as queen to face the elders. After some consideration, she agreed to meet them in the war room, with Alpha Letto escorting her. Letto, who had once opposed her rule, now showed genuine respect and even thanked her for saving his life, signaling a shift in their relationship.
At the war room, Rania was greeted formally by the elders, including Elder Gayle and Elder Gallant. The meeting quickly turned confrontational as Elder Gallant demanded to know where Rania had been and insisted she answer for herself, rejecting Gayle’s attempts to speak on her behalf. Prepared for such hostility, Rania calmly began writing her responses in her notebook, taking her time and causing visible frustration among the elders.
Elder Gallant tried to rush her, but Elder Gayle defended Rania’s right to communicate in her own way, showing subtle support. Rania found a quiet satisfaction in this moment of asserting her authority and control, despite the elders’ impatience.
Chapter 233
Karin was fairly well-informed about the delicate political dynamics swirling within the palace walls, especially the tense relationship between the king and the council of elders. She knew that if Rania refused to meet with them, the elders would seize the opportunity to criticize her once again, just as they had done previously.
They wouldn’t relent, even if told that Rania was still recovering from her illness. After several days, they’d argue it was enough time for her to regain her strength and would continue to demand her presence.
Elder Gallant, in particular, was like a cunning serpent, patiently waiting for any sign of weakness so he could strike without hesitation.
“I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest if Rania agrees to meet with them,” Karin stated firmly, her voice steady. She glanced at Rania, who looked visibly uneasy at the suggestion.
Yet, as queen, Rania understood she had to set aside her personal discomfort and face the reality before her.
“What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?” Letto asked gently. Though the youngest alpha present, he was still slightly older than Rania. Still, the hierarchy required him to show respect to the queen.
After a moment of contemplation, Rania finally nodded and instructed them to gather all the elders in the war room, where she would meet with them.
Letto’s expression betrayed some reluctance, but he wisely chose not to voice his objections. “I will bring them to the war room,” he said quietly before departing.
Rania found it hard to believe that just a few months ago, Letto had despised her so deeply that he was willing to put his life on the line, joining other alphas in opposition to her rule.
Now, however, he treated her with genuine respect, recognizing her as the rightful queen. It was clear he had turned over a new leaf.
“Are you alright?” Karin asked softly, concern etched on her face. “I’m sorry if I pushed too hard p>
Rania shook her head gently. ‘I need this,’ she thought to herself.
Indeed, she did. To some extent, she agreed with Karin’s assessment. As queen, she couldn’t hide away forever, allowing Maximus to bear all the blame and shield her from criticism.
“I’m glad you see it that way,” Karin said, visibly relieved. “Would you like me to accompany you p>
The fact that Rania was still unable to speak remained a vulnerability. The elders often exploited this weakness, using it to undermine the king by painting the queen as incompetent, unable even to defend herself.
Rania was acutely aware of this. ‘Elder Gayle,’ she thought. Since he would be present, she felt more secure.
“Oh, yes!” Karin suddenly remembered. “Elder Gayle will be there too, so there’s nothing to worry about p>
“Good,” Rania replied.
With that settled, Rania made her way to the war room, escorted by Alpha Letto. Karin stayed behind to check on Cam, the young warrior who was still unconscious.
“Thank you,” Letto said quietly as they walked down the corridor.
Rania tilted her head, puzzled by his gratitude, silently asking what he meant.
“Thank you for saving my life the other day, my queen,” he admitted, his voice sincere. “I know my actions were unforgivable. I shouldn’t have let the other alphas influence me to oppose you p>
Understanding dawned on Rania, and she smiled warmly at him. ‘Everyone makes mistakes,’ she thought. ‘I’ve made plenty myself p>
She spoke slowly and deliberately, knowing Letto struggled a bit to read her lips since he wasn’t yet accustomed to her manner of communication.
“Thank you so much. You truly are the perfect queen for this kingdom,” he said earnestly.
Those words were exactly what Rania needed to hear. She had longed for acceptance from others, and hearing Letto’s genuine praise was deeply satisfying.
Before long, they arrived at the war room, where Elder Gayle and Elder Gallant were already seated, accompanied by two other elders.
“Greetings, Queen Rania,” Elder Gayle said politely, bowing his head slightly in formal respect. The other elders followed suit, though their gestures were half-hearted.
Rania acknowledged their greetings with a nod and took her seat at the head of the table—a position that still felt surreal to her.
She recalled how she had once been the forgotten member of her family, and now here she was, leading a meeting from the place of authority.
But with this power came immense responsibility.
“We have some questions,” Elder Gallant began, cutting through any pleasantries. “Where have you been, Queen Rania? In the king’s absence, it is your duty to be present in the palace and take charge p>
“I have told you before…” Elder Gayle interjected, frustration evident in his voice as he glanced at his fellow elders.
“I am not asking you, Beta Gayle. I want the queen to answer for herself,” Elder Gallant snapped, growing bolder. “Stop speaking on her behalf. She can speak for herself p>
Rania had anticipated this line of attack. Elder Gallant was employing the same tactic he had used recently when he insisted she leave the battlefield at the border.
Prepared for this challenge, Rania remained calm and unhurried as she began to respond, which only seemed to irritate Elder Gallant further. The other elders also appeared displeased at having to wait for her reply.
She took her time, writing extensively in her notebook. Several pages were filled, and the room fell into an awkward silence that stretched beyond ten minutes.
Rania secretly relished this moment.
Elder Gallant attempted to hurry her along, but Elder Gayle used the opportunity to silence him. “If you want the queen to speak, let her do so in her own way p>
A smug expression crossed Elder Gayle’s face as he delivered the remark.
This chapter delicately explores Rania’s growth as a leader, highlighting her courage to face the council of elders despite personal vulnerabilities. Her determination to stand firm, even when challenged by those who doubt her, reveals a queen who is learning to wield her authority with quiet strength. The evolving respect from figures like Letto underscores the shifting dynamics within the palace, signaling a gradual acceptance of her rightful place and the burdens she must bear.
At its heart, the chapter captures the tension between vulnerability and power, showing that true leadership often means confronting criticism head-on while remaining composed. Rania’s silent resilience and the support she finds in allies like Karin and Elder Gayle remind us that even in moments of uncertainty, strength can be found in perseverance and the willingness to assert one’s voice—no matter how it is expressed.
The next chapter promises to deepen the intricate power struggle within the palace, as Queen Rania faces the elders’ probing questions with quiet determination. Her calm and deliberate responses hint at a growing confidence that could challenge the elders’ authority and shake the fragile balance of power. Yet, beneath the surface, the tension is palpable—Elder Gallant’s impatience and boldness suggest that the meeting could take an unexpected turn, testing Rania’s resolve and the loyalty of those around her.
Emotionally, Rania’s journey is set to become even more compelling as she navigates the complexities of leadership while still grappling with personal vulnerabilities. The evolving dynamic between her and Letto adds a layer of intrigue, as his newfound respect might bring both support and unforeseen challenges. Readers can anticipate moments of quiet strength and subtle defiance, where words unspoken carry as much weight as those written, leaving everyone in the room—and the readers—wondering what will come next.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.