Chapter 535
“Your Majesty, why have you called me at this late hour?” asked Ian Wildermoon, the youngest member of the Royal Council.
Raidan, the Alpha King, was seated in the private lounge area of his chamber. He lifted his head from the tablet he was holding, his expression grave.
“Take a seat, Ian,” Raidan instructed.
Ian nodded curtly and moved with practiced grace, settling onto the upholstered chair directly across from the King. He watched as Raidan lowered the tablet to his side and then formally clasped his hands on the table.
“The volume of hate directed toward my eldest son and his wife has intensified dramatically,” Raidan began, his voice low and serious. “Zilia has never once made a move against the royal family, yet the public refuses to see past their prejudice. The corrupt officials who betrayed my trust were not scrutinized with this level of venom. I understand that our position demands flawless conduct, but this level of hostility is excessive p>
He leaned forward slightly. “I have reviewed your portfolio. You have demonstrated significant, discreet competence. What if I task you with finding the origin of these insidious rumors and determining exactly what the public demands from Casaio? Will you be able to accomplish this, Ian p>
Raidan fixed the young man with an intense gaze. Ian considered the request for a measured moment.
“I can, Your Majesty,” Ian stated, meeting the King’s eyes without wavering, “provided Prince Casaio and Lady Zilia are willing to act strictly according to my instructions p>
A flicker of amusement touched Raidan’s face. “And what precisely do you intend to make them do p>
“Something unpredictable, Your Majesty,” Ian replied with confidence. “Since you’ve chosen me for such a critical task, I will ensure that the people understand the true nature of their leaders. Trust is paramount between a king and his subjects, and Prince Casaio has regrettably lost that trust p>
Ian then outlined his strategy. “My mission will be to make him work diligently toward regaining it, and thus establish him as the next Alpha King. Doesn’t this align precisely with what His Majesty desires for his eldest son p>
Hearing the determined and confident words of Ian, Raidan realized he had chosen the best person to bring out the potential in Casaio.
“Alright, Ian. I give you the reins of my son,” Raidan stated, granting him full authority. “Zilia will also accompany him for whatever assignments you deem necessary p>
“Sure, Your Majesty,” Ian said with a smile. “I’ll meet Prince Casaio and Lady Zilia in the morning p>
“Yes,” Raidan replied. “You can leave now. One important thing: no one must know about this p>
“No one will. My lips will remain tied, Your Majesty,” Ian answered. He stood up, bowed, and left the Alpha King’s sight.
Katelyn brought the napkin to her mouth and dabbed it over it, looking slightly disappointed. “You brought me the dinner outside. I thought you planned something big for me,” she complained lightly.
Sage lowered his wine glass and smiled, amused by her expectation. “I thought we’d start the night with dinner. You complain a lot, you know. Shall I say they are tantrums thrown by the princess?” He mused, his eyes twinkling with affection.
“Hmm. You knew what I’m like,” Katelyn remarked, challenging him with a playful glint in her eyes. “Now, you’ll just keep hearing my tantrums all your life. You still have time to back off if you want, you know p>
Sage laughed lightly at her feigned offer. “The bond will literally crush you if I back off from you now. You’re going to miss me every single day,” he asserted, his certainty a gentle confirmation of their deep connection.
“I was joking,” Katelyn said quickly, softening her expression. She suddenly grabbed her purse and rose to her feet. “I’ll be using the restroom. Then, we can leave,” she pointed out, signaling the end of dinner.
Sage smiled as he watched her go. The waiter approached the table, cleaned it, and disappeared. Sage then stood up and took out his phone.
“Is everything ready?” Sage spoke into the phone, his voice low.
“Yes, Alpha,” the person from the other side confirmed.
“Good.” Sage ended the call and checked his coat’s pocket once again, patting it. Taking a deep breath, he walked away and went straight to the terrace.
Katelyn finally returned from the restroom, but got confused upon not seeing Sage around the table. “Where did he go?” she murmured.
“Your Highness,” a feminine voice called out to her, and she turned around.
“Yes p>
“Please follow me. Mr. Nightshade is waiting for you on the terrace,” the staff lady replied politely.
“Why did he go to the terrace?” Katelyn asked in confusion, but the staff member offered no response, simply gesturing for her to follow.
Stepping out of the elevator, she turned to ask the staff lady again, but she had already disappeared back down.
“What is going on?” Katelyn murmured, tightening her grip on her purse and walking ahead nervously. The entire terrace was initially engulfed in darkness. “Sage, why did you p>
She paused abruptly when the bright golden lights were instantly switched on, illuminating the space. She found herself standing inside a massive heart-shaped arena, beautifully outlined with red and white roses.
Her hands flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp of pure shock and delight. She instinctively pivoted on her heels and saw Sage kneeling before her, framed perfectly by the heart of roses. He was holding a small, velvet box open, displaying a stunning diamond ring that glittered brilliantly under the golden lights.
His gaze was earnest and full of devotion as he spoke. “Katelyn Sinclair, will you marry me p>
She stuttered, overwhelmed, completely unable to form any words in response.
Sage continued, pouring out his heart. “I have apologized to you before, but I want to repeat it, publicly. Please forgive me for ever hurting you with my words. The truth is, I have always been drawn to you, Kate, from the very day I first saw you p>
He paused, gathering his emotions. “I didn’t realize when my initial fondness for you quietly turned into profound love, but after finding a true Mate in you, I was confident. I want you in my life, forever. I have been a jerk to you many times, pushing you away when I should have drawn you close, but even through all that, you still cared for me p>
“Thank you, Kate, for coming into my life and accepting this messy part of me. So, please, accept this ring, accept my proposal, and marry me. Be mine, Katelyn. “