Chapter 529
Raidan looked at the council members who had finalized their decision regarding the punishment of Edward’s eldest son, Dexton.
The seniormost council member stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, we think Dexton’s wolf should be taken away from him. Also, he will serve a ten-year prison term for his crimes. For an Alpha, it is like snatching his pride if they are without their wolf. Also, he must compensate those families who lost their loved ones due to his actions p>
Dexton had his head low. “Just give me a death sentence. I don’t want to live,” he said, finally looking into the eyes of the Alpha King.
Edward clenched his fists in helpless rage while Cillian’s eyes glistened with tears.
“No, a death sentence won’t make you understand the nature of the crime you’ve committed. You still show no remorse in your actions. You are supposed to suffer and truly see what you’ve done, Dexton,” Raidan pronounced, his voice stern and unforgiving.
“I agree with the punishment that the council has come forward with. I hope you spend every single day in the prison repenting for your crimes. As for your mate’s demise, the evidence is still unclear. The postmortem clearly revealed she was drowned to death, not a murder. However, I order to reopen the case and look into it further p>
Dexton was pulled up by the two warriors. He glanced at his father and brother before being dragged out of the council hall.
“The council is adjourned,” Raidan announced and walked out first. Cillian took his shaken father home, and the hall quickly became empty.
đŸ‘‘ Dominick’s Journey
While walking through the corridor of the palace, Raidan asked his sons, “Did Gabriel call p>
“So far, no one has received his call, Your Majesty,” Casaio replied, worry lingering in his tone.
“I wonder if they all are fine,” Raidan murmured, concern for his family evident. “Nick, you’ve asked me to send you to the District of Gridlock. Are you absolutely sure about going to such a dangerous place without any help, except for your Beta?” he asked.
“Yes, Father. It’s important that I go there and find out the truth myself,” Dominick answered, his decision firm. “Everything is ready, Dad. So, I only want yours and mother’s permission before I depart p>
“You should definitely go. It’s time to start gathering answers,” Raidan stated before changing direction to head toward his chambers. “Go see your mother and me in the main hall before leaving.” Both the Alpha Princes stopped and watched their father leave with a trail of servants following behind him.
“I talked to Gabriel and Amelie. They are doing well, and so is Noah,” Mabel informed the Alpha King as she layered the cape in her hands before giving it to the maidservant behind her.
“Also, Gabriel mentioned about seeing their past lives,” Mabel continued. “Lady Katherine used her powers to channelize a path for it. He didn’t tell me the details, but he feels finding the cure for their situation is easy now. I think they will return soon p>
“That’s wonderful news,” Raidan responded, pleased. “How is Lady Katherine? I hope she’s recovering well p>
“No, my King. She will pass away soon. That’s what the doctors have told them,” Mabel stated, her voice quiet with sadness.
“That must be a difficult time for Carlos,” Raidan said sympathetically.
“Yes.” A short silence stretched between them.
“Let’s go to the main hall. Dominick is heading to Gridlock for a work commitment. I think he will stay there for a few months,” Raidan affirmed.
“I see. It’s best for him to stay away from the capital for some time,” Mabel stated, accepting the news without questioning the nature of the work.
“Yes p>
“Casaio can’t be the next Alpha King,” Raidan then announced to her, making a significant declaration. “I think I’ll talk to Gabriel and make him understand that he needs to get ready to take the throne. I’ve always seen him as the potential candidate for it, but he never showed much interest. Maybe this time, he will finally agree to me p>
Mabel agreed with his assessment of Casaio’s fitness for the throne. However, she voiced her own doubt. “I don’t think Gabriel will agree for this, my King. He wants freedom and will choose his happiness over this kingdom’s p>
“I know,” Raidan admitted to his Queen. “However, I have to convince him once for it. Unless I try, I won’t find out if he’ll accept the responsibility p>
“Of course, you should try,” Mabel stated, supporting his decision.
“Let’s go to the main hall then. Dominick will get late if we keep talking here,” Raidan chuckled, eager to see his son off. The Queen agreed, and they both headed toward the main hall to meet Dominick.
As they arrived there, they found Dominick standing ready with his trolley bags. Zilia and Casaio were also present there, having already gathered to give a farewell to Dominick.
“Mom!” Dominick hugged Mabel tightly, and she gently patted his back.
“Keep calling us,” she said, her voice warm with motherly concern. “And don’t skip your meals p>
He smiled, pulling away. “I won’t, Mom p>
She kissed the middle of his forehead, and Dominick then moved to his father. They shared a strong hug too, during which Raidan quietly told him not to take undue stress during his mission.
Pulling away from his father, Dominick returned to his trolley bags. The servants already dragged them away, signaling the imminent departure.
Mabel and Raidan left the main hall, leaving Zilia and Casaio behind.
“Suddenly, the palace feels empty,” Zilia sighed, watching the door close.
“Yeah.” He nodded, walking toward her and holding her hands reassuringly. “Shall we go outside today? For dinner p>
“Hmm. Why not?” Zilia agreed, appreciating the distraction. “Cas, did you hear the rumors p>
“What rumors?” He arched his eyebrows in confusion.
“They don’t want you to be the next Alpha King. And they’re saying I’m the reason behind it,” Zilia stated, her gaze troubled. “I told you if you would choose me p>
He pressed a finger gently on her lips to silence her. “Then, everything will turn out well. I don’t care what the others think or what my parents decide. And honestly, I’ve never been interested in the throne anyway p>