CHAPTER 205: _PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME

Kyren’s POV

*****

"Remind me again how I’m meant to help in bringing down your husband." He muttered as he and Luna Queen Elowen walked through the garden maze of the palace.

It was the perfect change of scenery, away from the palace’s indoor garden.

The chirping birds, the rays of sunlight on the earth around them and the fresh wind blowing almost made Kyren feel warm inside.

Almost.

But how could he feel any warmth when the people around him always found new ways to show how rotten they were?

For example—

"It’s a simple plan, Lord Kyren," Elowen remarked, glancing back at him as she took the lead. "I’ll hijack the hologram screens for tonight right when he’s about to make one of his boring speeches. Then I’ll project all the evidence proving he’s been sponsoring the Dark Hand."

Kyren listened, his arms behind his back.

Safe to say he was already getting bored and could only think of one thing right now. Okay... Two things.

First was obviously Elian.

Last they saw each other his little flame seemed upset at how he’d revealed so abruptly to the rest of the royal family that he was related to them.

And now Elowen wanted him to partake in a plan that would expose the royal family and Lucian to more drama.

Elian didn’t want Lucian near anything triggering. And Kyren respected that.

Which brings him to the second thing he had in mind. The only reason he was playing along with this mission with the Luna Queen:

The information box was left behind by his parents.

"While everyone is still stunned by the information on the screens, you’ll take the stage and announce your position as Lunarian royalty." Elowen continued, snapping Kyren out of his thoughts.

"The Elders from every faction will be livid. Your father being older than Arian could force the need to make you the Alpha king by birthright. But since your mother wasn’t the mate of the late Alpha King—"

"That makes Lucian the next best thing." Kyren completed her sentence with a knowing roll of his eyes. "As simple as your plan is, I have only one question..."

Elowen paused just then, and so did Kyren, who tilted his head slightly.

His long white hair blew slowly around him, his crimson eyes fixed on the Luna Queen. He didn’t trust her fully.

How could he? The woman was plotting her husband’s downfall.

"When all this works and Lucian ascends the throne, what next?" He asked calmly. "Are you sure he’s even ready for such responsibility?"

Elowen frowned. "Of course he is. My boy is more than ready."

Ah, a mother’s delusion.

So fascinating to see.

"The same Alpha Prince who currently can’t remember his own mate and rejected him repeatedly?" Kyren chuckled. "Right... I’m sure he’s more than ready."

Elowen’s eyes flashed with something dangerous but beneath that was also a hint of hesitation.

She knew he had a point. He couldn’t care less...

"Oh, and one last question." Kyren raised a finger. "My father is still out there, as you may know. Garrick Ironclaw has something up his sleeve. What makes you think he wouldn’t come with the might of the Dark Hand once your husband is out of the picture?"

Elowen inhaled slowly, her expression unreadable for a moment as they stood before a row of trimmed crimson roses.

When she finally spoke, her tone was even — too even.

"Just leave that to me to figure out, Lord Kyren," she said, turning away to brush her fingers across one of the roses. "But my husband must not remain on that throne. And I believe you still want your hands on that information box from your parents."

Kyren’s gaze darkened.

He took a step forward, the gravel under his boots crunching softly.

"You’re playing a dangerous game, Luna Queen." His voice dropped lower, the warmth fading entirely. "If I find out you’re toying with me—or with Elian—"

Elowen pivoted to face him, her eyes hard with quiet defiance. "I have no intention of toying with anyone. Least of all you."

For a heartbeat, neither spoke.

The sunlight filtered through the vines, painting their faces in slanted gold. Then Elowen turned away, her cloak swirling slightly as she began to walk toward the exit of the maze.

"Enjoy your evening, Lord Kyren," she said over her shoulder. "You’ll have your proof soon enough."

Kyren watched her retreat until her silhouette disappeared behind the archway of hedges.

The moment she was gone, he exhaled a sharp breath, his jaw tightening.

His instincts screamed that there was more to her plan than she’d admitted. He was about to follow when a faint vibration pulsed through the metal bracelet around his wrist.

The holographic projection blinked to life in front of him, forming the stern face of Commander Farrell.

"My Lord," Farrell greeted, bowing slightly. "I trust the Lunarian palace hasn’t swallowed you whole yet."

Kyren smirked faintly. "Not yet, Commander. What is it?"

"The ceasefire agreement with Arcadia is on thin ice," Farrell reported, the projection flickering with static as data lines scrolled beside him. "Scouts have confirmed increased military activity near the borders separating Arcadia and the Dark Lands. We believe it’s not mere posturing."

Kyren’s fingers flexed behind his back. "Of course it isn’t. The witches never do anything without scheming. They’re probably waiting for us to blink first."

Farrell’s jaw tensed. "Should we mobilise?"

"Not yet," Kyren replied, pacing slowly down the narrow garden path. "Let them think they have the upper hand. Keep your men alert near the frontier and strengthen the outposts. And, Farrell..."

"Yes, my lord?"

"Prepare for our next strike once this little Lunarian spectacle is over." His tone was calm but almost bored. "I want Arcadia reminded that peace is just a luxury word."

Farrell gave a grim nod. "Understood. The target remains the southern Arcadian city?"

Kyren smiled faintly, the reflection of the hologram casting pale light across his sharp features. "Exactly. Once I’m done dancing with nobles and traitorous rulers here, we’ll burn their borders clean."

"Understood. I’ll handle it personally," Farrell said, his figure beginning to fade as the connection cut off.

When the hologram blinked out completely, Kyren stood there for a long moment, the silence of the garden wrapping around him.

A faint breeze tugged at his hair.

He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the distant palace spires.

"So," he murmured, voice low, "the witches are stirring... and the wolves are turning on themselves."

A ghost of a smirk curled at his lips.

"Perfect."

He adjusted his cloak and turned toward the path leading back to the palace.

The shadows stretched longer behind him as he walked, his bracelet glinting with the last flicker of Farrell’s transmission—like an omen that the peace everyone clung to was already breaking apart.