CHAPTER 53: _THE ROGUE KING’S CLAIM

Kyren’s POV

*****

"My Lord..." Farrel walked into the throne room, bowing slightly in front of Kyren. "You summoned me."

The latter was sitting on his throne as usual but this time... He had a glowing red ball in his right palm.

The ball shimmered like a mirror, glistening under the dim light of the throne room. Kyren stared at it intensely, his eyes glowing with a red light as well.

Suddenly, the ball glowed brighter and then showed the image of someone... Familiar.

Elian Ashford.

Kyren’s lips curled into a smirk as he spoke to Farrel without looking at him. "My loyal commander. I summoned you here to inform you of two things. The first..."

He squinted his eyes slightly, his grin widening when he saw what Elian was doing in real time.

He had just witnessed the lad being... Orally pleasured by the Lunarian Alpha Prince.

Now, after the steamy moment he and Elian’s consciousness shared in this very throne room you would think he was jealous, right?

Wrong!

He was actually amused. Jealousy was unnecessary, especially when he was beginning to understand just how unique his mate bond with Elian is compared to the other mates.

"Sir?" Farrel called his attention again, sounding concerned. "You trailed off there. You were about to tell me what—"

"Ah, yes." Kyren chuckled, making the red scrying ball disappear with a flick of his wrist. He then fixed his gaze on Farrell, placing his elbows on the armrest of his throne and leaning comfortably on it.

Farrell stood with uncertainty in his eyes, struggling to maintain eye contact.

Aw, the poor thing probably thought he was in trouble.

Kyren grinned at the thought.

Farrell may present a heart of steel to the soldiers of the dark lands, but he knew better. He watched him grow from a pup and knew how... Fragile he was.

Like everyone else.

"I deviated into my thoughts again. I wanted to tell you that I’ve found my mate." Kyren announced casually, drumming his fingers on the armrest.

Farrell’s mouth fell, his eyes widening as he blinked at Kyren with shock.

"M–My Lord, you’ve... Found your mate?" Farrell repeated, disbelief in his voice. "You’ve waited decades and I thought you’d never find them."

Kyren shrugged. "That’s because he wasn’t born yet. But you’re right... I thought the moon goddess turned her back on me because of... Well..."

He snapped his fingers, causing a spark of red lights to flicker on them before fading.

"That..." He continued, sighing. "Anyway, he’s eighteen and lives in Lunaria. In the capital city to be more specific."

Farrell nodded, his eyes brightening up with excitement. But then, a confused frown appeared on his face.

"Have you seen him yet my Lord?"

Kyren arched an eyebrow. "Technically, yes. But we haven’t gotten the chance to meet... Physically."

Farrell still gawked at him with confusion but the man knew better than to ask him too many questions.

"An official meeting between the two of us should be imminent. Probably during my arrival at Moonhaven at the next full moon. But before that..." Kyren leaned in, smiling sheepishly at Farrell. "I need you to keep an eye on him."

Farrell bowed slightly. "As you wish, sir. What’s his name?"

Kyren leaned back, staring at the ceiling and the red night sky shown through the glass dome placed above the throne room.

"Elian Ashford."

Farrell nodded with understanding but Kyren wasn’t done yet.

"He’s mated to the Alpha Prince of Lunaria as well as the Beta. Get intel on those two as well."

Farrell’s eyes widened with surprise. "T–Two other mates, my Lord?"

Kyren furrowed his eyebrows, staring at him. "Yes? What’s the matter?"

Farrell shook his head abruptly. "Oh, nothing, my lord. It’s just... If I had to share my mate with two other men I don’t think I’ll be able to contain myself from... You know."

He raised his index finger, making a cutting motion on his throat.

Kyren couldn’t help but let out a laugh, shaking his head. "That would be most foolish of me, Farrell. We’re talking about two of Lunaria’s most influential men. I desire peace with the empire. Not war."

Farrell persisted. "Even after they keep banishing wolves who end up becoming rogues here?"

Kyren scoffed, unbothered. "That just means more people for my kingdom. Besides, the empire doesn’t just banish wolves without a reason. For example, my father was a thief in the Lunarian military."

It’s taken decades for him to build his reputation as Rogue king of the dark lands. Decades painted in the blood of those who dared defy his desire.

Before him, the desolate land had no ruler.

"Enough of this, Farrell." Kyren finally waved dismissively. "Just do as I said."

Farrell bowed deeper. "Yes, my Lord."

He turned to leave, but Kyren’s voice stopped him mid‑step.

"Oh, and Farrell..."

The commander glanced over his shoulder.

Kyren’s gaze had drifted back to the ceiling, though his fingers now tapped idly against the armrest — each beat like the countdown of a clock. "Make sure he doesn’t get... too attached to them before I arrive."

That might seem like an impossible task, but Farrell had his ways. That’s why he was entrusting him with this mission.

But still, his commander hesitated. "And if he does?"

Kyren’s lips curved in a slow, dangerous smile. "Then I’ll simply have to remind him who he belongs to."

The air between them seemed to thicken, the red glow returning to Kyren’s eyes.

Farrell shivered slightly with fear but he nodded, giving him a bow. "Very well, my Lord. I’ll carry out this Mission to the best of my abilities."

With that, the commander left, closing the throne room doors quietly behind him.

As for Kyren, with a flick of his wrist, the red orb shimmered back into existence and Elian’s image appeared again.

Only this time, he wasn’t flushed in pleasure. He was standing by a window, unaware of the watchful gaze upon him. The faintest shadow loomed behind him... too close.

Kyren’s smile sharpened.

"Oh... this will be sooner than I thought."