Peace
King Cole’s POV
The morning sun had barely shot over the horizon when I summoned Elder Raxon to my chambers.
I was in the middle of dressing, the silk of my robe brushing my skin as I pulled it over my shoulders.
The tension that had been building with Prince Greg’s increasingly stupid behavior needed to be addressed, and I trusted Raxon’s counsel more than anyone’s.
When he arrived, I was just finishing fastening the buttons of my robe.
Raxon entered my room with his usual composed attitude. He nodded respectfully as he approached.
“My alpha,” he said as I waved him in.
“Elder Raxon,” I greeted him, my voice firm yet laced with underlying frustration. “Please, come in.”
He bowed slightly and took his place beside me, his keen eyes assessing me with practiced calm. “My Lord, how may I assist you today?”
I glanced at him, my expression that of irritation and concern. “I need to discuss my brother, Greg. His recent actions are becoming increasingly troublesome. He’s starting to get on my nerves.”
Raxon’s eyes flickered with a glimmer of understanding. “I see. What has he done to warrant your concern?”
I sighed and began to pace, the agitation in my steps evident. “He’s been getting on my nerves lately, challenging my authority, and it’s clear he’s using his magic to insult my position. I can’t have that.”
Elder Raxon’s gaze grew thoughtful. “Greg is still only a prince. You are the alpha. His position does not grant him authority over you. If he becomes a significant threat, you have every right to take measures to protect your rule.”
I nodded, feeling a glimmer of reassurance from his words. “Yes, but it’s not just about the threat. It’s about his blatant disregard for boundaries. He uses his magic in ways that defy protocol, and it’s growing out of hand.”
Raxon’s expression hardened slightly, his eyes narrowing with a calculating look. “Then it is very important to take action. Have you addressed the issue of his magic use directly?”
I paused, recalling the recent measures I had taken. “Yes, I’ve already banned him from using magic within the confines of the palace. But he’s adamant to using it, and I’m concerned he may still find ways to get around the ban.”
The elder nodded in approval. “You’ve taken the right first step. Make sure that your ban is enforced strictly. Any use of magic should be reported and dealt with immediately. This will serve as a clear message that his actions have consequences.”
“I’ll do that later. For now, I have to attend this meeting and know what is going on with the elders and what the generals are doing about the little rogue problems we’re having.”
“The rogues seem to be getting you in a hurry to make decisions. You are an alpha now. You should not be in a hurry to do anything.”
“If only it was that simple. I have to live up to my fathers reputation if I have a chance at going past this. I need to know what I’m doing to get past these guys.”
“You worry too much my alpha,” the elder chuckled. “First your brother and now this. You should relax. Sleep with the mistresses. Have a drink. Take a vacation and let the elders handle the pack while you live your best life.”
The knock on my door interrupted our conversation, signaling that it was time for my meeting with the elders. I turned to Raxon with a resolute expression. “We’ll discuss this further after the meeting. For now, let’s focus on the matters at hand with the rest of the elders.”
Raxon inclined his head in agreement. “Of course, my Lord.”
I walked out with the elder as we got to the throne room and entered through the door, greeting the assembly of elders who had gathered for our scheduled meeting. Their faces were filled with expectation as they awaited my arrival.
I led Elder Raxon and myself out into the grand hall where the elders had assembled.
The room was large, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings depicting the history of our people.
The elders, seated in their customary positions around a large, oval table, looked up as we entered.
“Good morning,” I said, my voice carrying a note of authority. “Thank you for your patience.”
The elders nodded in acknowledgment. “Alpha,” one of them said, “we are ready to begin the meeting. There are several important matters to discuss.”
I took my seat at the head of the table, with Elder Raxon beside me.
The elders settled into their places, and the meeting commenced.
Prince Greg’s POV
The cool breeze brushed against my face as I rode my horse through the forest, seeking solitude away from the palace and its suffocating atmosphere.
It was clear I would need to find a better place for peace and doing it at the palace was not possible.
The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves on the path was a soothing balm to my rattling nerves.
I needed a break, a chance to clear my mind without the constant weight of expectations and the looming shadow of my brother’s mistrust.
Whatever his issue was with me, I would attend to it, but now I needed my time away from him.
As I reached a secluded clearing surrounded by dense trees, I dismounted and led my horse to a nearby tree.
It was the perfect spot for reflection.
I took a deep breath, appreciating the tranquility of the forest.
The sunlight filtered through the trees above, casting a special pattern on the ground.
It was a great place for peaceful thoughts.
I settled on the ground and leaned against the tree, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the natural serenity wash over me.
After a while, I decided to indulge in a bit of magic, a small but satisfying distraction.
With a flick of my wrist, I created a ball of fire, watching it move in the palm of my hand.