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Chapter 259
~Alpha King Kaid’s POV~
Richard blinked, his normally unreadable face betraying a flicker of surprise. "A celebratory feast? For her?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "It’s time we formally acknowledge her presence here."
"With all due respect, Your Majesty," Richard began cautiously, "I don’t believe that would be wise. Celebrating her specifically might draw unnecessary attention. There are already whispers among the court and the allied packs about her importance."
I waved his concern away. "It doesn’t have to be framed as solely about Zara. We can make it a broader event—an opportunity to honour our guests from the werewolf packs. A little feast between elders and..."
Richard frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair. "You want to use Zara as the focal point while masking it as a diplomatic gesture?"
"Precisely," I said, a small smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "It’s perfect. It will solidify our alliances and also give Zara the recognition she deserves."
"And you think she’ll agree to this?" I knew he’d be sceptical concerning this. "From the little I have known about her, she’s not exactly someone who enjoys being paraded around."
"She doesn’t have to agree." My smirk faded as my voice grew more serious. "This isn’t just for her. It’s for the Lycans, the werewolves, and for me. If we’re to unite our people, this is a necessary step."
Richard studied me carefully, his sharp mind no doubt weighing the pros and cons of my proposal. "Since when did you care about what Siona said?"
Finally, he sighed. "If we’re going to do this, it needs to be handled carefully. Zara has already been through a lot. Pushing her too hard could backfire."
"I know," I agreed, my tone softening slightly. "But I also know Zara. She’s strong. She can handle this."
Richard nodded slowly. "Very well. I’ll begin making the arrangements. Shall I notify the allied packs and nobles?"
"Packs, maybe... fine, yes. If I am to do something, I might as well do it with a bang." I stood and moved to the window.
The sun was setting in the sky, its light casting a lovely hue over the palace grounds. "Make it clear that this is a celebration of unity. A chance for the Lycans and werewolves to come together."
"And what of Snow?" Richard asked, rising from his chair. "He won’t take kindly to this if he feels Zara is being used."
I turned to face him, my expression hardening. "Snow is welcome to voice his concerns. But he doesn’t control what happens in my palace."
Richard’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I’ll see to it that the arrangements are made discreetly."
As he turned to leave, I called out to him. "One more thing, Richard."
He paused, looking back at me expectantly.
"Make sure Zara has the finest attire for the occasion." As I said that, a hint of warmth crept into my voice. "She deserves to be honoured properly."
Richard’s expression softened slightly, and he gave a small nod. "Of course, Your Majesty."
As the door closed behind him, I returned to my chair, picking up the glass of whisky once more.
"Well, cheers to making trouble with Snow."
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~Snow’s POV~
When Zara returned, she seemed more peaceful. Though I knew it was forced. Whatever happened between her and Delia was anything but peaceful.
"Our mate is strong," Glacier noted.
"Yes, very." Just then my thoughts were interrupted by a call. Taking my phone out of my pocket, I checked the caller to see my mum’s name on it.
Standing from the bed, I connected the call. When I answered, her tone was sharp and concerned.
"Snow, have you seen Zara? The pageant’s final event is about to begin, and nobody has been able to contact Zara since she left the pack yesterday.
My heart stuttered, guilt lacing through me. Of course, Zara would have forgotten about the pageant after everything that had happened, and I hadn’t thought to remind her.
"She’s... not available right now," I began cautiously, unsure how much to reveal.
"Not available?" Luna Star’s voice hardened. "Snow, what’s going on? Where is she? You know how important this is and Zara’s not available?"
I hesitated, my gaze flicking to Zara, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me intently. She raised an eyebrow at my hesitation, clearly curious.
"She’s recuperating," I said finally, choosing my words carefully. "We’re in the Lycan Kingdom."
There was a beat of silence on the line before my mother’s voice dropped to a worried whisper. "What do you mean, recuperating? What happened?"
I clenched my jaw. There was no easy way to explain this. "She was kidnapped, Mother. By Ivan and his accomplice, Melvin Devereaux."
"Devereaux? The guy you killed?"
"Yes, his twin brother is out for revenge. But she’s safe now. We managed to get her back."
"What?" Her sharp intake of breath was audible. "Kidnapped? By Ivan? That snake! Snow, why didn’t you tell me this immediately?"
"It all happened fast," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "There wasn’t time. Zara was shaken, and we had to act quickly. She’s fine now—resting."
"And you?" she pressed, her voice softening with concern. "Are you alright?"
"I am fine. Zade and I had a few bumps but we are better now."
I heard her sigh heavily into the phone. And then she spoke again. "You mentioned you were in the Lycan territory; did they kidnap Zara there?"
"No. Kaid came to her rescue as well."
"How did he know?" I was about to answer when I realised that not even I had an answer. How did he know?
My first guess was he was stalking her. The second was Siona. But since none were confirmed, I just brushed it off.
"I have no idea for now. But he was there and we used his chopper to take Zara to safety."
"Okay. You didn’t let your temper get the best of you, did you?"
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