Zedkiel
I look down at her, but I don't react. As much as I want to know what she's done with Evangeline, I refuse to entertain her. Reacting as I normally would will only harm Evangeline.
"You like me better, don't you?" she whispers, running her hand up my arm.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," I say calmly as she squeezes my biceps.
It was taking a lot for me to not lose my cool and demand for her to bring Evangeline back, because I knew she wouldn't and it would only make matters worse, and the last thing I need is for her to react in front of everyone.
"So, you are saying that Prince Zedkiel is the rightful king simply because he's a hybrid? Forgive me, Your Majesty, but you could have simply bedded a vampire woman for this child. It's not enough," Darvin sneers.
He's a fucking asshole of an alpha. Each word that leaves his mouth angers me more and more.
I clench my jaw, and I realise that there is not enough proof to make them believe that anything Dad said refers to me. However, even if it hasn't convinced them, it has opened my eyes to far more.
"His Lycan is the original one. He is Zerachiel! The Oracle herself confirmed this!" Dad states, his eyes flashing.
"Convenient that she is no longer around to attest to that," Ragnar remarks lazily.
"And Zed has never mentioned his Lycan's name," Draven remarks, watching me with keen interest. "I'm certain his Lycan doesn't even talk to him, or maybe I'm just assuming."
I frown. This is dragging out for far too long, and with Evangeline in this form, I want to get out of here as soon as possible. "There isn't any need for all of this. The Chamber of Truth never classed me as the rightful… king…"
Frowning, I trail off as I remember the entity from the Chamber.
His appearance… His words…
"What?! Have you not got anything else to say?" Sinclair sneers.
My eyes flash as I glare at him coldly. "You have already numbered your days," I snarl. "I meant that the Chamber never revealed me as king. It didn't show any of us as the next king! So, it comes down to this tournament. These tests are made to filter out the incapable from the capable, correct? Then tell me, do you not have faith in the tests you have set? I'll participate… and not all of these tests are physical. Let's see who has the mind and the ability to become a true leader," I reply, prodding the side of my head.
"It's not all about the strength, two rounds, and it's made you all insecure?! If a few scared members of the fucking Court and a useless Alpha pup can rattle the very foundations of this tournament, of this alliance and trust between the six packs, then that is what we should be afraid of! We have a war coming, and everyone is far too fucking busy with this damn tournament! Someone tried to kill my woman! Someone fucking managed to kill the Oracle! And we are here! Arguing over something that was meant to be the solution to select the finest king, but instead, it's become a means of entertainment! When the enemy is at our door!" My voice rings through the training grounds as I lower my hand, shaking my head.
I dislike my frustration at the fucking reality of our lives showing through, but we have a problem, and these fools are more focused on the fucking crown.
"Exclude me from this Goddess-forsaken tournament if you so wish, but rest assured, I will demand an army when the time comes to face our enemy. You all can carry on fighting for a title!"
My voice rings out, and it's followed by silence.
"Spoken like a true king," Dad murmurs ever so quietly that I almost don't hear.
"So admirable," she whispers, and I look at her. She may appear to be my woman, but it's so clear it isn't her.
It sickens me that I let this woman go down on me. I had been so consumed with her beauty, thinking it was Evangeline. But the fact is that they are worlds apart, and the one beside me is one that I don't want anywhere near me.
"An enemy that is of your blood, Prince Zedkiel," Franco says calmly, but there's a challenge in his eyes.
"One I've never met, but if you think just because I'm part-vampire that it makes me the enemy, then think what you want. But remember, even our own can betray us, correct?" I ask venomously.
His jaw clenches, and I know he understands. How many times have we had traitors from our own packs?
"Then what of all the women that you have killed and that have been hushed up?" Alcazer asks. His rage is something that I can't understand. How much hatred does he have bottled up towards me?
Enough to show so passionately, it seems.