Freya's POV
It had been a while since the party, and I was attempting to ease myself from the weight of the news about my infertility.
Kingsley had put in as much effort as I had to ensure that it didn't interfere with our lives. I truly believed that Kingsley's love for me wouldn't waver due to this situation, but it was evident that a subtle shift was occurring between us.
Suddenly, Kingsley had become extremely busy, and on occasion, I would notice fatigue and helplessness on his face. It was clear that he was under immense stress.
"Still no word from that waiter the other day?" I asked Kingsley softly.
Kingsley rubbed his brow and sighed. "Yes, I'm sorry, Freya."
I walked over to him and touched his weary face, saying, "Why are you sorry? It's not your fault."
As I looked at the stressed Kingsley before me, grappling with the challenges our love presented, a twinge of heartache couldn't be avoided.
Regardless of the orchestrator behind the scenes, I had to admit that person had achieved their goal.
They had pitted my love for Kingsley against the entire pack.
If Kingsley insisted on holding onto his position and embracing me as the pack's Luna, he was destined to lose the support of the entire pack. After all, a pack without an Alpha heir is fated to gradually decline until it perishes.
"Kingsley, perhaps we..." I hesitantly began to suggest giving up.
However, Kingsley abruptly and forcefully interrupted me, saying, "No, Freya! I know what you're trying to say, but giving up on you is impossible for me. I made a vow to the moon god that you are my only mate in this life. Trust me, okay? Things haven't reached that point yet, and I'll find a solution."
I looked at Kingsley's eager expression and suddenly found myself at a loss for words.
His words resonated deeply within me, yet paradoxically, they intensified my inner turmoil.
Things had progressed to a point where it became unmistakably evident that the situation extended beyond just the two of us.
On one hand, I yearned to selfishly embrace Kingsley's love, but on the other hand, I hesitated to be so self-centered as to jeopardize the entire pack for my sake.
Moreover, a werewolf drew power from the moon, and the Alpha's strength relied on the support and trust of the pack members at the same time.
Lately, it had become apparent that Kingsley's wolf was growing weaker, though he endeavored desperately to conceal it from me.
Suddenly, a knock echoed on the door.
Jeremy entered. "Alpha Kingsley, the Lycan King wishes to see you and..." Jeremy glanced at me before continuing, "...Ms. Freya."
The Lycan King had always harbored high expectations for Kingsley, and by summoning us abruptly, it was evident he had learned about my infertility.
This meeting was destined to be pivotal.
Kingsley and I exchanged glances.
"Alright," Kingsley replied, waving Jeremy off.
"Freya, you don't have to go if you're scared. I'll explain to the Lycan King on your behalf," Kingsley said gently, concern in his eyes.
Fear? The concept of fear had never been part of my vocabulary.
My mate, Kingsley, was fighting for our love, and I had no reason to cower behind fear.
"Kingsley, I have nothing to fear. Whatever happens, I'll face it with you," I declared firmly as I walked over, gently holding Kingsley's hand.
...
"I'm not sure if that's a good idea," I glanced toward Novia, uncertain.
The prospect of tonight's meeting with the Lycan King left my heart inexplicably uneasy.
Why did they keep compelling me to appear before them?
The last time I attended a dinner party, it was a disaster.
I wasn't afraid to meet anyone, even if that person was the Lycan King. It's just that I was concerned about another plot against me or Kingsley.
Novia smiled and took my hand comfortingly. "It's going to be okay. Stop worrying so much."
"That's what you said last time," I replied. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Our car quickly reached our destination. I lifted my head to look out the window. A tall, white stone building loomed in the distance like a mountain. The gold and marble accents emphasized how powerful the Lycan King was.
I had never met him in person, but I had heard countless stories about him. With his power, he managed to lead us Lycans to unprecedented growth.
Now everything was changing because he had no heir.
The Lycan King must choose the next candidate from among the alphas of the major packs, and Kingsley was the one he had the highest hopes for.
When Novia and I arrived at the entrance to the Great Hall, Kingsley was already there. He greeted us with a smile, and I couldn't help but notice how dashing he looked in his outfit.
As we got closer, Kingsley's gaze turned and swept over me, a dark, lustful look seeming to fill it.
"Kingsley, you look great tonight," I said, teasingly smiling at him.
A giggle fell from his lips as he smiled. "I could say the same about you. Radiant as always, my Luna. Shall we go inside?"
I nodded, taking his arm and following his lead into the hall, holding my head high and not allowing myself to show an ounce of trepidation at this point.
The resounding laughter of those inside echoed through the expansive hall, reverberating off the towering vaulted ceiling as if joy were their sole preoccupation.
The men and women in front of me turned and extended their smiles. I didn't recognize any of these people, and I supposed I should assume they were various other allies.
"Listen, Freya," Kingsley barked softly, leaning closer to me, his breath against my neck. "Don't trust anyone else. Do you understand?"
I nodded, grasping Kingsley's concern. After all, both Kingsley and I were well aware of the exact purpose of tonight's meeting.