Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

hapter 31 SAGE

"What is it then, kitten?" he asked once again, his voice smooth and coaxing.

My mouth fell open as I stared into his piercing azure eyes. Besides his long silver hair, he looked exactly the same as Lord Titus. No, he is Lord Titus!

I couldn't bring myself to speak. I was too stunned to say anything. How did this happen? Did he know who I was when I approached him at the bar? Did he plan everything all along?

Now, it all makes sense. Whenever I was so worried about getting caught, he always stayed calm, as if he knew it wouldn't happen. And the first night I arrived, the king didn't visit me that night because I told him so.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. All those times he reassured me, the confidence in his voice-it wasn't just bravado. He knew. He always knew.

"His Majesty is asking you. Answer at once!" Annika urged me, her voice sharp and insistent.

I shot her a sharp look, my frustration and anxiety boiling over. But I knew I had to face His Majesty. I clenched my jaw, took a deep breath, and summoned all the courage I could muster.

"No, I did not sleep with any other man aside from you, Your Majesty," I answered bravely, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

A profound silence fell over the grand hall. Every eye was on me, and every breath was held in anticipation. The weight of the moment was almost unbearable, and the air was thick with tension. The court members, nobles, and guards all watched, waiting for the revelation that could change everything

It didn't take long before the murmurs in the background grew louder. The court was buzzing with surprise and confusion; the outcome was not what they had expected.

"Why isn't she writhing in pain? Does that mean she's telling the truth?" asked a man, a prominent member of the council, his voice cutting through the murmurs.

Heads turned in his direction, nodding in agreement, their faces reflecting a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. "The truth serum was known for its infallibility, and the fact that I showed no signs of distress indicated that my words were indeed true.

"I have seen this potion in action many times," another council member said, his tone laced with disbelief. "It never fails to expose a lie. If she is unharmed, then she must be telling the truth."

A wave of whispers swept through the room, the council members and courtiers exchanging glances filled with renewed speculation. The queen's expression remained stern, but distaste was evident in her eyes.

His Majesty raised a hand to silence the room, his authority reasserting itself over the gathering "Enough," he commanded. his voice resonating with power. "Lady Sage has spoken the truth, and the potion has confirmed it. I think all your questions have been answered." "No, no, this can't be! There must be something wrong with the potion. She needs to take another bottle," Annika insisted. You there, go get me another bottle!" she ordered.

"Are you aware that drinking the truth potion twice within twenty-four hours can be fatal?" Lord Titus said, but it doesn't sound like much of a question rather than a statement.

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"So what? She's going to die anyway for what she did, Annika insisted, her voice dripping with defiance and disdain.

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"Even the rats in this palace know the line they shouldn't cross His Majesty responded, his tone laced with a menacing edge. His words hung in the air like a threat. "As for you, it seems like you have a death wish"

Annika's face blanched, her bravado wavering under the king's piercing gaze. The tension in the room ratcheted up, and the silence was thick and oppresSIVE.

"Your Majesty, please let me handle this," the queen interjected smoothly, stepping forward. "I believe this is my fault, as I gave her permission to seek the root of this issue."

The king's eyes flicked to the queen, and his expression remained suspicious, as if he wasn't sure about the queen's intention for interrupting

The queen turned her gaze to Annika, her eyes cold and calculating. "Annika, your actions have caused unnecessary strife in the court. While your intent to seek the truth is commendable, your methods have been reckless and disrespectful"

Annika's defiance crumbled under the queen's scrutiny. She bowed her head, her earlier bravado replaced by a sullen

silence.

"From now on, you will conduct yourself with the dignity and restraint expected of your position," the queen continued, her tone firm and unyielding. "If you step out of line again, the consequences will be severe."

The queen's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the precarious nature of court politics. Annika nodded, her posture stiff with humiliation and resentment.

"Your Majesty, I humbly apologize for my actions, Annika said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will accept whatever punishment you deem necessary."

The king nodded, his expression stern but no longer hostile. "I will leave you under the queen's mercy. Do to her whatever you see fits, His Majesty said before gently helping me to stand on my feet.

Annika bowed deeply, a show of submission that did little to hide the anger simmering beneath the surface. She turned and/ left the throne room, escorted by guards, her footsteps echoing in the hushed silence.

The queen turned back to the king, her expression softening. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her voice gentle.

His Majesty didn't answer as we made our way out of the grand hall. All their eyes were on us as they watched us leave the premises. Even though I'm already relieved that I'm finally out of death row, my mind is still in a daze, as I still can't believe that the man I spent the night with was none other than His Majesty, the King,