The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 189: Chapter 189

: Lucas
I contacted Prince Raphe and he agreed to meet as at our suite. I was anxious about the meeting but not as anxious as I had thought. Truth be told, the letter from Sutton’s mother had been a bit anticlimactic. At least for me. I could tell it gave Sutton some peace of mind and it certainly answered some of the most important questions for her. However, for me, it just confirmed what I had already figured out.
I was concerned about the part where Sutton would finish what her mother had started, however, that didn’t seem like something that was needed. It’s not like the country was in any kind of turmoil. So, if anything, this whole thing provided some relief. At least, it would as long as Prince Raphe didn’t push for something that Sutton or I weren’t willing to give.
Soloman arrived with Prince Raphe later that evening.
“It’s good to see you in a more comfortable setting, Sutton,” Prince Raphe commented as we settled in the sitting area.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Sutton replied.
“Please, call me Raphe,” he replied. “We’re family, after all.”
Sutton gave him a tight smile. “I’m not sure I’m quite comfortable with that just yet, Your Highness.”
“I take hope in the term ‘yet’ being added to that statement,” the prince said. “Does that mean you have made a decision regarding our relationship?”
Sutton’s hands fidgeted. I squeezed her knee in support.
“I am open to getting to know the family,” she informed him. “I believe that’s what my mother would want.”
“This is wonderful news, Sutton,” Raphe stated. “We can arrange to have you move to the guest house near the palace tomorrow. And we’ll have to set up a meeting with my….”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Sutton interrupted. “I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves. I want to get to know you, and the king, but… I’m not staying here. I have a life with the Ironpaw Pack… with Lucas. And I have responsibilities back home. We’ve been away long enough.”
“I see,” Raphe replied, his attitude shifting. “Yes, of course. How crass of me.”
“You are always welcome in our territory, Prince Raphe,” I told him. “In fact, we are extending a personal invitation to Sutton’s Luna Ceremony. You and His Majesty both, of course.”
“And I don’t mind coming to visit,” Sutton added. “It’s not that long of a flight. But my place is with Lucas.”
“And our pack,” I added.
“I respect that,” Raphe replied with a smile. “You are right to insist. The responsibility to your people comes above all else. I should know that better than anyone.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” I told him.
“In fact, this may be a better way to approach the situation,” he said. “I have not yet told my father of your existence. Thankfully, he stays rather isolated these days, so the risk of him overhearing something is low. I can ease into the news.”
“Why is the king so isolated?” Sutton asked. “If you don’t mind me inquiring.”
Raphe gave her a gentle smile. “My father has struggled with the loss of my mother. Then my sister’s death seemed to be too much for him. They were very close. Since then, he doesn’t do well with social interactions. He is still in control, he simply rules from the privacy of his quarters in the palace.”
Sutton’s brow furrowed. “I would think it could be difficult to rule effectively when you don’t get to know the people you’re serving?” Sutton winced. “Forgive me. That was disrespectful.”
Soloman chuckled. “No, it was honest, Luna,” he said. “It’s a conversation more than one of his advisors has had with him.”
“He has tried to be more visible on occasion,” Prince Raphe defended. “He has ways of keeping in touch with what things and I, of course, take my responsibilities seriously as well. More so ever since my sister’s disappearance.”
“I wasn’t trying to imply that the country was not being run properly,” Sutton reassured him. “I think it’s a sad existence… to be locked away from everyone.”
Prince Raphe eyed her knowingly.
“Yes, I suppose that’s something you can relate to,” the prince said sympathetically.
“The difference is, she didn’t choose that for herself,” I stated. “Unlike our king.”
“Indeed,” Prince Raphe replied. “Which is why it doesn’t surprise me that you would think that our rule is somewhat lacking, my dear niece. I want to personally apologize for what you went through. Had we been more directly involved with our pack leaders, we may have discovered your plight sooner.”
“I don’t hold you or your father responsible for what Mason did to me,” she stated.
“However, it would be an appreciated act of good faith if you chose to look further into the issue,” I added. “Alpha Anders has presented himself as an unknowing participant in what happened to your niece…”
“Lucas…”
“Are you saying his involvement was understated?” the prince pressed.
“It was,” I said. “He was aware of what was going on within his Beta’s home.”
“I see,” Raphe said. He looked at Sutton for a few moments before he stood. “I will certainly take this information into consideration. For tonight, I will bid farewell to you both. Sutton, I look forward to speaking with you again soon. Please, keep me updated on your healing progress.”
We stood as well to walk him out. Rhonen started to get antsy in the back of my mind. It was a validation to the strange feeling I got from the look Raphe had given Sutton. It was likely his sense of protectiveness for his family causing my unease. Seeing as he has just found out someone had contributed to the pain and suffering of one of his own. Still, I couldn’t help but feel there was something else to it. And the feeling seemed to grow quickly.
I didn’t trust this man.