The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 224: Chapter 224

: Sutton
King Osric returned with us to the guest house, his presence casting a subtle formality over the otherwise domestic space as soon as he entered. The staff had already arranged a spread across the long, dark oak table—roast duck with herb glaze, bowls of root vegetables roasted with honey and vinegar, and savory pastries that steamed when split. The king’s jacket was already off, left somewhere behind with the trappings of public office; his rolled sleeves and the unadorned salt of his hair made him look merely paternal.
Prince Raphe and Princess Nomi had opted not to join us for the evening. Deciding to give us time with just the king. He included Lucas more in the conversation while we ate, showing a strong interest in the current events within the Ironpaw Pack.
“Alpha, I was to tell you that I have approved of the work you have done since taking over the pack,” Osric told Lucas. “I don’t know if you realized how much of an upset your challenge was for the rest of the nation. You’re the first lycan to not only challenge his Alpha, but to win, in over a century. You didn’t just challenge your Alpha, you challenged the well-established hierarchy of our people.”
“I’m aware,” Lucas said calmly. “But while the broader impact of my actions was not my intention, I can’t deny that wouldn’t have been a concern if our hierarchy wasn’t flawed.”
King Osric raised an eyebrow. “What government isn’t flawed in some capacity? The question is — is it flawed beyond repair? Does it possess the flexibility to correct itself? To evolve, even if that means survival through discomfort. Did you consider, when you deposed your predecessor, that the entire nation might take it as a sign that the old ways were not as immutable as we pretend?””
Lucas shook his head. “The consequences to the nation weren’t foremost in my mind. I had enough trouble anticipating the consequences for my own household. But if our society is shaken by a single act of succession, perhaps it needed to be shaken.” He set his fork down as he finished his meal, putting his whole focus on the conversation. “As you said, our way of life is well-established. Not only that, it’s a part of who we are. In many ways, it works because it is part of our biology. It is flawed because we are.”
“Spoken with a true Alpha’s candor,” Osric replied, and his gaze darted to me for a second before returning to my mate. “And you believe you have a solution to help with combating those issues?” Oric asked, leaning back in his chair casually.
“I wouldn’t be so bold as to make that claim,” Lucas replied humbly. “My concern has been for my pack. Anything I address beyond our borders is only to ensure our place and position within this country. I understand that one of the reasons my challenge was so worrisome is out of fear that I would push to further advance my position, particularly through force. I have never had any such inclinations.”
“If you’re familiar with his deeds as our pack Alpha, you know his actions support that claim,” I defended.
“Oh, indeed they have,” King Osric assured us, as if confirming an assessment reached earlier. “I don’t mean to imply those concerns are any that I still carry. Quite the contrary, actually.”
I exchanged a look with Lucas. I could feel his own confusion and curiosity through our connection.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Osric straightened, resting his hands on the table as he laced his fingers together. “It has been wonderful getting to know you today, my dear sweet girl. I hope that it is just the beginning of that process. If it were up to me, you’d have a permanent home here today. But I know the choice is yours on how much you want to be a part of our lives — a part of our family. Again, my hope is that you spend a lot more time here going forward. If that is the case… should you choose to accept us as your family, that would make Lucas our family as well. That comes with a lot of expectations.”
“You’re worried that may make it look like I’m accomplishing exactly what everyone feared I would,” Lucas commented.
Osric sat back with a shrug. “I couldn't care less if some see it that way,” he said. “Who has held a seat of power without being accused of overreaching at one point or another?” He waved the subject off. “No, that’s not where my thoughts are.”
“So… where are they?”
The king’s gaze moved to me, and I felt the warmth of it, but also the weight. “How are you adjusting to all this? The suddenness of it, the scrutiny?”
I looked at my plate, unsure how honest to be. “I’m still learning how to fit into all this,” I admitted. “Some days, I wonder if I ever will. But I’m trying.” I glanced at Lucas, who gave a subtle, reassuring squeeze to my hand underneath the table. “I don’t want to be the sort of Luna who hides in the background, or who lets others decide what’s best for her pack. But I also never wanted to cause a political earthquake.”
Osric’s laughter was unguarded, but not unkind. “You remind me so much of your mother. She hated the politics, but was drawn to service anyway. I see a lot of her in you. And that is why I understand why you two were fated for each other.”
I felt my face flush at the compliment. I glanced at Lucas, and we shared a soft, supportive smile. It felt good for him to approve of our pairing.
“I understand that you are still learning how to navigate your role as the Luna of a pack, Sutton. I would never dream of throwing any more than you are already dealing with at you. But you Lucas… You have no such limitations. You show real promise in doing more for this country, not just your pack. Should you both accept to have a close relationship with me, I hope you will consider working with me as well.”
Lucas shifted in his chair. “How were you thinking I would do that?”
“For starters, by taking a seat on the Royal Council.”