The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 225: Chapter 225

: Lucas
I was surprised at what I was hearing. The offer wasn’t entirely unexpected. However, the promptness was. I thought it would be a long time, well after Sutton was established, before this was presented. If at all. I still wasn’t convinced our relationship would be accepted because of my past and the perceived threat I posed.
“Alphas don’t hold official seats on the Council,” I stated. “I have no interest in leaving my pack.”
“This would be a special appointment,” King Osric clarified. “You would still hold the role of Alpha of the Ironpaw Pack. But, as a member of the royal family, you would be expected to have a more formal role within the central government. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” The king removed his napkin from his lap and dropped it on the table. “These are simply things to think about for the future. For tonight, it’s late and I should let you both rest.”
The king pushed his chair out and stood. We did the same in respect. He came around the table and wrapped Sutton in another embrace. Kissing her forehead before telling her goodnight. Turning to me, he extended a hand. I shook it firmly, looking him in the eye as an equal.
‘Speak with me,’ King Osric’s voice sounded in my head. ‘Alone.’
I wasn’t sure how I felt about excluding Sutton in anything this man had to say, but the look in his eyes was insistent. I couldn’t refuse. I had to trust he had his reasons. I would judge whether they were adequate or not after.
“Sutton, why don’t you get ready for bed,” I suggested. “I’ll walk His Majesty out.”
Sutton nodded with a gentle smile, one that reached her eyes. Which was something that hadn’t happened often around the royal family before today. She pushed up on her toes and kissed my cheek before heading down the hall to the master bedroom. Once she had shut the door, I ushered the king to lead the way.
“I apologize if I have put you in an uncomfortable position by excluding Sutton in this conversation,” King Osric stated. “It doesn’t sit right with me either, but I feel it may be in our best interest for now.”
“I trust your judgment, my king,” I replied.
“That is good to hear,” King Osric replied. “I would have a hard time being offended if you didn’t. I understand that I have not been as present among my people as king should be these past years.”
“Is that something you are looking to change?” I asked cautiously.
King Osric exhaled slowly. “Perhaps,” he said. “But that isn’t what I wish to discuss. There are other matters of concern I want to address. Sutton’s most recent past, in particular.”
I stopped walking.
“Which recent past are you referring to?” I questioned.
“I was kept informed about the progress of the summit,” he began. “I’m aware that there has been some conflict with the Dawn Stalkers, however, I’m worried I wasn’t given the full extent of the matter. When my son told me about Sutton today, he avoided making the connection to the issues addressed at the summit.”
“I’m not sure how he could manage that,” I commented.
“Indeed,” King Osric said. “He wasn’t very forthcoming when I pushed further regarding her time with the Dawn Stalkers. It’s obvious she was mistreated.”
I started walking again, keeping my pace slow and steady.
“Yes, she was,” I confirmed. “I would guess that the prince simply didn’t want the details to overshadow the reunion. Given a better opportunity, I’m sure he will provide you with further details on the situation.”
“Perhaps,” he replied speculatively. “But I would be remise if I said it would relieve my concerns if he did. Regardless of who Sutton is, he neglected to tell me the severity of the abuse. That in itself is something I can’t accept. Knowing who Sutton is makes the transgression even more upsetting. But, above all else, what I cannot ignore is his inaction. Alpha Anders should never have been allowed to walk away from that summit. Not without a thorough investigation into his participation and behavior. At the very least, he neglected to notice such an egregious offense being committed so close to him.”
I couldn’t stop the snort that escaped. The king didn’t fail to notice it. He gave me a side-eyed look.
“I believe you have no inclination to believe he didn’t know what was going on either,” he commented.
“Of course he knew,” I replied. “He knew everything. Even who Sutton was.”
“Yes, that is what I suspected,” the king replied. “Which tells me he was using her. Or at least planning to for some purpose. That is why my son’s distance from the situation is concerning. It’s not hard to imagine a multitude of goals Alpha Anders wished to accomplish with a royal heir under his control. Yet Raphe seems unbothered by the possibility. Which is why I’m coming to you.” The king stopped and turned toward me, looking me in the eye. “I want you to investigate into this further.”
I kept my expression blank, hiding my surprise.
“I…”
King Osric raised a hand to cut me off. “I have a feeling this is a task you have already been pursuing yourself. That is partly why I’m making the request. Would I be wrong in my assumption?”
“No, Your Grace,” I replied. “You would not. The conflict between our two packs raised too many concerns of my own. More than I could ignore, even if the Royal Council told me to back off.”
“I’m glad to hear the initiative,” King Osric stated. “I expect a complete update of the situation before the end of your visit. But more importantly, I expect you to keep this investigation strictly between us.”
“What about Sutton?” I pressed.
“For now, I would prefer she not be involved,” he said, a sadness in his tone. “Primarily because I don’t want to risk this information getting back to my son.”