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Chapter 7

XAVIER~~~~

"Something feels fishy," was the first thought that came to my mind when I saw Roseline's actions as we got closer to the alleged throne room. I knew her cough was fake, and I could sense panic in her voice as we approached it.

Even though she assured me that there was nothing fishy going on, I decided to prepare for the possibility of an ambush. No enemy gives you a heads-up in the first place and I wasn't about to trust my enemy.

I channelled my wolf's energy through my body, getting ready to transform at any point. The itch in my eyes informed me that the colour of my eyes had changed in response to my wolf's energy and I could also feel my body become stronger and lighter. This would at least buy me some time to transform.

"I am here to see the Alpha," I said as I walked over to the guards who immediately bared their fangs at me and the colour of their eyes also changed.

"Why do you want to see the king with such obvious murderous intent?" the guard on the left asked.

"I was led here by the Alpha's daughter," I replied. "My name is Xavier Russell. The heir of the northern Moon Pack."

"You north bastards," the guard on the right hissed as he looked up at me. I towered over them both easily as they were even shorter than Roseline. His fingers transformed into claws as he got ready to complete his transformation.

"I wouldn't advise that," I said, glaring at him with the same red eyes my father has. "You wouldn't survive it if you attack me and your whole kingdom would be next. I am not here to attack you. I only want to see your king as he had invited me here."

"How dare you threaten our kingdom?!" the same guard yelled, drawing unwanted attention. "I'll slit your throat right where you stand!"

I sighed as it was becoming tiring for me. "Did he not hear me when I said I wasn't here to hurt anyone?" I thought.

I was tired of taking his bullshit anyway. If he wanted a fight then I will give it to him. We are a race that takes pride in our strength anyway.

"Why don't you try?" I smirked.

"You heard him!" he yelled to his colleague on the left. "He threatened us, our king and our kingdom." He then turned to look at me. "By the laws of this kingdom, I shall execute you right where you stand!"

I see what he's doing. He's obviously one of those fanatics who believe the war should continue, and he is looking for a reason to kill me without getting punished for it. That's why he's twisting my words, and yelling for attention.

"I would advise again that you do not attack me," I warned. "I will kill you."

"Stop it," a calm but deep voice said from behind the guards and immediately I could feel the pressure of a really powerful wolf envelope the area. I could say my dad was more powerful but it's only by a small margin. I never knew I could meet a wolf this powerful in the North.

The guards immediately fell on the floor, squirming for breath while I was forced to my knees. His authority wasn't exactly effective on me because he isn't my Alpha, but the sheer force of his power was enough to force me down to my knees.

I looked up to find him staring at me with red eyes. His eye colour soon reverted to blue and the pressure vanished.

"You've caused quite the ruckus on your arrival, Xavier," he smiled. "I'm sorry for the disrespect."

He stared at both guards for a few seconds before letting out a sigh and looking over to the guards at his side. "Take these two to the dungeons and leave them there for a month."

"I greet the Alpha and king of the Southern kingdom," I vowed slightly, still on my knees.

"Stand up," he laughed. "There's no need for that."

He turned around and walked into the throne room. "Come with me."

I stood up and did as I was told as I followed him inside, and the doors were locked behind us. It was just the two of us in the throne room along with the guards who manned the door.

"Again, I apologise for the rude welcome," he said as he turned to look at me. "Oh, you're pretty tall. You're at least seven feet, right?"

"Yes, sir," I nodded as I looked around. "Exactly seven feet."

"Wow," he smiled. "That's impressive. You're a literal giant compared to my short daughter."

"I don't think she's short though," I said. "She's pretty tall for a female."

"A gentleman, I see," he laughed. "Making sure to compliment the lady first."

"I'm just saying the truth though," I thought. "Six feet is not in any way short."

He gestured for me to take a seat as he climbed on his throne. "How is your father?"

"He's in perfect health," I replied. "And he sends his greetings."

"Of course," he nodded. "I'll be sure to confirm your arrival and safety with him later."

"I'll appreciate it," I replied.

"Now, let's talk as men," he said leaning forward. "What do you think about this alliance?"

"It doesn't matter what I think, sir," I replied. "As long as it is for peace, I would do anything."

"But, you wish peace could be achieved in a different way where you didn't have to get married to a girl you don't know, don't you?"

"Naturally, I do," I nodded. "I haven't thought about marriage even once until now, so the news of my marriage is a little sudden."

"I understand," he smiled. "Sincerely, I pity both you and my daughter. You both would have to be the sacrifices we make for unity."

"Why do you have to make sacrifices though?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity. He also seems easier to talk to than my dad. "You could both announce a cease-fire and finally an alliance. I don't think anyone loves war."

"That's where you are wrong, son," he said. "Is it okay if I call you that?"

"I don't mind it," I shrugged.

"Okay then," he smiled. "Not everyone hates war. War is a double-edged sword. Yes, it breeds violence, death and suffering, but it also gives the ecstasy of victory and motivation from defeat. Finally, it creates a cycle of revenge. That is what war is. The more you fight, the more numb you become to death, but it fuels your desire for victory and revenge."

He paused for a few seconds like my father does before resuming.

"Imagine if you lost your father, mother or siblings in the war between both sides," he said. "Would you rest until you at least make us feel as much pain as you felt? The answer is no. When you finally make us feel pain, it wouldn't be enough because you believe your pain is immeasurable so you would aim to make us feel more. The South, on the other hand, would aim to make you feel the same pain you've caused us, and the cycle continues. You start looking forward to war before you even realize it. Fighting and killing becomes a medium of release for you and you would aim to feel it even more. That's the true face of war."

"So, this means you can't just announce an alliance or cease-fire because the people of both sides would not accept it," I said.

"Exactly," he said. "My guards knew you'd be coming but they still tried to attack you, didn't they? The ecstasy of war would make even loyal guards disobey their Alpha if they see a chance to inflict pain. It weaves a circle of distrust between both sides, which was why you were ready for a fight before even finding out if you were under threat. It affects everyone."

"What makes you think that our marriage would change anything then?" I asked. "They could easily not accept the marriage. "What do we do then?"

"The marriage is a means to an end," he smiled. "This marriage is aimed more at the future generations than the present. With your marriage, children with the blood of both kingdoms would be produced and we could create a sort of kinship and a deterrent when you become Alpha. My kingdom wouldn't attack your pack, knowing that their future queen resides there, and your pack wouldn't attack my kingdom knowing that their future Luna came from there. This would especially work if both sides learn to accept you both. That's what we are hoping for."

"Okay," I said. "I understand now. Thanks a lot for the explanation. I would like to get some rest."

"Of course," he smiled as the door opened and a guy dressed in a T-shirt, leather jacket and pants, all black, walked in. "He would lead you to your residence since you requested to live away from the palace."

"Welcome to the kingdom of the South," the guy bowed slightly. "My name is Asher."

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