Chapter 4 : Resolution and Defense
Silas
Voices echoed in the cavernous hall, the vaulted ceiling causing them to carry far and wide to reach my ears as I stood guard by the door. Though my body was still, my mind whirled with their words, their conversation forming images in my thoughts.
Alpha King Declan sat at the head of the Council table, lazily casting his gaze about the rest of the Alphas of the Eastern Territory.
“I don’t think that would be advisable, Your Majesty," one of the Alphas argued. "That pack has already given as much tribute as they can. Any more, and we run the risk of them starving when winter comes!”
“Then how else do you expect us to feed all the extra field workers?" another Alpha questioned. "You’re the one who wanted more wheat production. Well, more production means more workers, and more workers means more food. Not to mention the extra buildings that must be built to house them!”
The conversation had grown steadily boring over the past several hours, and I could see it on my King’s face as he planted his chin on a hand. His duties as Alpha King ranged across all of the Eastern Territories, and this week had brought many ‘concerns’ from the other Alphas.
There was a slight drought, and food production was low. To compensate, King Declan requested more hands tend to the fields, bringing in water from a local river by diverting part of the river’s path.
And this frustrated the other Alphas, who relied on the river for transportation and such. But of course, all the extra hands required more food, which could only be brought in from other territories. This was the topic of conversation throughout the duration of the entire meeting, and one that I was growing increasingly tired of the longer it dragged on.
To me, at least, the answer was obvious—reduce the crew and increase their hours. Fewer people required less food, but they would work at the rate of two. However, I knew I couldn’t possibly offer my suggestion. No one would ever take an Omega’s word into consideration.
Instead, my duty here was simply to guard my King, and I did so exceptionally well. In everything I did, I ensured my complete effort, and that included my responsibilities as the Alpha King’s bodyguard.
With me standing watch over him, no one dared touch him or so much as look at him the wrong way.
He, on more than one occasion, would take the time to ask my thoughts and my opinions. We had trained together as youths and had known each other for several years after his father had taken me in.
The years before then were difficult, to say the least. I owed Declan and his father my life, which I was happy to give should the need arise. They were there for me when I needed it the most and I would be there for them—and not just because they were my Kings.
However, at that moment, he found himself ensnared in the harsh condemnation of his fellow Alphas. To them, I was nothing more than an Omega, born to a rebellious woman out of wedlock. They failed to recognize the hardships I endured to achieve my current status.
He knew even if he did ask for my opinion, they would never agree to it so long as they knew it was I who gave it.
“Enough of this!” Declan declared, growling at the Council members. The men fell silent immediately, with some even startled by the suddenness and intensity of his voice.
King Declan was a formidable ruler who commanded respect, and even is Beta, Rickon, stared at him with fondness in his eyes for the pup he had witnessed become a man.
“It seems like we're at a standstill in this conversation. Both sides are asking for conflicting things, but we need to remember that we're all adults here. It's impossible for me to grant every single request as much as I wish I could. I've already given my opinion on the matter, so let's not dwell on it any longer. Let's move on to a new topic before the day is over.”
“Very well, as you wish, King Declan,” remarked Bernard, a respected member of the Council. "I would like to bring up the topic of marriage. Being a mature ruler, it is imperative that you secure an heir for your throne. Have you considered any potential candidates for a bride?"
At this, Declan stiffened in his seat, his jaw working against itself as his anger welled. I observed his inner strength as he struggled to control his frusturation, even though it was building up inside him.
He took in a steadying breath, laying his hands flat against the table to prevent himself from digging into the soft wood with his claws.
“Regarding this topic, Alpha Bernard, I must confess that I haven't devoted much attention to it. My focus has been on the affairs of the Eastern Territories, and there are numerous pressing matters that demand my attention before the start of the new season. Therefore, finding a wife is not a priority for me at this time.”
“Ah, yes, my King,” Bernard said with enthusiasm. “I greatly admire your firm hand in leading our peoples, but if you are to secure your position as Alpha King, you know you must marry soon. Otherwise, I fear your lineage will be at great risk.”
I watched as Declan centered himself once more. I could only imagine the weight of the crown, and Bernard wasn’t out of place to voice his concern. Judging by the look on Declan’s face, he knew it too. However, from my time with the Alpha King, if I’d learned anything, it was that he hated being pressed on the topic of marriage.
“Thank you for your concern, Alpha Bernard. I will give great consideration to it,” Declan replied.
Alpha Bernard nodded and then continued. “Thank you, Your Majesty. If I may, and if you would be willing, my own daughter Beatrice is available and still has her maidenhood. I’m sure I could organize a meeting within a fortnight.”
Declan nodded, but I could see his teeth gritting. He then looked around the table, staring at the empty chalices that had yet to be filled.
“Before we proceed,” he began. “I just realized I haven’t offered any refreshments, and given the topics we have yet to discuss, I imagine that a drink is in order.” The Alphas muttered agreements and Declan’s eyes soon fell onto mine. “Silas?”
Stepping away from my post, I walked to His Majesty’s side and bowed. “My King?”
“Will you fetch an aid to bring us some wine? Tell them to bring something from my personal collection. I want only the best for our guests.”
“Of course, my King,” I answered, bowing once more before turning on my heels.
But before I could walk much further, the doors leading away from the Council’s Chambers burst open, and Aaron, my second in command in the Kingsguard, strode through, face beet red.
He knelt before the table of Alphas with the grace granted to a man of his status and talent.
“My Lords, Ladies, and my King,” he said to the group at the table. “I am sorry to interrupt you, but I bring grave news from the Northern Territories.”
Murmurs spread around the room as I walked toward Aaron’s side.
“Stand,” I commanded him. “What news is it? Why didn’t you come to me before interfering with a Council meeting?”
He looked first to the King and then to me. “There is a woman claiming to be from the Northern Territories. She states that the whole of the North was invaded by none other than Alpha King Lukas Redborn of the Southern Territories.”
Silence. There was nothing but the sound of my own heart pumping blood through my veins.
“Is this true?” the King finally asked, standing at the table.
“I’m afraid it is, Your Majesty. Both the Western and Northern Territories have been laid waste by the Southern armies. This woman is the sole survivor.”
“Who is she? What is her name?” Bernard asked.
Aaron shook his head. “She has yet to give a name, sir. She demands to see the King first.”
“Very well,” Declan told him. “Bring her in.”
Shortly thereafter, a tall woman entered the room dressed in humble peasant's attire. Despite her apprehensive appearance, her determined demeanor was evident.
I could see something special in the woman standing before me. Her face, hands, and bare feet were covered in dirt, and her long black hair was matted and tangled at her waist. However, these external factors could not diminish the unique qualities that shone through from within.
But even so, I recognized her at once. I knew those features. I knew that face for it could only belong to the daughter of the Northern Territories’ Alpha King. This was a family I would not soon forget, as it was they who banished my pregnant mother from her pack simply for having bred with an outsider.
She didn’t look at me as she entered the room. Instead, she angled herself directly at the table of Council members, falling before them in a deep curtsey.
My original assessment of her was correct then. She was indeed a woman born of noble birth. Not even the rags she wore as clothes could hide that truth.
“My apologies for the intrusion,” she said, rising to meet the Council members in the eyes. “My name is Constance Caldwell. I am the daughter of King Turmand and Queen Lila Caldwell of the Northern Territories. It is my most sorrowful duty to relay the news of their deaths in the wake of an intrusion into our territories.
Dear King Declan Wells of the Eastern Territories, I come to you with a humble request for your protection and shelter. My home and people are devastated, and I have nowhere else to turn.
I understand that you already face many challenges, but I assure you that I will not be a hindrance. I simply seek refuge and wanted to warn you of the potential danger that may come your way. Thank you for considering my request.”
The room fell silent as everyone stared at the young woman, unsure if she was an ally or a threat. She looked around nervously, sensing their suspicion. Her hands toiled with the folds of her dress, and I could see her urge to flee. But still, she held her ground, never once looking away from the King.
As King Declan placed his hands on the table, he looked intently at her, clearly taken aback by the unexpected news of the attack on the Western and Northern Territories, just like everyone else in the room.
Despite feeling uneasy, he chose not to act on it. He confidently approached her, his royal robes trailing behind him. She appeared apprehensive when he extended a hand to touch her shoulder, yet she remained still and didn't retreat.
“I empathize with your situation, Constance. You may seek refuge here under my care. You will have your own room and servants at your disposal. However, I would like to speak with you once my meeting is over. A messenger will come for you when the time is right.”
He gestured toward the door and gave me a concerned glance. I nodded to him, understanding my role. I backed away from the woman, her eyes still never finding me, and let one of the guards escort her outside.
Returning to my original position, I watched as the meeting resumed. But my thoughts were no longer centered on the conversation before me. Instead, I was thinking about her.
She had seemed so far away when she entered, clearly still frightened about the events that brought her here. She didn’t even note my presence nor the presence of the other warriors in the room.
Constance Caldwell of the Northern Territories. This woman was someone I would have to keep an eye on.