CHAPTER 118: THE FATES

Dia stared at me in amazement, but she quickly masked it with her vexation. "I’m not that surprised. There is a history of a choosing ceremony to determine the monarch if there are two male Alphas."

"Choosing ceremony?"

She nodded. "The royal brothers are Alphas; this makes them the candidates for the line of succession. To determine who is worthy, a choosing ceremony was crucial."

"But Drevon is the eldest. Shouldn’t the position have gone to him naturally?"

She shook her head. "No. But the previous monarch broke this sacred tradition and made Drevon Balthar the monarch without it. In his eyes, he was worthy because of the previous monarch’s desire to refine us, knowing that, come the end of the long ravaging war, we’ll have to adjust. Drevon was suitable for that change."

My eyes trembled at her words. I despised Damon for having such a selfish desire, not knowing its origins. Their Father had no idea what he unleashed with that one simple decision.

"Damon felt cast aside because of this... hence why I’m not surprised he’s gawking for the monarch’s position. But the Fates have already decided."

"Fates?"

"They are spiritual Elders of our empire who only arise when such decisions are made that relate to the future of the empire. They acknowledged the previous monarch’s decision to crown Drevon."

Yet, Damon wants to go against that. Does he truly believe he could take the position and somehow convince the Fates and his father that they made a mistake? That could only be the reason why he was so driven.

"Shouldn’t the Fates be present when Damon was named crown prince? Even though everything played out, Damon did gather the support he needed, as I’m told, strength is more valuable here than blood."

"Indeed it is... But the Fates do not always show when they are needed, but when the goddess does. They speak for the goddess and show only for her."

That made sense, the reason why I haven’t seen them. I wonder how things would play out if one day they finally show themselves.

"Dia?"

"Yes?"

"Did the Fates choose Lady Sloane as Drevon’s mate?"

"W-Why would you ask that, you already know the Dowager had everything to do with that."

"I know... but it’s as you said, the Fates intervene for the future of the Empire. Sloane may have been chosen to be his mate, but she’s also meant to be the Queen Consort. Doesn’t that call for the Fates’ involvement?"

Dia sighed in defeat. "I wish you didn’t ask, I didn’t want to hurt your feelings."

"Since when do you care about my feelings?" I asked with delight in my tone, but beneath that, I felt my insides twisting.

"It was never clear if Sloane was chosen by the Fates. As far as I know, they are not involved in making royal matches. But you’re right, though, they should’ve been involved, given that the Queen’s consort position is the future of the empire. The Fates were always unpredictable. You never know."

It still doesn’t change the fact that she was considered destined to be his mate and Queen. I was very much the other woman in the eyes of the empire. Being with Drevon, being cherished by him, has made me forget that.

"Also, you need not worry about the monarch’s image," Dia began as if to cut through the gloomy mood. "In the past weeks, the princess has been busy; she had the time to compress these whispers against him. As you know, the noble houses will say anything to bring him down after he abruptly dismissed them from court."

"Really? What did the princess do?" I asked desperately.

It has burdened me for days that I couldn’t do anything to help, and Dia’s words gave me hope.

"She reminded them why he was their monarch in the first place and how deeply he cares for his human bride." Dia crossed her legs and folded her arms. "They keep forgetting the monarch isn’t just a ruler, but Alpha-General, and a hero of war, all she did was put them in their place and justify his actions."

"Did it work?"

"As usual, the noble houses will sprout their nonsense, especially when an inexperienced princess speaks the words. They overlooked her."

"Yet she faced them," I said, amazed. "Even though her words might not matter, she brought it to the table nonetheless."

Dia cleared her throat. "She was sort of inspired by a certain human who, despite all odds, tried to fight against Lycans even though it was the stupidest thing ever done. Failures just breed more chances for success, you know."

A slow smile formed on my lips. "Sounds like she admires me."

"Hmph! Not a chance."

"You had me convinced."

"I mean it!"

"If you say so," I huffed.

"Your Grace, forgive the disturbance, but I bring news."

I turned to Osha. "What is it?"

"Um... Lady Sloane is here and asks for an audience."

"An audience?"

Just as I thought, she was back at the castle. That sly bitch!

"Her handmaid mentioned she has come to give her official apology as decreed by the monarch."

Apology? That means Drevon did adhere to my wishes. Now, I’m tempted to kiss him silly when I see him.

I looked at Osha. "Tell her I’m busy at the moment and I’ll call for her when I’m ready."

"Yes, your grace." Osha hurried away.

"Is that wise?"

"Undoubtedly...the path to my revenge is getting brighter, and dare I say sweeter?"

The thought of having Sloane come to give an apology made me feel like I was on top of the world. It may have been Drevon’s decree, but she was belittled by a human. Hehe.

"But that is simply crushing her ego, nothing more," Dia reasoned with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Sadly, yes, I do not have the power to crush her completely. I may be a princess now, but Sloane is more powerful. She has the Dowager backing her."

"Tsk!" Dia made a sound of annoyance. "What if I told you there is a way to get your revenge completely?"

I blinked. "And what would that be?"

"Become Queen Consort."