"That would contradict everything about being an alpha." Elizabeth huffed and took a bite of her food. "Alphas are driven to lead."
"A good alpha knows when to lead and when to let others lead." Mason kept his gaze firmly on the king. "There were times when she was overcome with grief, especially at the age of six, and leading would not have been the best option for her people. The only person who would suggest otherwise might have something up their sleeve."
I hadn't thought of that, but Mason did have a point.
"What are you insinuating?" The king scowled at him.
"He didn't suggest anything." Ella snorted just like the lady she was. "Maybe someone has a guilty conscience."
"Did you invite me here just to insult me?" The king's silver eyes turned to a dark steel.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but you were the ones who began this debate." Well, this wasn't going well, so fuck it. "But it's nice to know that you thought a six-year-old overwhelmed by the sorrow of her parents being murdered, not to mention after someone had tried to kill her, should've been the one to lead her people. It's not like she would've been manipulated by anyone either on this land or abroad."
"That's not fair." Elizabeth huffed.
"What part? Not fair for me to have to go through all that or call you out on your bullshit?" My dad had been great with people and politics. Apparently, that wasn't my forte.
Louis chuckled and took a drink of the wine that had been poured before we had entered. He glanced at me again for a moment too long.
If he keeps looking at you like that, I may be feasting on his neck instead of this steak. Mason growled in my head.
Down, boy. He should know there was no need to be concerned. Don't act jealous. You're better than that.
"And I thought your uncle was bad." The king threw his napkin on the table. "If you're going to keep talking to me like this, then I'll just leave."
"You do realize that you can't just demand respect, right?" Ella lifted her wine glass in his direction. "You must earn it, and as soon as you walked into our home, you demanded to see Elena immediately. Not only that; the first few words out of your mouth were passive-aggressive. In what way do you deserve the respect that you yourself aren't giving?"
It was crazy for me to think back on how I’d tried my best not to allow these two people in my life. I was so damn fortunate that they had pushed through all of my barriers.
"And now, this lady makes a good argument." Louis lifted his glass once again in a salute to Ella. "Maybe we should all start over and play nice."
His father turned his darkened eyes on his son. "Fine. I'm willing if she is."
I wasn't quite sure how this could be turned around, but I'd be damned if he played whatever this game was better than me. "Of course."
The king sat back down and snatched the napkin. "So ... what are your first acts going to be as Queen?"
That was a good question. I wasn't quite sure what they were yet, so I needed to play this coyly. "In the next few days, I will begin traveling to meet the packs and determine their needs." I took a deep breath, going in for the kill before things turned sour once more. "I'll be honest; there were two reasons for me to invite you here."
"Now we're getting somewhere." He grabbed his fork and knife to slice off another piece of his steak. "Which are?"
"One, now that I'm officially the queen, I will begin making my rounds and becoming my people’s true alpha. I would like to ensure that we will be civil and jointly support each other's nations." This was all true. If the king and I could come to some type of allegiance, it would help all of my packs with their needs.
"Okay." He nodded his head and placed the meat in his mouth. He chewed for a moment and swallowed. "Maybe I did underestimate you. After all, your uncle only blackmailed us to cooperate, which has darkened our perception."
Of course, Darren had blackmailed them. I didn't even want to know what threats he had made. "I'm not my uncle and would like for us to have a strong and supportive relationship similar to what you had with my father. Granted it'll take time, but I ask that both your kingdom and mine work together."
"Your father and I grew up together, in a way." The king took a deep breath and addressed me directly. "So, it was easy for us to forge that bond. However, if your intentions are genuine as they appear, I'm in agreement to try."
"I thought ..." Elizabeth's mouth dropped.
"Her uncle is dead. Her aunt and cousin are in prison." The king shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe it wasn't as strategic as we had assumed."
"It was anything but that." My stomach soured, and I couldn't even pretend to be interested in the meal before me. "If it hadn't been for him, my parents would still be alive, and we wouldn't be having this conversation."
"That doesn't surprise me." The king shook his head with a frown. "Your uncle’s justification for taking the role immediately was that your father had rushed to leave that night, and then he claimed all of you were dead within an hour of the departure, which was very suspicious."
"Not to mention the fact that he didn't act even a little upset over the deaths." Elizabeth shook her head and took a large sip of her wine. "I told you it was too much."
"I'm curious about what Queen Elena’s going to ask for." Louis tilted his head at me, a sexy-ass grin spreading across his face.
"One of my packs, one that is dear to me, has a member who is very ill."
What are you doing? Mason's voice was low and maybe even a tad hopeful.
Ella swung her head toward me, her eyes wide.
"I'd be indebted to you if you could send your healer to help her." I hated to become indebted to the king at our first meeting, but I'd heard the whispers of Mason’s call with his father. His mom was getting worse. "From what we've heard here in the States, your healer has access to herbs that can cure most illnesses."
I love you so damn much. Mason's voice was low even in my head. His fingertips brushed the outside of my leg.
When I glanced at him, his breathing quivered a little. Although that was the only sign he gave that he was surprised while still keeping his composure in check. Of course. She's family.
"That is true… in fact." The king cast his eyes on Louis. " I would like to cash in on that favor."
Already? That I had not been prepared for. "Of course. I'll do everything in my power to make it happen."
"I'd like for Louis to stay here with you."
A low growl emanated from Mason's throat.
"Don't worry, bro." Ella dropped her fork to the table. "I'll kick his ass for you."
I couldn't blame them on this one. "As I've already stated, I have a fated mate. I will not agree to a forced betrothal. No matter whatever fantasy you've created.”
The king lifted a hand. "Understood. That's not what I'm intending." He side-eyed his son. "Louis had his hopes pinned on your engagement and wanted to see the city. I'd like for him to stay with you as a guest for a while."