Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 232

“Mother!” Kaius’s voice was sharp with warning. “Enough!”

But his father spoke up, his tone calm but firm. “Kaius. Tradition is tradition. I know you love this woman, but we cannot simply-”

“What tradition?!” I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I turned to Faelan, who looked like he wanted to sink into the ground. “Chief Elder,

speak plainly! I’ve already faced the trial-what else could possibly be required?”

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Faclan opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. His face was the picture of misery.

Ronan, meanwhile, strolled onto the platform uninvited, pulling a weathered book from his robes with theatrical flair.

“Allow me to enlighten everyone,” he said pleasantly, flipping through pages. “According to the Codex of Coronation, the law is quite clear:”

He cleared his throat and began to read, his voice taking on the formal cadence of ancient text:

*When a Queen-candidate of lesser rank passes the trial, she shall be crowned immediately and without further ceremony. However, when a

Queen-candidate possesses power that rivals or exceeds the King’s own-when her bloodline burns bright with legendary might-then balance

must be restored through sacred ritual.”

Ronan looked up, his eyes finding mine with disturbing intensity.

“No matter her deeds, her lineage, or her victories-the Queen must demonstrate absolute loyalty and submission to the King, lest chaos threaten the realm’s stability. She must perform the Rite of Earthen Humility: she shall place her forehead upon the ground at the King’s feet, thereby acknowledging that though she wears a crown, she remains beneath his sovereign authority.”

Silence crashed over the sanctuary like a physical weight.

What the actual fuck?

My mind reeled. Powerful women got extra rules? Had to perform additional humiliations just because they were strong?

Kaius’s expression had gone dark with fury. “She is my legendary Queen! She doesn’t need to perform some archaic-some degrading-* He

took a threatening step toward Ronan. “I know you have grievances with me, old man. But if you continue this, I won’t hesitate to add

your name to the list of Thornridge Pack’s fallen!”

The threat hung in the air like a drawn blade.

But Ronan didn’t even flinch. His pleasant smile never wavered.

“Are you speaking as an angry Alpha protecting his mate?” Ronan asked softly. “Or as an Alpha King responsible for maintaining order in

his kingdom?” He spread his hands. “You can kill me. I won’t stop you. But murdering me won’t change the fact that you’re abandoning

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Chapter 232

tradition-disrespecting our ancestors’ wisdom.”

The audience stirred. Whispers spread like wildfire. Some looked scandalized. Others seemed hungry for drama, leaning forward in

anticipation.

I looked at Kaius and saw the conflict written plainly on his face. He was torn-between protecting me and maintaining his authority,

between love and duty.

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It’s just touching my forehead to the ground, part of me reasoned. It doesn’t actually mean anything. Why am I fighting this?

But the thought of performing that gesture-here, in front of everyone, after everything I’d accomplished-made something sick twist in

my gut.

“Elowen!” A new voice rang out.

The vampire Zane had risen to his feet, his green eyes blazing. “Don’t do it!” His voice carried clearly across the sanctuary. “If your King doesn’t treasure you-if the wolves don’t love you for what you truly are-then the vampire courts extend our welcome with open arms!”

Chaos erupted. Wolves shouted in outrage. Someone threw something. Accusations flew.

Ronan waited for the noise to die down, then turned to me with that infuriating smile still in place.

“Come now, my Queen.” He gestured toward the space at Kaius’s feet. “Here. Right here. Bow before your King’s feet and complete the sacred ritual. Restore balance to our kingdom.”

His voice dropped to something almost gentle, but no less cruel:

“Submit.”

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