Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 123

**Chapter 123**

The night had stretched into a suffocating abyss by the time I finally managed to navigate the relentless onslaught of the media. Hours slipped away in a haze, each moment illuminated by glaring lights and punctuated by a barrage of questions. Every answer was meticulously crafted, every expression carefully curated to convey strength, even as fatigue threatened to seep into my very bones. When the first hints of dawn began to creep into the sky, it felt less like a new beginning and more like a cruel taunt, a stark reminder that the world continued to spin while I remained trapped in this whirlwind of chaos. Just as I was about to wash away the ink of exhaustion that clung to my hands, the guards approached me with the news that the elders were already assembled in the throne room.

They didn’t even allow the morning to properly arrive.

I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Prepare breakfast for our guests,” I instructed the chefs, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. Courtesy, appearances, and traditions dictated that even in the face of encroaching darkness, the palace upheld its rituals. Only after issuing the command did I straighten my coat, steeling myself for the confrontation that awaited me with the elders.

“Someone has discovered the contract. But who?” Lorenzo fell into step beside me as we made our way towards the throne room. His brow was furrowed, concern etched deeply across his features. “An anonymous email was sent to them. But it was meant to remain in your study.”

“I’m aware,” I replied, my pace unwavering. “Someone must have entered my room while I was away. Find out who it was.”

As we approached the staircase, my steps faltered, my gaze drawn to the corridor leading to Carolyn’s room. The door stood firmly shut, the guards stationed outside it appearing more vigilant than ever.

“Let me out! You cannot lock me in here!” Carolyn’s voice erupted from behind the door, sharp and furious. “What are you doing? Cassian will definitely have your heads, you fools!”

She slammed against the door, the sound reverberating through the corridor, a testament to her frustration.

Lorenzo halted beside me, his jaw clenched tightly. “I can’t believe Carolyn might be involved in all this. We don’t know yet, but…” His voice trailed off, disappointment and concern mingling in his tone.

“We will uncover the truth soon enough, Lorenzo,” I said quietly, determination lacing my words. “Whoever is behind this will pay for their actions.”

He nodded, but a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes. “Should I assign more guards around Carolyn’s room? I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Do it,” I commanded. “Especially around the garden.”

The foundation of my trust in Carolyn felt as though it had cracked, splintered by the creeping vines of doubt. We had yet to finish interrogating Leah, who remained in our custody, but the threads of this tangled web were becoming increasingly complex. I couldn’t afford to overlook any of them.

As we stepped into the throne room, the atmosphere shifted palpably.

The elders stood, their faces tight with anger and disapproval, a stark contrast to the usual decorum of the palace. The moment I entered, every gaze snapped to me, irritation evident in their expressions.

“So,” Elder Rowan began, his voice icy, “you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence.”

Another elder scoffed derisively. “We hear you had quite the long night. Long enough to forget the consequences of your actions, perhaps.”

I moved forward, taking my place before the throne, standing tall despite the weight of their scrutiny pressing down upon me. “If you have something to say, then say it plainly.”

“Oh, we will,” Elder Miriam snapped, her tone sharp enough to cut. “What were you thinking, Your Majesty? A contractual marriage? And not just with anyone, but with a Milestones?”

Murmurs rippled through the room, a wave of disbelief washing over the assembled elders.

“You have dragged this council into ridicule,” Elder Vaughn added, his voice laden with disdain. “Do you have any idea what this means for the throne?”

“I know exactly what it means,” I replied, my voice steady and unwavering. “That is precisely why I made the decision.”

“That makes it worse,” Rowan shot back, his tone incredulous. “You did it knowing full well the outrage it would provoke.”

“You have bound us to a woman whose loyalty lies elsewhere,” Miriam interjected, her eyes narrowing. “The Luna Queen holds the second highest position in this region. You’ve brought someone out of nowhere into a contract? You could have simply accepted Sabrina for the role!”

“I expect her to honor the contract,” I countered, my conviction unwavering. “Just as I will honor it. She is loyal to me, and that is sufficient.”

Vaughn slammed his palm against the arm of his chair, frustration radiating from him. “A contract is not loyalty. It is merely paper. It can be torn apart.”

My eyes darkened at his words, causing him to flinch slightly. “And what would you have had me do?” I asked, my tone sharpening despite my efforts to remain calm. “Sit idly by while our enemies close in? As the throne grows weaker with each passing day? Sabrina is an Omega. Do you truly believe she can withstand my Lycan?”

“You should have consulted us,” Rowan insisted, his voice firm. “You should have trusted the council.”

“I did trust the council,” I retorted. “For years. And what did it yield us? Delays. Endless debates. While threats multiplied beyond these walls.”

The room erupted into chaos.

“You are reckless!” one elder shouted, his voice rising above the din.

“You are arrogant!” another added, their tone dripping with disdain.

“You risk war!” Miriam exclaimed, her voice sharp and accusatory.

I clenched my jaw, my resolve hardening. “War is already at our doorstep. Pretending otherwise will not make it disappear.”

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