The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 193

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 193: The Traitor**

The King was teetering on the precipice of despair.

Chaos reigned within the palace walls.

The very empire, painstakingly built by his ancestors over the last century, now felt as if it were crumbling to dust beneath his feet.

When he had summoned Alexander for that fateful meeting, he had anticipated a straightforward discussion, not the storm of unforeseen consequences that had erupted in its wake. How had Alexander managed to uncover secrets that he believed were buried deep within the confines of his own mind?

To his knowledge, he had maintained a facade of utmost discretion, carefully navigating the treacherous waters of court politics. Yet, it seemed that his efforts had been in vain; he was clearly not as shrouded in secrecy as he had thought.

While he couldn’t pinpoint what evidence Alexander possessed, the thought of confronting it made his stomach churn. He had no intention of relinquishing his throne without a fight.

To complicate matters further, it appeared that one of the staff had eavesdropped on their conversation. The whispers must have spread through the palace like wildfire, igniting fear and uncertainty among the residents. Everywhere he looked, people were hastily packing their belongings, fleeing the palace without so much as a farewell.

They were beginning to grasp the rift that had formed between the Royal Family and the Kingstons. In any other situation, Gregory would have taken a deep breath, gathered his composure, and addressed the court with a soothing hand. But these were not ordinary circumstances. The situation was dire, and the potential for disaster loomed over him like a dark cloud. What purpose would it serve to weave a web of lies now?

Gregory had never claimed to be a paragon of virtue. His lineage was stained with the sins of his forefathers—his father, grandfather, and countless others had dabbled in illicit dealings.

So why was he the one facing the music?

The very thought was maddening.

Alexander, with his insufferable sense of moral superiority, had irked the King for the last time. It was time to remind this self-righteous Alpha of his rightful place within the realm.

Desperation clawed at him; he needed guidance, and he needed it fast.

With a voice steeped in urgency, he summoned one of the palace staff, instructing them to fetch Caroline.

Within the hour, she stood before him, her face mirroring the unsettled panic that had taken root in the hearts of everyone else in the palace.

“You called for me, Your Majesty,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Gregory’s instincts kicked in; something was amiss. Caroline, usually the epitome of calm and composure, was visibly shaken.

“What has happened?” he demanded, his voice low and tense.

Her brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

His expression hardened, transforming into a scowl that could cut glass. “The last time we spoke, you didn’t appear nearly as rattled as you do now. What is going on? Speak!”

Caroline shifted awkwardly, her gaze dropping to the intricately woven patterns of the rug beneath her feet. It was as if the fibers held more allure than the conversation at hand.

“I think it’s just the sight of everyone else in such a state of distress that has me feeling anxious,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He narrowed his eyes, skepticism etched across his features.

“I called you here because I require a new strategy,” he stated, his tone firm.

“I see,” she replied, her expression betraying little.

Gregory waited, his patience thinning, for Caroline to offer something of substance. Yet, she remained silent, her posture rigid.

“And…?” he pressed, frustration creeping into his voice. “Are you going to provide me with anything of value, or have I simply wasted both our time by summoning you here?”

She exhaled unsteadily, her breath shaky. “Gregory… Have you considered the possibility of stepping down from the throne?”

The words hit him like a physical blow, leaving him momentarily speechless.

A surge of anger ignited within him. “What?”

Was she truly suggesting that he should just hand over everything to Alexander without a fight?

He was seething, rage boiling beneath the surface as he spoke through clenched teeth. “You expect me to abandon my entire life because some rogue Alpha disapproves of my dealings? Is that what you’re advocating?”

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