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?”

“First the botched car crash, then the absurd marriage contract, and now that arrogant fool has instilled fear in my own home!”

“How could I have known he would evade the car crash?” she retorted, her voice rising in defiance. “That marriage was a farce from the outset! You chose the Silverwood family! You could have sought any other small pack, and they would have eagerly married off their daughters!”

“You are the only one privy to my clandestine dealings. If I allow you to leave this place, who’s to say you won’t spill everything you know?”

“Why would I do that when my reputation is just as much at stake as yours?” she shot back, her voice filled with indignation.

Gregory tilted his head, contemplating her words. “At the very least, I cannot allow you to return to Alexander.”

As he summoned the guards, Caroline felt her vision narrow, her heart racing as panic gripped her. The sweat began to bead on her palms, her body tensing in fear.

Moments later, two imposing guards stormed through the doors, flanking her with an intimidating presence.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, her voice rising in alarm.

“Take this traitor to one of the holding cells,” Gregory commanded, his tone brooking no argument. “She’ll soon join her son in prison.”

Caroline stifled a cry of disbelief. “What? You can’t do this!”

Gregory snorted, his demeanor cold and unyielding. “I am the King.”

He watched as the guards forcibly escorted Caroline from the room, her struggles reminiscent of Isabella’s own disgraceful exit from the courtroom. She shouted and kicked, desperate to escape the fate that was now sealed by her own machinations.

The Alpha King felt the weight of his own impending doom closing in, yet he still clung to one final card he could play.

With a trembling hand, he reached for his phone, dialing a number he hadn’t touched in months. It rang twice before the voice on the other end answered.

“Your Majesty?”

“I may have one last task for you.”