Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder novel Chapter 479

Chapter 137: A Ring in My Pocket

*Warren*

After Luther was dead, things settled down quickly. All of his former allies of Shadow vowed loyalty to King Theo and the battlefields were cleaned up so fast that it was almost like it never happened. Any concerns or doubts they'd had about Theo being like Sebastian were put to rest.

Minimal loss of lives. They did it. Theo and Ciana did it.

Forthose whose homes and packs were destroyed by Sebastian, Theo sent a lot of aid to their territories to help them rebuild their packs. They were also given the option of joining other packs if they felt there were no homes for them to return to.

Theo offered all the rebuilding and relocation assistance he could.

A lot of the ex-Shadow members, aka victims of Sebastian’s deeds over the years, had to re-find their place in the world.

Just like me.

***

We'd held Maggie's funeral in the royal cemetery a couple of weeks ago. Theo had insisted, even though she wasn't blood related to the crown. I was grateful for the effort he put in, holding a grand funeral ceremony, worthy of a princess.

It had been a gray, solemn day, though, and my heart still ached with her absence.

I'd wanted to help Theo with the funeral arrangements, but he'd insisted on doing it all. so that I could have some time to mourn.

"Warren, leave this to me. This is the least I could do for Maggie. Also, it helps to take my mind off Ciana as well,’’ he told me. He’d run himself ragged and there were a few days where I thought he might actually reach his breaking point with how much he had going on.

Standing before Maggie's grave, I leaned down to place a fresh rose on her gravestone.

"I miss you every day. I don't think that will ever go away," I muttered. I traced the letters of her name with the rose petals.

Theo had planted white flowers on the grave mound and they were just starting to bloom. I thought it was a very thoughtful gesture toward her.

"We have a lot of work to do to make the kingdom safe and stable again. It is work we wouldn't even be able to do without your sacrifice, so, thank you," I said. Sighing, I let the rose rest across her name. "I know I've been coming by every day, but things are going to get pretty busy now. I might not be by as often. Hopefully, you don't resent me forthat."

I smiled and pressed my fingers to my lips, then placed them on the cold, gray stone. A last parting kiss for my beloved twin sister.

"At least, where you are, you can watch over me and Theo. Don't be afraid to tell us when we are acting like idiots," I said. I chuckled to myself.

"Prince Warren?" Someone called to me from across the cemetery.

Sighing heavily, I let my head fall back on my shoulders. I wasn't even a prince anymore. Why did they keep calling me that?

I turned to see Beta Jake striding toward me. He looked very professional, all business.

"Prince Warren, the head of Internal Affairs, Alistair, has a meeting with you in ten minutes. There is also a budget waiting for your approval. Simon, the head of Treasury, would also like to go over how they plan to use that fund to rebuild the packs,” he explained.

"You know I'm not a prince anymore, right? I'm just a regular citizen. You can call me Warren," I reminded him as we walked back to the palace.

"King Theo insists you are still his brother and he wishes you to keep your title. He says it is both an honor and a burden," Jake replied politely.

I sighed and nodded. "Yes, it is at that."

"He's asked that you oversee the meetings with Alistair and Simon to make sure his wishes are carried out," he told me.

I remembered I was struggling to find my place or figure out what my life would be like after Maggie's death and after everything ended when Theo told me to remain his brother and stay to help out.

I accepted it with appreciation but didn't expect that he also asked the court to keep my title, along with the responsibilities that came with it.

All I could say was that Theo's job description for a prince was very different from Sebastian's. I'd never been busier in my whole life. Well, after he put me through a 24/7

therapy called "working nonstop", I no longer could spare even a few seconds to be sentimental.

"I'll be right there," I assured.

Simon and Alistair were waiting for me in Sebastian's old office. Theo kept his own office and I was landed with the former, psychotic king's.

Already, I'd had the thing gutted and redecorated. I didn't want any reminders of Sebastian hanging around.

"What can I do for Internal Affairs?" I asked Alistair.

"We have some documents that need final approval. There are a few Alphas and Luther loyalists that have been reluctant to vow their loyalty. I'm asking for additional resources to investigate them and make sure they aren't stirring up trouble now that one rebellion has been stopped," Alistair said, placing the papers on my desk.

I scanned them quickly to make sure there was no mention of aggression, detainment, or otherwise using the power of the crown, or Theo's name, to harm them or force them into compliance.

"Have your investigators send regular reports back on their findings and wait for further instructions after we review their reports," I told him firmly.

"Yes, of course, Prince Warren," Alistair agreed.

I signed the documents and handed them back. He left and Simon handed over the pack rebuilding budget.

It was a very thick packet of papers that took longer than I wanted to scan through.

"The budget seems sound," I said with a nod. I put my signature at the end of it and handed it back.

"Thank you. Is there any chance for some leeway?" Simon asked.

"If you need additional funds, clear it with me or King Theo first"

"I will."

Afterward, I stared at the hill of other paperwork I needed to ground through before the end of the day. After a sigh, I picked up the one from the top. I gotta start from somewhere, right?

15 hours later, I was finally able to put away the last file. Before Jake could squeeze in another meeting before midnight, I headed to Theo and Ciana's room.

Since the day of the battle, Ciana had been unconscious. Whether it was because of the massive amounts of blood she lost, or that Theo's power had sucked her life out, we didn't know.