Chapter 7 - The Confrontation of Kings
Half an hour later, the palace guards had secured the prisoners, and the nursery was restored.
Prince Samuel was fast asleep in his golden cradle, completely calm, his magical fluctuations entirely stabilized. The ancient binding spell had been shattered forever during Reena’s transformation; her body no longer absorbed his energy like a sponge, but rather filtered it naturally like a true mother.
Reena sat in the rocking chair beside the crib, stroking the sleeping boy’s curls.
The door to the nursery opened softly. Jacob stepped in, carrying a small velvet box. He had changed out of his armor and washed the blood from his skin, but his face looked older, worn down by grief and regret.
“The healers checked Samuel,” Jacob said softly, standing at a respectful distance. “They said his magic is balanced. He will grow up healthy... thanks to you.”
“He is alive because he refused to give up,” Reena replied without looking up. “And so am I.”
Jacob walked closer, stopping beside the chair. He sank to one knee, looking up at her face. The king who had never bowed to anyone was now kneeling before the woman he had wronged.
“I owe you a truth that I was too cowardly to give you before,” Jacob said, his voice trembling. “When Cornelius brought you to the palace, I was a broken man. My kingdom was falling apart, and my son was dying. I allowed myself to believe that using a wolfless girl was a necessary cruelty to save the crown.”
“And what about when you fell in love with me?” Reena asked, turning her violet eyes toward him. “Was that part of the plan?”
“No!” Jacob insisted fiercely, reaching out to gently touch the hem of her dress. “Falling for you was the only real thing I have experienced since my wife died! Every smile, every touch, every word I said to you was true! When I realized the binding spell was starting to drain your life, I was terrified. I sent guards across the continent to find a cure because I realized I couldn't live in a world without you!”
Reena looked down at the kneeling Alpha King. She saw the genuine pain in his eyes, the absolute truth in his heart. But forgiveness was not something to be given lightly.
“You lied by omission, Jacob,” Reena said quietly. “You let me believe I was safe while my body was burning. You built our love on a secret foundation of sacrifice.”
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“I know,” Jacob whispered, opening the velvet box in his hands. Inside sat the Royal Crest Ring—the crown jewel that belonged only to the Queen of the Alpha Realm. “I don't expect you to forgive me today, or even tomorrow. But you are not a servant. You are not a vessel. You are an Alpha Lunar White, the savior of my son, and the only woman who holds my heart.”
He looked up at her with complete vulnerability. “If you choose to leave, I will give you half my wealth and your total freedom. But if you stay... I will spend the rest of my life earning your trust back.”
