Betrayed by an alpha claimed by a lycan king

Chapter 177 Chapter 177

SAGE

The morning started beautifully, filled with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of being together. The twins bickered playfully over who got the last piece of fruit; Titus watched with amusement as he sipped his coffee, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect.

But as soon as the meal ended, reality came knocking. Responsibilities waited for no one, and our time of ease was short-lived.

The twins had an overwhelming amount of lessons to catch up on. History, diplomacy, strategy, and combat-each subject was crucial in preparing them for the roles they would one day take on. There was no room for error, no luxury of a slow-paced childhood. They were heirs to the kingdom, and that came with a price.

Technically, Harper was the eldest-I had given birth to her mere moments before Cooper. But by the kingdom's laws, a female heir could only take the throne in the absence of a male successor. That meant Cooper was next in line to rule. However, the burden of leadership wasn't his alone to bear. Both of them needed the same training, the same knowledge, for the sake of the kingdom's stability. Should anything ever happen to Cooper, Harper needed to be prepared to step in without hesitation.

Titus had already assigned the best scholars and warriors to oversee their education. It was a rigorous path, but it was necessary. They weren't just any children-they were the future of the kingdom.

I watched as they were led away, their excitement laced with determination. They were still adjusting to their sudden growth, but their spirits remained unshaken.

Titus stood beside me, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "They'll be fine," he assured me, sensing my worry.

I nodded, though my heart still ached. "I know. I just... I don't want them to lose themselves in all of this."

He turned to me then, his gaze softening. "They won't. They have you."

Titus must have sensed that my mind was still on the twins because, before I could dwell any further, he took my hand and gently pulled me toward the door.

"Come with me," he said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," was his only response.

Curiosity sparked inside me as we walked down the corridor, his hand warm and steady around mine. Titus was rarely one for surprises, so whatever he had planned must have been important. He led me to a part of the palace I hadn't visited in a long time, stopping in front of a grand wooden door.

"Go ahead," he urged.

I hesitated for a second before pushing the door open. The sight that greeted me made me freeze.

"Elara?" I gasped.

Standing in the middle of the room was Elara, her face breaking into a warm smile the moment she saw me.

"My lady," she greeted, her eyes glistening with emotion.

I couldn't believe it. After everything that had happened, I had thought I would never see her again. Without a second thought, I rushed forward and threw my arms around her, holding on as tightly as I could.

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"You're here!" I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

"I never left, my lady. I have always been here, waiting for the day you'd return.”

I pulled back just enough to look at her, my eyes searching her face. She looked the same, but there was a newfound strength in her gaze.

Titus chuckled from behind us. "Should I get jealous that you weren't as warm to me when we met again?"

"If I weren't being an ass then, I might have given you a hug," I replied.

Titus let out a deep, amused laugh, shaking his head. "Fair enough, kitten. Fair enough."

Elara chuckled softly beside me. "Some things never change," she murmured, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

I turned back to her, still unable to believe she was really here. "How have you been? Are you alright?"

She gently squeezed my hands, cutting off my rambling. "I'm doing good, my lady.

I have to apologize that I wasn't here to welcome you when you returned. I've been busy in the academy."

I frowned, "Academy?"

She smiled proudly. "I've been taking classes for quite some time now. I've only a

few months left before I finally become a mage."

My eyes widened in surprise. "That's good news!" I exclaimed.

"It's all thanks to you and His Majesty."

"You have a gift, Elara. You deserve to be where you are today," Titus commended.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I couldn't be here without your help," she replied.

"How long are you going to be here, Elara?" I asked.

"I'll be here for as long as you need. I understand that it could be tiring to plan a wedding, isn't it?" she said.

The wedding. Yeah, right. I almost forgot about it. I was already content with what we have right now, so planning the wedding isn't part of my priority.

Titus let out a low chuckle, sensing my hesitation. "What's with that expression, kitten? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet?"

I shot him a look, crossing my arms. "Of course not! It's just... with everything happening, the wedding wasn't exactly at the forefront of my mind."

Elara smirked knowingly. "That's why I'm here, my lady. To take some of the burden off your shoulders."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "It's not just the planning. I guess part of me feels like... do we really need a grand ceremony? We're already bound to each other." My fingers instinctively brushed over the ring on my finger,

Titus took a step closer, his eyes softening. "I want to make things right. I want to give you everything that you deserve. That includes parading you to the world and announcing how lucky I am that I have you as my queen." He tilted my chin up with his finger. “Besides, this will also serve as your crowning ceremony.”noveldrama

His words sent warmth spreading through my chest, making my heart ache in the best way.

Elara clasped her hands together, her excitement practically radiating off her. "I can't wait to plan everything!"

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Titus chuckled, shaking his head. "You're more excited than the bride herself, Elara."

Elara grinned unapologetically. "Of course! After everything, don't you think this moment deserves to be celebrated

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properly?" She turned to me, eyes shining with determination. "I promise, my lady, this won't be stressful for you at all. I'll take care of everything-you just have to tell me what you want."

I let out a small laugh, the weight in my chest easing. "You're really set on this, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," she said without hesitation.

Titus wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "And what about you, Sage?" His voice was gentle, but I could hear the hope laced within it. "What do you want?"

I looked up at him, searching his face. I smiled softly. "There's nothing I could ask for. I have everything with me now."

Titus' eyes darkened with emotion, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I couldn't agree more."

A soft knock at the door caught my attention. Titus barely had the chance to step away from me before it swung open, revealing Scott. As usual, his expression was calm and composed, but something in his gaze shifted-lingering on Elara just a second too long.

Elara quickly averted her eyes, but not before I noticed the way her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.

"Your Majesty," Scott addressed Titus, his voice smooth and professional, "everything has been prepared for the meeting."

urning to me with a reluctant glance. His grip on my waist

Titus let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair before tightened briefly before

he let go, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead as if sealing a silent promise. "Let's get this over with," he muttered.

I placed my hand over his. "Go. Handle your kingdom. I'll be right here when you're done."

His lips quirked up into a smirk. "I'll hold you to that."

With a final squeeze, he turned toward the door. Scott inclined his head in acknowledgment, but just before stepping away, his s flickered toward Elara again. It was quick-almost too quick-but I saw it.

And so did she.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, I turned to Elara with a slow, knowing smirk. She cleared her throat, suddenly

very

interested in the buttons on her sleeve.

"So," I drawled, crossing my arms over my chest, "are you really going to pretend

I didn't just witness that?"

Elara's cheeks warmed with the faintest blush, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "I

have no idea what you're talking about, my lady."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, you are absolutely terrible at lying."

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