"But what if the bride isn't ready for this union? What if her only desire is to flee?" Presley questioned, her voice laced with a subtle, goading edge.
Alpha King Huxley looked between his wife and his son, a flicker of confusion crossing his weathered face.
Gideon, however, remained perfectly still, his mind racing to decipher his stepmother's true intent. From the moment the subject of a bride had been raised, the Luna Queen's reactions had been erratic, her concern far too pointed. Every word she spoke only served to deepen the well of his suspicion.
"My dear, why on earth would Miss Valois refuse such a match?" Huxley asked, waving a hand as if to dismiss the very notion. "Regardless, it was my royal decree that brought her within these palace walls. The Valois family was the only noble house in the land with the courage, or the desperation, to agree to this. Now that my son is actually showing an interest in the arrangement, I see no reason to delay. I truly thought it would be a monumental task to please him."
Huxley studied Gideon's face. The usual storm of rage had receded, replaced by a haunting calm, an expression the King hadn't seen on his son's face in years.
"Your Majesty, I am more concerned about our son's cursed fate," Presley pronounced. "What if Adeline dies? The people are already scared of our eldest, and this may increase even more fear in them toward him."
"This is exactly why I am puzzled," Gideon stated. "Why are you so consumed by my fate? You are dancing around the answers I seek. Whether this curse takes hold or not, it is my burden to bear, not yours, and not my father's."
"We cannot allow Gideon to remain without a mate indefinitely," Alpha King Huxley interjected. "I do not believe this curse is insurmountable. I personally sought out the most powerful witch in the nation for a solution. Presley, do not dismiss the remedy she provided. The curse can be bypassed, provided he follows the path set before him."
"If he saves the lives of the most miserable wolves in the kingdom," Presley finished for him, her tone tinged with a sharp skepticism. She turned her head, meeting Gideon's golden gaze with an unblinking stare. "But is Gideon truly capable of such mercy? His reputation is built on bloodlust, not charity."
She took slow steps toward him, her expression softening into a mask of maternal concern.
"I worry for you, Gideon, because I know that once a man like you allows himself to love, the pain of losing a mate will be catastrophic. I do not want the people to fear you simply because of a curse you were born with. The crimes your mother committed forced this darkness onto you. My only wish is to keep you safe from the consequences of her crimes."
"Then don't fucking show your concern toward me," Gideon snarled, his eyes igniting golden that seemed to burn through the air.
"Watch your tongue!" Huxley roared. "You are speaking to the Luna Queen, Gideon. You will show her the respect her station demands."
"Then tell your Luna Queen to keep her fake concerns to herself," Gideon countered. He didn't wait for a dismissal; he turned on his heel and stalked out of the chamber.
Presley let out a soft, wounded sigh. "I merely wished for his well-being, Your Majesty."
"Stay out of his affairs, Presley. You know better than anyone that he does not tolerate interference," Huxley stated, his tone weary. He leaned back into his chair. "Focus on the task at hand. You should begin the wedding preparations immediately."
"I will, Your Majesty," Presley replied. She paused, casting a sidelong glance at her husband. "Gideon is intent on punishing Adeline's family, however."
Huxley's hand froze halfway to his cigar, his brow furrowing into a deep scowl. "What? Why? What has happened behind my back?" He brought his fingers to his temple, rubbing the skin as if to ward off a brewing headache.
"It appears the bride you selected has been abused within her own home," Presley stated, her voice devoid of its earlier warmth. "Her back has several fresh wounds and old scars. She is frail, Your Majesty. Do you truly believe a girl so broken is suitable to carry a royal heir for someone as volatile as Gideon?"
Huxley's brow furrowed, his expression hardening as he processed the gravity of her condition. "Medical science has seen significant advancements," he asserted, though a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. "My primary concern is Gideon. I want my son to live a life of peace and happiness. Have you spoken with the girl? What is her temperament?"
"My dear, your primary concern should be the retribution Gideon is currently orchestrating for the Valois family. He intends to carry it out himself," Presley explained, stepping closer to her husband. "As for her nature... When someone has been abused for years, they rarely possess a voice of their own. She is little more than a shadow."
Huxley hummed thoughtfully, the smoke from his cigar curling toward the vaulted ceiling. "Perhaps a quiet girl is exactly what Gideon needs," he murmured, more to himself than to his wife.
"It may provide the stillness he lacks. Just relay a message to him: his father has requested that he stay his hand regarding the Valois family. They are to be his in-laws, and he must maintain at least a semblance of kindness toward them until the wedding is finalized."
Presley nodded dutifully. "I will convey your wishes, Your Majesty. You should retire to your chambers and rest," she whispered with gentleness.
She offered a graceful bow and swept out of the Alpha King's study.
The moment she turned to the corridor, Gideon suddenly appeared in front of her.
"Whatever you're planning, don't execute it," he warned and took a step closer to her, "Because I will go after your precious son's life then."
Presley's eyes widened as she glared at him.
"If you think I am giving an empty threat, then I am not. No one knows my bloodlust better than you, Mother," Gideon said with a smirk.