Chapter 11
ELIZA’S POV
“I challenge you to a duel. A tribute to win her favor.” The mystery man said to Derek, his sword drawn and aimed for my ex-husband’s jugular.
Derek’s face went pale for a moment before he grimaced, shocked that the man had the audacity to challenge him to a fight because of me.
His eyes were trained on the blade, watching for any sign of attacks but I could smell the hint of fear that radiated off him.
His opponent was stronger. Derek wouldn’t stand a chance and he knew it.
I smiled to myself, amused by the attempt of this man to do everything to win me over even if it meant cutting Derek down in the presence of our king.
I couldn’t help but admire his boldness, even if I didn’t want blood spilled over me.
His body was taut as his blade stood high and I could clearly see that he was strong. He looked impressive, wielding that sword regardless of who he was about to cut down for my hand in marriage.
I stopped smiling, mentally berating myself for thinking of him in such a manner but my wolf had other ideas.
“You may not want to, but look at those muscles”, my wolf practically purred.
“The way his shoulders fill out that uniform. Mmm, I could just take a bite out of him, if you know what I mean.” She rambled on, her eyes clearly set on seeing this man as a breeding partner.
I mentally rolled my eyes at her enthusiasm and spoke back to her.
“Now is not the time to drool over the physique of a man we know nothing about,” I chided, though I couldn't entirely disagree. I mean, only the blind wouldn’t notice how handsome and rugged he looked.
He was an imposing figure—tall, broad-shouldered, with a warrior's grace that spoke of years of battlefield experience.
His dark eyes held a dangerous intensity that made my pulse quicken a bit, though I'd never admit it aloud.
I shook my head, willing the thoughts away. This had gone on far too long. He needed to give it a rest.
Before I could step forward to stop this madness, a familiar authoritative voice cut through the tension much like the mystery man’s sharp blade.
"Stand down, General Alexander." The Lycan King's Alpha tone commanded, leaving room for no argument.
I blinked and focused on the mystery man.
Alexander.
Wait, was it who I thought it was?
The same Alexander from when I was at the training camp.
The prissy boy everyone picked on because he wasn’t a good fighter in the beginning.
The boy who made sure to train like a maniac each day to gain the other soldiers respect and loyalty.
That Alexander? He had grown up to be a general?
Wow.
I knew that I didn’t keep up much with the hierarchy of the army, when there was an ongoing war, but this had come as a shock.
Who would have thought?
I watched Alexander's shoulders tense, his jaw ticking as he fought against his instincts to challenge the command. His hand tightened on the hilt of the blade, not budging.
"Need I remind you of the situation in The Dune Kingdom?" the King continued, his voice sharp with disapproval. "As one of our key generals, your priorities should lie with protecting our borders, not engaging in personal vendettas."
The reminder of duty hit a sore spot and Alexander reluctantly sheathed his sword, bowing down.
"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty." He formally apologized with a slight frown on his face.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Derek and Maya's smug expressions.
They were clearly enjoying Alexander being berated for his actions, and although I wasn’t close enough to Alexander to stand up for him here, their blatant disregard made my blood boil.
"And pray tell," the King spoke up, causing my attention to go back to him and Alexander, "why have you abandoned your post without permission?" He questioned, his brows raised in concern.
Rightfully so, because as far as I knew, the general was the one leading the front lines. If he was here then who was leading our men?
"The main troops follow behind me, Your Majesty," Alexander explained, his voice steady. "I've simply returned ahead of schedule. No duties were neglected. The war between us and the Dune Kingdom has begun to dwindle with us having the winning hand as our Beta’s hold the front line and our Gamma’s trap our enemies into our kill box. The Western Plains have relegated to a small stand still, giving us time and an advantage against the Dune Kingdom.” He said before taking a deep breath and continuing once more. “We’ve estimated ending this war in two weeks or even earlier if all goes according to plan but regardless, there is still the issue of our dwindling weapon and food supply. It’s held us for some time but with more troops joining the fight, it’s harder for food to be delivered to the forefront of the war especially with the growing rampages along our trade routes. That’s why I brought some of our troops home with me.” Alexander ended, his face showing hints of worry.
I could see the worry lines deepening on the King's face.
The Lycan Kingdom maintained its advantage through superior strategy and the strength of its wolf packs, but I knew the strain of war was taking its toll.
Hell, Alexander had just said such.
Weapon supplies were running low, and feeding an army was becoming increasingly difficult with The Dune Kingdom's forces disrupting our trade routes.
The Silver Wolves of the Western Plains, my ancestral home, had once been crucial allies in maintaining the balance of power but since its fall during the war, the Lycan Kingdom had shouldered most of the burden alone.
Seeing the King's deepening grimace as he contemplated these challenges, I took a chance. An opportunity that I didn’t hesitate to accept.
"Your Majesty," I stepped forward, my voice clear and confident. "My food company's resources are at the kingdom's disposal. That is, if you will for it to happen.”
Derek's reaction was immediate and explosive, his voice not holding back on his hatred towards me.
"You have no right!" he snarled, fury evident on his face.
"Those assets belong to my pack. You're no longer Luna and therefore…” He shouted out but was cut off by the Lycan King.
"Silence!" The King shut Derek down with a thunderous voice, his patience no doubt running thin before he turned to me, his expression softening slightly.
"Your dedication to the kingdom is commendable, Eliza. I accept and appreciate your contribution. Is there any request that you have?" He said to me, a small smile on his lips.
This was the opening I'd been waiting for.
Drawing a deep breath, I lifted my chin, matching his stance.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I wish to rebuild the third Kingdom. I wish to restore the Western Plains to their former glory."
The words hung in the air like a challenge and the room went silent.
I watched Derek's face turn an interesting shade of gray, and I felt a small surge of satisfaction.
The King studied me for a long moment like he was trying to figure out if I had an ulterior motive.
I held his gaze steadily, not backing down. Finally, he nodded, giving in to my wishes.
"Very well. You shall have the crown's support in this endeavor."
My heart soared and I couldn’t help but smile to myself.
After all this time, after everything that had been taken from me and my people, here was a chance to rebuild.
I would reclaim all that I lost.