Chapter Ten

Aiden’s POV

"It's about your brother, Hudson," Lucas began, his tone grave. "He held a closed-door meeting with the elders of the land while you were gone."

Aiden's eyes widened in surprise. "A meeting? What for?"

Lucas sighed, his gaze heavy with worry. "It lasted for hours, sir. And when they emerged, they were all smiling."

Aiden's mind raced with possibilities. What could Hudson be planning? Was he making a move for the throne?

"Hudson is truly making his move," Aiden muttered, more to himself than to Lucas.

"Yes, sir," Lucas agreed solemnly. "And now that you've brought a Luna from another pack, they believe they're one step closer to the throne."

Aiden's thoughts turned to Claire, the young woman he had brought back with him from the Crimson Pack. She was meant to be his bride, a symbol of unity between their two kingdoms. But now, with Hudson's schemes in motion, her role seemed uncertain.

"Perhaps we should keep Claire close for now," Aiden suggested, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "We may still have need of her."

Lucas frowned, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure, sir?" With a new Luna by your side, Claire's presence may only complicate matters further."

Aiden shook his head, his resolve firm. "I trust my instincts, Lucas. And right now, my instincts tell me we need to tread carefully."

"Lucas," Aiden began, his voice serious, "there is something I need you to do for me."

Lucas nodded, his eyes attentive. "Of course, Your Highness. What is it?"

Aiden took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. "I want you to keep a close eye on my bride, Chloe," he said softly. "I don't want her exposed to anything within the palace walls. There's much she doesn't know yet, and I fear she may be overwhelmed."

Lucas frowned, understanding the weight of his prince's words. "You want her to be isolated from palace activities?" he asked, seeking clarification.

"Yes," Aiden confirmed, his voice tinged with concern. "But I want her to be well taken care of. Ensure that she has everything she needs, but keep her away from the intricacies of palace life."

Lucas nodded in understanding. "I will do as you ask, Your Highness," he replied, his tone resolute. "I will make sure she is safe and protected, away from all palace dealings."

Aiden breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Lucas's unwavering loyalty. "Thank you, Lucas," he said sincerely. "I trust you to handle this with care."

"Lucas," I said, "I need your help. It's about my brother, Hudson."

"What do you need, friend?" Lucas asked, always ready to lend a hand.

"I need you to keep a close eye on Hudson," I replied. "I want you to know everything about what he does, where he goes, and who he meets. Can you do that for me?"

Lucas nodded his head and said, "Sure, sir. I will make sure to keep a thorough watch on Hudson and report back to you every week."

"Thank you, Lucas," I said with relief. "I know I can count on you."

Chloe’s POV

I stirred in my bed, slowly blinking my eyes open to the soft glow of morning light filtering through my curtains. As I yawned and stretched, I noticed a group of maids gathered near my bedside, their faces expectant.

"Good morning, ma'am! How was your night?" One of them chirped, breaking the silence.

I blinked again, still half-asleep, and surveyed the scene with a mixture of confusion and surprise. "Um, thanks," I mumbled, trying to shake off the grogginess.

"So, uh, any special occasion?" I asked, my voice still thick with sleep.

Ashley, one of the senior maids, stepped forward with a gentle smile. "No, ma'am, it's just routine for us to attend to your needs," she explained. "It's part of my order."

I blinked once more, processing this new information. "Oh, okay. That's new," I replied, a hint of curiosity in my voice.

Before I could inquire further, Ashley smoothly redirected the conversation. "Breakfast is getting ready, ma'am. You'll need to take your shower," she said, her tone firm but kind. "Let me fetch a maid to bring you your towel while you freshen up. And please, do get ready for breakfast."

I nodded, still trying to wake up fully. "Right, got it," I replied, swinging my legs out of bed. As Ashley bustled out of the room to fetch the towel, I rubbed my eyes and made my way to the bathroom, the maids following close behind.

In the bathroom, I quickly stripped off my pajamas and stepped into the warm spray of the shower. The steam enveloped me, easing the last traces of sleep from my mind. I washed quickly, eager to start the day ahead.

As I stepped out of the shower and reached for the towel, a maid appeared at my side, holding it out with a respectful bow. "Thank you," I said, wrapping the towel around myself before heading back to my room to get dressed.

Once dressed, I made my way to the dining room, where breakfast was already laid out on the table. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee filled the air, making my stomach rumble with hunger.

"Good morning, ma'am," a maid greeted me as I entered the room. "Please, have a seat. Breakfast is served."

I smiled gratefully and took my usual seat at the head of the table.

The maids bustled around me, pouring me a cup of coffee and offering me a selection of pastries and fruits.

I was just about to dig into my breakfast when a voice called out from behind me. "Won't you wait for me to join you?" It was a voice I recognized immediately, one that sent a jolt of excitement through me.

I turned around to see Aiden casually strolling towards me. He was still in his nightrobe, and let me tell you, he looked absolutely stunning in it. The fabric draped perfectly over his broad shoulders, and the way it hugged his toned body... well, let's just say it left very little to the imagination.

As he drew nearer, I couldn't help but admire him. His tousled hair framed his face perfectly, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. He flashed me a dazzling smile, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Hey there, gorgeous," he said, his voice low and husky. He leaned in to kiss me on the cheek, sending shivers down my spine.

I felt my cheeks flush as he took the seat beside me. The air seemed to crackle with electricity as he settled in, his presence filling the room.

A maid appeared at his side, placing a plate of food in front of him. Aiden thanked her with a charming smile, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. How did he manage to look so effortlessly charming even first thing in the morning?

I tore my gaze away from him and focused on my own plate, suddenly feeling self-conscious. I took a hesitant bite of my food, trying to ignore the warmth of Aiden's presence beside me.

"So, how are you doing today?" he asked, breaking the silence.

His voice was casual, but I could sense an underlying eagerness.

"Not much," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "My night was okay. How about yours?"

Aiden shrugged nonchalantly. "Cool," he said simply, before turning his attention to his plate.

I watched him for a moment, feeling a pang of curiosity. There were so many questions swirling around in my mind, but I didn't want to ruin the mood by bringing up heavy topics.

Instead, I decided to keep things light.

"The maids have been treating me well," I said, hoping to steer the conversation in a more positive direction. "They're really professional."

Aiden nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That's good to hear," he said, before taking a bite of his food.

I watched him eat, feeling a sense of warmth spread through me.

Despite his intimidating presence, there was something gentle about the way he handled himself. It was as if he were trying to put me at ease and reassure me that everything was okay.

I took a sip of my coffee, gathering my courage to speak up. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"About... well, about your role as the Lycan King."

Aiden looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his tone filled with concern.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. "I'm just... curious," I said finally, deciding to be honest. "I mean, it's not every day you find out your boyfriend is a mythical creature."

Aiden chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I suppose not," he said, reaching across the table to take my hand. "But you don't have to worry about that stuff. Not when you're with me."

His touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt myself relax in his presence. "I know," I said, squeezing his hand gently. "It's just... a lot to take in, you know?"

Aiden nodded understandingly, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand. "I get it," he said softly. "But you don't have to figure it all out right now. We have plenty of time."

Aiden looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is everything okay?" he asked, looking puzzled.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.

"I'm just... curious," I said finally, deciding to be honest. "I mean, it's not every day you find out your husband is a Lycan King."

Aiden chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I suppose not," he said, reaching across the table to take my hand.

"But you don't have to worry about that stuff. Not when you're with me. I will be coordinated soon."

His touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt myself relax in his presence. "I know," I said, squeezing his hand gently.

"I thought you were already a Lycan king. It's just... a lot to take in, you know?"

“Wait, who is feeding you all this?”