Chapter 82

Charles

I sighed and shook my head as I heard Tessa growing closer. One day, Isolde would cease to find enjoyment in stirring the drama of my relationship with Tessa, but I had a feeling that it truly would be the day Tessa died.

As Tessa stormed into the room, her presence alone seemed to cast a dark cloud over our conversation. It was irritating, but I regarded her calmly. I was used to her fits, and honestly, this was just Isolde's love for drama at work.

Tessa knew that Isolde and I were as close as siblings, but the timing of the meeting had probably made her fearful about losing the benefits of being my mate for good. I took in her figure, what she was wearing, and the way she carried herself and almost smiled.

It seemed like she was just as frivolous as always. I wondered how much of her high-priced wardrobe she'd sold in the past few days. Isolde let out a soft sigh of pleasure, still enjoying her wine and simply watching with a knowing glint in her eyes as Tessa's anger threatened to consume her.

"Charles, how could you bring her here? You know how I feel about her."

"Your feelings about my relationship with Isolde have never been relevant," I said. Her eyes widened. "And you know that. Why are you here?"

"Yeah," Isolde asked, peering over her glass. "We were just getting to the good part."

Tessa turned bright red and glared at Isolde with so much venom the air felt sharp. Isolde's eyes didn't even flicker with alpha light. She looked as unaffected as always.

"Isolde," I chided. "You've done enough for one evening."

She pressed her lips together, and her eyes screamed that she hadn't done enough for a million. I smiled at her. Touched by her continued stance against Tessa before turning my gaze back to Tessa.

"Why are you here? Interrupting our meeting?"

She scoffed, her eyes blazing with anger. "I don't care about your meeting, or whatever the hell you're actually doing. I wonder what people would say if they knew you were sleeping with her."

"They would likely cheer his name in the streets more than they do now," Isolde said. "I'm definitely a hard catch to get." She flicked her gaze over to Tessa. "Unlike some."

"You--"

"Stop," I said, sitting forward and pinning Tessa in place with my gaze. "How did you know I was here? Not just in the city, but specifically at the Savoy?"

She sneered, her tone mocking. "Oh, Charles, darling, we're mates. I always know where you are."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Do you wish to be thrown in the dungeons for lying to your king blatantly or put in the stocks?"

Her eyes bulged. "You would never!"

"You are making it more appealing by the moment," I said. "Answer me."

"What does it matter that I know you're here having dinner with--"

"Enemies and traitors in your camp," Isolde said, swirling her wine. Her expression was calculating and amused. "Quite the network of informants at her disposal. It's quite impressive, really."

Tessa's eyes widened in surprise, and then she quickly tried to regain her composure. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Isolde didn't seem fazed by Tessa's denial. "Oh, my dear, don't be coy. Sunk your claws into how many ever members of the royal guard you could." She tutted. "Don't blame yourself, Charles. Good help is so hard to find these days. You've been gathering information about Charles's movements for months."

Tessa's face turned a shade of crimson, her anger now mixed with embarrassment. She shot Isolde a venomous look before turning her attention back to me.

"You're meddling in things that don't concern you, Isolde. And you're full of shit."

I tilted my head at that statement. Devin had likely leaked this information to Isolde during the deal he made. At least Devin wasn't a complete idiot to think that protecting Tessa would get him any benefits. I sat back, contemplating the situation.

Isolde merely shrugged, her playful demeanor returning. "I can speak for us all that any movements against our king concern me as a member of the Clans, and as a Chief. As a dear friend of Charles even more so..."

"You think any one is fooled by that?" Tessa asked. "You're just trying to make me look bad."

"You don't need any help in that regard," Isolde said.

I shook my head. "Isolde, please."

I looked at Tessa. "I don't care that you're sleeping with people of my security force for information."

She stammered.

"My issue is why?" I said. "You have my number, Tessa. I have never lied to you. Never hidden anything from you. Never made it so you could not reach me. Why resort to this when you could have just asked?"

Her jaw trembled. Her eyes darted from side to side, but not once did I see a glint of remorse. It was as if she couldn't see my words for what they were.

Tessa had lied to me, hidden things from me, and took great pleasure in disappearing off the face of the earth with no way to contact her directly at the least provocation.

She'd only stopped doing it recently when I started leaving the territory more.

"I don't have to explain myself to you or her!" Tessa hissed. "This tramp is just trying to become queen--trying to usurp my rightful place. And I'm not going to just sit by and let that happen. You may be weak enough to allow it, but my seat is going to be there when I'm good and hell ready to take it! So help me, Charles, you're going to regret it if--"

"What?" My voice was little more than a whisper, but it cut through the air like a well-sharpened knife. The air went cold. Tessa's mouth clicked closed. I felt my power rippling, heady and vicious through me, growling, prowling, near roaring in a way I hadn't felt since the first time I found her in bed with another man.

I should have let her be stoned then.

I should have let her be hanged or burned the second time, but I hadn't because the practice was barbaric, and for all the pain Tessa caused me, the people needed me at my strongest.

"If what, Tessa?" I narrowed my eyes. "I assure you that even if I was to take Isolde as my queen there is a long list of things I regret and that would never be one of them."

Tessa opened her mouth.

"Quiet." The order rippled and her mouth shut again. She went pale. "Understand this clearly, Tessa: you will never be queen."

Her eyes bulged, but her mouth remained shut.

"That possibility died the first time I should have let you be stoned to death, and there is no power in this world that can change that. Your hatred of Isolde is unfounded and ridiculous. It's childish. Whatever ideas you have about being anything more than a subject to me and a nuisance are your own problem. If you would like to continue to be a subject and not less that, I would suggest you accept that."

She set her jaw. "And if I won't?"

"Then, reject me now," I narrowed my eyes. "Or choose exile."

I heard Isolde gasp in real shock. Tessa had never looked so fearful, so unsure. The words hung in the air like a heavy, ominous cloud. I could see the moment that Tessa realized that I wasn't bluffing. The animal panic and fear that filled her eyes was palatable.

"Now, Ms. Greystone." Tessa gasped, flinching. "If you have nothing to say of merit, get out."

Her jaw trembled. "Y-You.... You wouldn't dare try to--"

"Gus." Gus stepped into the room. "Ensure that Ms. Greystone is returned to her living arrangements, and have George investigate the quality of my guard."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"Wait--Hey!"

Once Tessa had been escorted out, the tension in the room began to dissipate, leaving behind a palpable sense of relief. Isolde leaned back in her chair, a sly grin playing on her lips as she regarded me.

"So... that's who you were speaking to?" Isolde inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"That?"

"Whoever is putting you in this mood. I love it. When do I get to meet her and embarrass the shit out of you?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and consider it. Considering what Grace was probably thinking, despite what I told her, I was looking forward to the day they met. Maybe a bit of Isolde's brazenness would awaken some in Grace for the better.

"Soon," I replied with a smile, leaning forward to meet her gaze. "Heart Moon, probably."

Isolde's grin widened, and she clapped her hands together in delight. "Perfect! I can't wait!"

"Her and the children."

"Children?" Isolde asked, her jaw dropped.

"Devin's."

Her eyes bulged. The glass in her hand creaked suspiciously. Then, her eyes filled with burning red light.

"Tell me everything."