Chapter 206

The airport sprawled before us as Kendrick's SUV glided through a discreet entrance. The road led us to a sleek private jet that awaited our departure.

The private jet was more massive than I could have imagined, a true sign of the wealth that Kendrick had amassed.

Sometimes, I forgot just how rich Lucas's father was. I forgot that he belonged to one of the wealthiest alpha families.

It must've been because Lucas carried himself so differently than one would expect. He never flaunted his wealth, and instead, chose to act like a normal teenager.

Kendrick, on the other hand, was every bit the businessman, and nobody would ever mistake him for being a commoner. He practically oozed luxury.

As we stepped out of the car, the plane's staff immediately went to retrieve our luggage.

They bowed their heads, greeting us with practiced courtesy.

I felt a little uncomfortable by their welcome. They were treating us as if we were royalty.

Lucas must've noticed my hesitation because he put a hand on the small of my back. He leaned down to my ear, whispering, "Don't mind them. They're always like this around my father."

I looked up at him with a raised brow. "What? Treating him like he's some kind of monarch?"

Lucas smiled with a nod. "Well, he does pay their bills. Part of that payment is for him to be serviced like a king."

Chewing on that information, Lucas led me toward the stairs of the private jet.

"Welcome aboard," the pilot offered with a friendly smile as we walked up.

I smiled at him and was overwhelmed by the amount of flight attendants inside who wore perfect smiles. This couldn't have been normal.

When my gaze and train of thought diverted from the staff to the jet itself, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

The interior of the jet was immaculate. Plush seats lined both sides, inviting us to settle into their embrace.

I marveled at the extravagance, my eyes floating around the spacious cabin, each detail more impressive than the last.

Unsure of where to sit, I found a spot next to a large window. The seat was comfortable, and it almost felt as if I was sitting on a couch.

Lucas took the seat beside me, his presence welcoming as we were about to journey into the unknown.

"What do you think?" Lucas asked as he bucked himself into the seat.

I copied him, letting the buckle click before I answered, "It's... How much does this thing cost?"

"A couple million," Lucas replied honestly, and my mouth dropped at his confession. "I know. Trust me, the first time I got to ride on this thing I had the same reaction."

"Shock?"

"I was pretty amazed, but I had to hide it since I was with my father." Lucas looked around the cabin like he was familiar with it. "I've flown on this thing plenty of times, but deep down, a part of me still freaks out a little bit."

The crew and Kendrick's personnel settled into the plane, and I tried to make myself relax.

I had hoped that Lucas and I would be able to avoid Kendrick during the flight, but he chose a seat across from us, his intent gaze fixed on his phone.

I wondered why he had chosen that spot when there was an ample amount of space on other parts of the aircraft. It was as if he wanted to keep his eye on Lucas and I.

A short while later, a flight attendant came over with an effortless grace of practiced hospitality.

Her professional uniform clung to her, and a tight smile graced her lips as she addressed us.

"Good evening. We'll be serving a meal later in the flight, but in the meantime, would anyone like any complimentary snacks or beverages?"

The idea of food didn't appeal to me at that moment, so I politely declined with a shake of my head.

A small part of me wanted to ensure we were safely airborne before I could contemplate the idea of eating.

My nerves were eating at me, and I'd rather keep my food down.

The notion of a lengthy flight remained daunting. But it was hard to remain negative when the lavish surroundings offered a measure of comfort, mingling the unease that lingered in the back of my mind.

Lucas kindly informed the flight attendant that we were okay for now, and that we didn't need any refreshments.

However, Kendrick engrossed in his phone, looked up at the last moment, seizing the opportunity to interject.

He interrupted the departing attendant with a request for an alcoholic beverage.

Turning his gaze towards us, Kendrick's inquiry carried a veiled ounce of scrutiny. "Would you like something as well?"

I maintained my refusal with a subtle shake of my head. Legally, I couldn't indulge in alcoholic beverages at eighteen, a fact I was well aware of.

Kendrick, however, appeared intent on bending rules, instructing the attendant to bring a bottle for us regardless.

The gesture left me perplexed, and I exchanged a questioning glance with Lucas, silently wondering about the motives behind Kendrick's seemingly deliberate actions.

Lucas gave me a calm stare as if to say that this happened often. Was it a test? I couldn't tell what Kendrick was trying to do.

Perhaps he thought a drink would calm me or open me up to talking? I couldn't be sure.

Once the attendant left, Kendrick leaned forward, his eyes bearing the weight of whatever was in his thoughts. "I think it's time we discuss the rules for our visit to the Alpha King. There are certain protocols to follow, and I'd like both of you to be well-prepared."

A subtle tension settled over us at Kendrick's words.

"What kind of protocols?" Lucas inquired.

Kendrick settled back into his seat, fingers steepled in contemplation. "Meeting the Alpha King is no ordinary affair. His court has its own set of rules and formalities, and we must adhere to them. We must present ourselves in a way that befits our status and, more importantly, respects his authority."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism coloring his expression. "Are we supposed to bow or something?"

Kendrick chuckled, a sound that held more dry amusement than genuine humor. "There are customs, gestures, and words that carry significant weight. It's about recognizing the hierarchy of our kind."

I exchanged a glance with Lucas, a shared uncertainty lingering in the air. "So, no bowing?" I questioned.

"We must bow," Kendrick clarified. "But as we bow, we must also keep our eyes to the ground unless addressed."

"That's a little... awkward," I said uncertainly.

"That's the way it has to be."

"How do we address the King?" Lucas asked next.

"All royal members must be addressed as 'Your Royal Highness.' You cannot call them by their first name or any other title." Kendrick's tone held a firmness that offered no argument.

I nodded, absorbing the information.

The formality and rigidity of these rules painted a picture of a society governed by tradition, and as Kendrick mentioned, hierarchy.

"That's only the beginning of it," Kendrick said. "There's much more to learn."

I braced myself, hoping that I would be able to remember all of these rules and not make a fool of myself when the time came.