Chapter 222

The Alpha King's deep voice resonated through the grand dining hall, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. "I must admit, you aren't what I expected, Shana, but you know what they say about unexpected things."

His words hung in the air, leaving me uncertain about their meaning.

The King, casually lounged at the head of the table. He seemed to notice my hesitation and addressed it directly. "Come now, my dear. We can't have you being all timid and quiet in front of me. I want you to feel comfortable here."

I nodded, finding my voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Prince Alexander has been incredibly welcoming."

I chanced a glance at the Prince, and our eyes met briefly.

He was watching me carefully, a small, mysterious smile playing on his lips, his glass poised just below his mouth.

"Incredibly welcoming," he repeated the words back to me. "I'll remember such a lovely compliment."

I wanted to snap at him and tell him not to get his hopes up, but I didn't want to make a bad impression on the King.

Kendrick had made it very clear how we needed to act at the Ethereal Palace. I couldn't disrespect their authority by letting my temper get to me.

"Alexander has only child syndrome," the King began to say, "he's always desperate for attention or compliments."

"Not desperate, just always willing to receive them," Prince Alexander jokes back. "I've learned all of that from you, father."

"Please, I hardly need praise. I don't care whether people love me or hate me. I know what kind of man I am and that's all that matters to me."

I could see the hearts forming in Kendrick's eyes as he listened to the King talk. It was as if he was looking in the mirror at himself.

The King raised his glass, and we all followed suit after he cleared his throat. "To self-awareness and confidence. May we all have the same level of certainty in who we are."

We clinked our glasses, and I took a sip of the wine, its rich and bitter flavor spread across my palate.

The King's words lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder if he truly had the same unshakeable confidence that his son seemed to have. It was hard to tell since the title of 'King' would make people automatically believe he was confident.

Maybe it was all just a facade that he had perfected over the years.

Prince Alexander leaned back, his eyes still fixed on me. "So, Shana, aside from dealing with my eccentricities, how are you finding the Ethereal Palace so far?"

The question took me by surprise, and I hesitated before answering. "It's... different from what I expected, but in a good way. Even the journey here took me by surprise."

"You mean the portal?" Prince Alexander asks flippantly and his father shoots him a scowl.

"Um, yes," I stammer, not quiet remembering exactly how we get here. Although, I'm certain we had to travel through a portal of some kind. I just can't seem to remember where it was, what it looked like, how long it took, or how it felt.

"Oh, I think I've just greatly confused her," Prince Alexander continued with an amused smile.

"Knock that off," the King snaps at him then sighs deeply. "I'm sorry. You understand that I must take certain security measures. I know it hurts your mind to think about, but I must protect my home."

I shook my head, fully understanding his concern. "It's alright. I understand that you're only doing what you must."

"Portal aside, I hope that nothing else has caught you by surprise."

"Nothing else," I said, fully lying. Everything about the Ethereal Palace has taken me by surprise. "The size of the palace is a bit overwhelming. I'm not exactly sure how you manage to find your way around it."

"After you've lived here for your entire life, then it get's easier. Although, Prince Alexander has often found himself lost once or twice," the King teased.

"I was intoxicated," Prince Alexander defends his honor. "I highly doubt that constitutes as me getting lost. I simply didn't have my bearings together."

The King laughed at his son. "My wife likes to call him a 'directionally challenged prince.'"

"I'm not directionally challenged," Prince Alexander insisted. "I just appreciate the scenic route."

The banter between father and son added a touch of lightness to the dinner.

I found myself smiling, realizing that the royal family, despite their status, could still share moments of humor.

The King turned his attention back to me. "Shana, are you adjusting well to the palace's ambiance? It can be a lot to take in for newcomers. Especially after traveling so far."

I nodded, feeling a sense of warmth in the playful atmosphere. "Yes. It's a lot to take in, but everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I appreciate the hospitality."

The King's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. "We want you to feel at home here. The Ethereal Palace is not just a residence. It's a haven for those who enter its doors. You are now a part of this haven."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored," I replied, touched by his words. "Everyone has been so kind."

Prince Alexander grinned. "Kindness is a rare commodity, especially in this world. Treasure it when you find it. People can easily turn."

The King nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Kindness, loyalty, and honesty are qualities that should be cherished. People may come and go, but the ones who stay true to their values are the ones worth keeping. That's what I've tried to instill in Alexander from a young age."

"And look how I've turned out," Prince Alexander smiles. "Do you think I'm a kind person?"

"For the most part," the King teases again, earning an eye roll from his son.

A part of me couldn't believe how almost normal the two of them were behaving. It didn't feel as though we were having dinner with a King and his son.

It also made me wonder what Kendrick and Lucas were thinking. Their relationship was nothing like this. There was no familiar teasing or lighthearted jokes. Kendrick had been using Lucas for his own personal gain his entire life.

I hoped that Kendrick would be able to take away some insight from the King and Prince's relationship and apply it to his own relationship with Lucas.

The King suddenly turned his attention to Kendrick. "Well, I know the cause of this visit is thanks to you. I'm glad you immediately informed me about the White Wolf, Kendrick. Loyalty is a rare trait, especially in someone of your stature. It's good to know my subjects still hold allegiance after all these years."

Kendrick inclined his head respectfully. "Your Majesty, my loyalty is unwavering. I felt it was my duty to inform you promptly."

The King smiled, "Duty, loyalty— qualities that are hard to come by. It seems Liam wasn't exaggerating when he spoke of your character, Kendrick."

I almost snorted. If anyone had the most questionable character here, it was Kendrick. Especially when it came to Lucas.

"I do my best, Your Majesty," Kendrick replied.

The King leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It was wrong for Shana to keep such news from me for as long as she did, but we'll discuss that later. For now, let's enjoy our meal and each other's company."