Chapter 242

Once the Alpha King announced that the palace would be having a ball, it seemed like everyone had gone into a frenzy.

The corridors were bustling with activity, servants scurrying to and fro, ensuring every detail was perfected for the upcoming celebration.

They had no time to waste. The ball would be held in twenty four hours, and everything had to be perfect.

As the preparations for the grand ball consumed the palace, I seized a fleeting moment of solitude to slip away unnoticed.

My destination lay clear in my mind: the East Wing, where Lucas was.

Luckily, I slipped away fast enough so that Miriam didn't see me or any of the other guards. They were too busy paying attention to the Queen and King.

I needed to go speak with Lucas quickly before I got interrupted by someone else again. There was so much that I needed to share, and I wasn't aware if he knew of his father's plans to leave earlier than planned.

With each step, anticipation coursed through me, eager to share the latest developments with him.

Upon reaching Lucas's room, I hesitated briefly before knocking softly.

The door swung open, revealing Lucas with a mixture of surprise and delight on his face.

"Shana! What are you doing here?" he exclaimed, stepping aside to let me in. "I thought you were going to meet with the King?"

"I did... Well, actually I went to go see the Queen."

"The Queen?" Lucas raised his brows in surprise. "You met with her?"

"Yes, I did, and she's actually pretty surprisingly... but anyway, that's not the point. I needed to see you," I replied, crossing the threshold into his room. "There's so much happening, and I needed to talk to you about it."

Lucas closed the door behind me, his expression turning serious. "What's going on? Is everything alright?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before recounting the events of the day—the decision to accept the Alpha King's terms, his father's request for us to leave early, and the upcoming ball.

As I finished, Lucas's brow furrowed in concern. "So, my father wants us to leave early? Did he say why?"

"All he said was that he had some business matters to attend to. I'm not sure if that involves you or not."

Lucas sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "And a ball? Does my father know about it?"

"I think so." I nodded. "He must know at this point."

"Great. I wouldn't be surprised if my father tried to bring some of his business associates to the ball," Lucas cursed under his breath.

"Do you really think he'd do that? It's a bit... unexpected. How would they even get here?"

"My father would make it possible. He's been trying to curry favor with the King ever since we've been here," Lucas explained, frustration evident in his tone. "You haven't been with him much these past few days. He's been trying to find ways to be around the King as much as possible."

"Really?" I questioned, slightly surprised, but also not. Kendrick only operated so that things would be in his favor. "I don't like the idea of him using this trip for his own gain."

Lucas nodded grimly. "Neither do I. But that's just how he operates. Always looking for an angle, always trying to advance his own agenda."

He went to sit back in his chair, stress and tension evident in his posture. "I just hope he doesn't cause any trouble at the ball. The last thing we need is a scene with his business associates and the King."

"I understand," I replied sympathetically, feeling a pang of empathy for Lucas and the delicate position he found himself in. "But surely your father wouldn't risk embarrassing himself in front of the King."

Lucas scoffed bitterly. "You underestimate him. My father would do anything to gain an advantage, even if it means risking his own dignity. He's relentless when it comes to achieving his goals."

I frowned, troubled by the thought of Kendrick's potential actions casting a shadow over the upcoming ball. "Well, let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst," I said, determined to support Lucas through whatever challenges his father's ambitions might bring.

Lucas's jaw clenched in frustration, mirroring my sentiments. "It's just so typical of him to try and capitalize on the situation. But let's focus on what we can control for now... Have you spoken to Professor Black?"

I nodded, reaching for my phone to compose a text message to the professor. "I was just about to ask you about that. We need to fill him in on what's happening."

"I agree." Lucas nodded. "He'll know if there's anything more we should do."

As I typed out the message to Professor Black, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since Lucas had mentioned his father's potential interference.

"I just hope he can offer some guidance," I murmured, tapping out the last few words of the message.

Lucas leaned forward, his expression serious. "He's been a helpful with us so far. I trust his judgment."

I sent the message to Professor Black, filling him in on everything from the poisoning to deciding to accept the terms.

Within seconds, Professor Black responded.

I relayed Professor Black's response to Lucas. "He says he's wary, but he thinks I should go along with the King's request," I informed Lucas, pausing to gauge his reaction.

Lucas leaned forward, his brow furrowing with concern. "Wary? Why would he be wary?

"Perhaps he senses something we don't," he added, his tone reflective as he considered the implications of Professor Black's caution.

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of unease settling over me at the thought of proceeding without a full understanding of the situation. "It's definitely concerning, but if Professor Black believes it's the best course of action for now, then maybe we should trust his judgment."

"Well, it also looks like he isn't sure why the King would want you to train here when there is no imminent threat of war," Lucas said, pointing to my phone screen. "I have to admit, his motives sound a bit unclear... I can see why Professor Black is hesitant."

Professor Black sent another text message.

"He's going to look into the King's perspective and gather more information about what's happening with the Bear and Panther shifter nations," I read out loud, looking over to Lucas. "So, while he researches, I should just..."

"Keep doing what you're doing." Lucas nodded. "Professor Black can help us investigate this. Maybe, he can help us better understand what the King truly wants with you."

I nodded, grateful for Professor Black's guidance and reassurance. "Right. In the meantime, I'll do my best to fulfill the King's request and stay vigilant for any signs of trouble."

Lucas gave me a supportive smile. "We'll figure this out together, just like we always do. Then that's our plan. We'll keep Professor Black informed and play our part in unraveling this mystery."

As we exchanged a brief, knowing glance, I felt a sense of reassurance wash over me, knowing that with Lucas was there for me.

I just hoped that we would be safe.

I hoped that nothing bad would happen to either of us now that we were mingling with royalty.