Chapter 290
The days that followed felt like months as the kingdom rioted over the shocking revelation of the King's treachery.
The video had spread across the entire nation, dominating the headlines and igniting a frenzy of controversy that seemed to strike at every corner of the realm.
In the wake of the scandal, the pressure on the King became unbearable. Protests erupted in the streets, demanding justice for those who had suffered under his evil rule.
However, it was hard to directly get in contact with the King since he could only be accessed through a portal. There was only a handful of people in this world that had the power to reach him.
One of those people happened to be on our side, Prince Alexander.
"We have to find a way to ensure justice is served," I murmured to Lucas, feeling the gravity of our situation pressing down on me.
Lucas nodded grimly, his expression reflecting the seriousness of our predicament. "We need to bring the media to the Ethereal Palace, make sure they grill the King for the truth for themselves."
With Prince Alexander's assistance, we devised a plan to create a portal that would transport the media directly to the palace grounds.
Cameras, reporters, and journalists flooded through the portal, their voices raised in protest and demand for justice.
As we stood among the crowd, I could feel the tension crackling in the air. Lucas squeezed my hand reassuringly, and I drew strength from his touch.
Prince Alexander looked tried to appear confident, but I could tell he was just as nervous. I'm sure he had never gone against his father like this.
The shouts were growing louder and louder as time went on, and I knew that there was no chance the King couldn't hear it.
Would he come out here and face all these people? Or would he cower in the palace?
The moment the doors of the palace swung open and the King emerged, my heart skipped a beat.
His face was a mask of resignation and defeat as he faced the cameras and the accusations being hurled at him.
"We demand the truth!" a reporter shouted, thrusting a microphone toward the King.
The King's voice was barely above a whisper as he surprisingly confessed to his crimes. Cameras were flashing as the King talked, and I knew that the world must be going wild with the news.
The King then announced his abdication from the throne which seemed to shock people more.
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, the significance of the moment not lost on anyone present.
I think it was the best decision the King could have made, although, I'm sure the kingdom would have overthrown him if he hadn't made the choice on his own.
Nobody wanted to stand behind a leader who lied and harmed others.
"You should be banished from this land!" One reporter shouted, and others joined in.
"You've brought shame upon our kingdom!" another reporter cried out, their words cutting through the tension-laden air.
I could see the resignation in the King's eyes, the realization that his actions had irreparably tarnished his legacy.
As the reporters continued to press the King for answers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me.
They weren't making this easy for him and I agreed with them.
The King needed to face the consequences of his own actions.
"Maybe we should go," Lucas said to Alex and I. "It looks like this might turn into a riot, and we don't want to be here when that happens."
"Well, how are all these people going to get out of here?" I questioned. "They can't leave without a portal."
"Liam's here," Prince Alex said. "He can deal with it."
Although I felt bad putting all of this on Liam's shoulders, Lucas had a point. We needed to leave before things became chaotic.
We had accomplished what we set out to do, together.
With justice served, I hoped that a new era of hope and freedom could begin.
However, it still left many questions that needed answers.
What would happen next? What would become of our lives now?
As the kingdom grappled with the fallout of the King's downfall, Prince Alexander found himself thrust into the spotlight as the new ruler.
I wasn't sure why I had never considered that as a possibility. Alex was the heir to the throne, meaning he was next in line.
Although it was a big responsibility, Alex appeared to be ready to take on the challenge.
With the weight of the crown resting heavily upon his shoulders, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding a fractured kingdom from the ashes of his father's legacy.
The coronation ceremony was a lavish affair, attended by royals and nobles from across the kingdom.
I stood by Alex's side the entire time, offering him my support as he took his place upon the throne. Lucas couldn't be there for much of it since he was busy dealing with his father's business.
His absence made it much harder, but I knew he had to be there for his family.
It had been a few days now since Alex was crowned King, and although he was taking strides in positive directions, I could see the weight of his newfound responsibilities bearing down on him.
I could sense the turmoil brewing within him—a conflict born from the personal fallout of betraying his own father and the uncertain future that lay ahead.
I tried to be there the best I could for him through this transition. I knew it couldn't be easy, and I wanted him to have a friendly face nearby.
But after a busy morning, Prince Alex approached me, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.
"Shana," he said softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I want you to stay in the palace with me. You've been my closest friend through all of this, and I don't want to lose you. You've helped me so much these past few days. I need you here."
I hesitated, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through me.
While part of me longed to remain by his side, I couldn't ignore the sense of unease that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness.
"Alex, I appreciate the offer," I replied, my voice gentle but firm. "But I can't stay."
He frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "But why not? You belong here, with me."
I shook my head, my resolve unwavering. "No, Alex. Just because I'm the White Wolf doesn't mean I belong here."
"This world fits you better than the other one did."
"I know you're only looking out for me, and I appreciate your words, Alex... But I don't like being asked or arranged into a certain fate," I explained, my voice tinged with frustration. "I need to create my own path. I don't want to feel forced to be here. I'm here for you right now as you figure out what being a King means for you."
As I watched the realization dawn in Prince Alex's eyes, I knew that although it wasn't what he wanted to hear, he understood me and what I wanted.
And I was grateful that he didn't press the matter any further.
