CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
King Edward sat impatiently in his ornate throne, glaring at the entrance of his council room. The late hour had raised his ire, and he made no effort to hide his annoyance as Liam, his trusted advisor, finally arrived.
Liam, however, remained unfazed by the king’s displeasure. He knew his duty was more important than the king’s mood, and he focused on the purpose of the meeting. Ignoring the venomous glares being thrown his way, he spoke with calm determination.
“Your Majesty, I have gathered some vital information about Alyssa,” Liam began, fixing his gaze on the king. “It seems she is not with her family at the moment.”
The king’s brows furrowed in concern. “Not with her family? Where could she have gone?”
“That is precisely what I aim to find out,” Liam replied, his voice laced with determination. “I have a feeling she may be in grave danger, Your Majesty.”
The king’s annoyance wavered, replaced by worry for his beloved daughter. “Tell me everything you know, Liam.”
Liam proceeded to recount all the information he had gathered about Alyssa’s recent activities. He paused briefly to let the gravity of the situation sink in before continuing, “She is currently in the Ethiopia Kingdom, a place that we are planning to annex.”
King Edward’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ethiopia? That’s her kingdom?”
Liam nodded solemnly. “Yes, Your Majesty. And it seems our plans to steal the valuable artifact from their kingdom have come to light. They will surely retaliate.”
The king’s mind raced, processing the implications of this newfound knowledge. His daughter, deeply hurt and out of their reach, the Ethiopia Kingdom on the brink of war, and an artifact that had the potential to shatter their rule. He needed a plan, a strategy to ensure his kingdom remained unscathed.
“I want you to do everything in your power to find Alyssa, Liam,” the king stated firmly. “We cannot afford to lose her, especially now.”
Liam bowed his head in agreement. “I will leave no stone unturned, Your Majesty. I swear, I will bring her back safely.”
Satisfied with his advisor’s dedication, the king motioned for his guards to leave the room. But before they could make their exit, a sudden commotion erupted.
The king clutched his chest, his face contorted in pain. He slumped forward onto his desk as the room fell into chaos. Council members rushed to his side, panic filling the air.
“Get the healer! Quickly!” Liam bellowed, his voice breaking through the chaos.
As the guards hurried out of the room, Liam watched with deep concern, his mind both racing and calculating. He couldn’t help but wonder if the abrupt attack had anything to do with Alyssa’s disappearance.
Minutes passed like hours as the council members anxiously awaited the arrival of the healer. Time seemed to stand still, the room heavy with anticipation and fear.
Finally, the doors to the council room swung open, and the healer rushed in, her face pale with worry. Ignoring the chaos around her, she focused her attention on the unconscious king.
Liam fought the lump in his throat as he stood by, helpless in the face of the unfolding tragedy. The fate of the kingdom hung in the balance, relying on the life of their beloved ruler.
Years later, Liam stood tall and proud as the Alpha King of Venice. He was revered by his people, his court filled with those who hailed him as their leader. The grand hall was buzzing with excitement, the air heavy with anticipation. The Alpha King had summoned his subjects for a public hearing, a time when they could bring forth their grievances and seek justice.
Liam had earned his position through sheer determination and a keen sense of judgment. He could be ruthless when the situation called for it, but he was also fair and just. His subjects knew that their King would always listen to their arguments, weigh the evidence presented, and deliver a verdict based on the truth.
As Liam presided over the courtroom, his keen eyes scanned the faces before him. The courtiers, nobles, and common folk all looked up to him with respect. They sought his guidance, his protection, and his wisdom. Liam relished the responsibility, the weight of his decisions carried on his shoulders.
The arguments filled the room, voices overlapping in a cacophony of requests and pleas. Liam’s sharp mind absorbed every detail, listening intently to the perspectives of those involved. He asked probing questions, seeking the truth beneath the surface. He kept his own opinions hidden, never revealing his hand until he had fully deliberated upon the matter at hand.
Hours passed as Liam heard case after case, delivering justice with a firm but fair hand. Finally, the courtroom emptied, the people returning to their lives, grateful for the Alpha King’s intervention. Liam felt a surge of pride and accomplishment, but as the last person left the room, he felt a distinct sense of unease.
The door to his private chambers swung open, interrupting his thoughts. Liam’s irritation was evident on his face as he turned to face the intruder. His heart plummeted as he recognized her, a familiar face that had haunted his dreams and aspirations for years.
“Why are you here?” he hissed, his tone laced with anger and regret.
Alyssa stood before him, her gaze filled with longing and desperation. “I need your help,” she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liam scoffed and turned away, his memories flashing back to that painful encounter with Alyssa’s father. The man had been callous, unwilling to give up his crumbling kingdom for the greater good. And in the midst of their heated discussion, Liam had dared to ask about Alyssa, only to be met with indifference.
The flashback lingered in his mind, a painful reminder of the past. Liam had pushed away his emotions, burying them deep within his heart. But seeing Alyssa now, standing before him, reopened the wounds he thought had healed.
“You should have known better than to come here,” Liam snapped, his voice filled with bitterness.
Alyssa’s eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. “I had nowhere else to turn,” she confessed. “Please, just hear me out.”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Liam’s heart softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. He couldn’t let Alyssa’s presence weaken him, couldn’t let the past dictate his actions. He had a kingdom to govern, a people to protect.
“You made your choice long ago,” he said coldly, his voice devoid of any tenderness. “Now leave and never return.”
Alyssa flinched under his harsh words, her face etched with pain. She nodded silently, tears streaming down her cheeks. Without another word, she turned and left his chambers, the door shutting behind her with a resounding finality.
Liam exhaled deeply, trying to regain his composure. He had to focus on the present, on the responsibilities that came with being the Alpha King. Alyssa and the past were nothing more than a distant memory, fading with each passing day.
Taking a moment to collect himself, Liam walked to the window, gazing out over his kingdom. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over Venice. The weight of his position settled on his shoulders once more, a burden he bore willingly.
Closing his eyes, Liam whispered a silent prayer for the strength to continue leading his people with justice and integrity. And as darkness fell outside, he vowed to himself that he would never let the ghosts of his past consume him again.