Chapter 12

Lucien's POV

I walked back to my room, ignoring Stella's questions and stepping into the bathroom to bathe. I washed myself thoroughly without rushing, alpha Devon wasn't going anywhere.

I came out of the bathroom, cleaned myself up and dressed. I wore black pants, a black shirt laced with golden edges and a golden corset. I did nothing to my hair, leaving it in the usual style.

I wore no jewelry except a pair of golden cufflinks and then I wore a pair of high sole black boots. I looked in the mirror and nodded my head in approval. This was my war dress, it was also the same style of dress I wore to funerals.

If I was going to fight, I might as well kill the opponent in the process to tie up loose ends. I walked out of my room and headed towards the outside of the building where I had previously ordered the guards to wait for me.

I walked at a steady pace, my aura primed to its peak state. As I passed, whoever I came across made sure to avoid eye contact. All except one, Donovan.

As he looked back at me with those cunning eyes, I felt myself get even angrier and disgusted. My eyes narrowed at his presence, what was this old fox doing here?

"Donovan," I said, my voice cold.

"Prince Lucien, what is this I heard about you going to war with a pack we just established a link with?" he asked, his tone condescending.

I looked him dead in the eye, my gaze disdainful. Just because he was Stella's father doesn't mean he automatically has my respect.

"Alpha Devon took Avery, he crossed the line so he obviously has to pay the price," I replied, my fury rising as my hands clenched.

"Lady Avery is missing?" Donovan asked in surprise, his eyebrows raised. I felt even more disgusted at him.

"Yes."

"And how are you so sure Alpha Devon took her?"

"He has every reason to. He showed extreme interest in her and asked to take her. I decline him." I stated. I continued walking, moving past him and heading outside.

"And you think a war is an equivalent price to pay for taking a common girl?"

I paused, turning around to look at him. I remained quiet for some time, my aura rising to show my authority.

"She is mine and by 'taking' her away, he has betrayed our trust. Do I need to remind you what a link is based upon? Isn't it trust?" I said.

"You do have a point Prince Lucien but I can't let you start a war."

"Too bad then, I don't listen to you." I chuckled and turned around, walking away.

"That's true, but you do listen to someone don't you?"

I paused as he chuckled, my eyes narrowing. I hadn't expected things to go this way.

"The alpha seeks your presence."

***

I stood in front of my father at the other end of the long table awaiting his orders. It was early in the evening but he was already eating his dinner. He had recently gotten sick and I was surprised he wasn't resting right about now.

"Lucien." my father said

"Father," I replied. 

"What is it I hear about you wanting to war against an ally?" he asked, his voice low due to his sickness.

"They can barely be considered allies, father, it hasn't been a day since we formed the link and yet they've slapped us in the face." I protested.

"They slapped you in the face. What message do you think you are sending to our other allies if they heard of this?" he asked, picking up a piece of vegetable to eat.

"What message do you think we will be sending to our allies if we allow someone to do as they please in our land?" I said back. We were supposed to be dominant, we can't afford to show weakness, not even to our allies.

"You say they slapped me in the face but I'm your heir, whatever they do reflects on us all," I added.

"And the same goes for you also. You already have a mate and yet, you are going to start a war over a girl you discarded?"

"It doesn't matter, she is mine," I said through gritted teeth. What's with everyone telling me I can't have more than one mate? She was mine and mine alone.

"And now she is his. Think of it as a present to our newly formed allies. if our other allies see how benevolent and forgiving you are, they will love you more."

"You have to know that soon, you will be the alpha, you need to think of what's good for the whole pack. Not everything is about asserting dominance."

He looked at me, his eyes were gentle and he had a small helpless smile on his face.

"But father .." I protested, trying hard to restrain my voice.

"That's enough Lucien. You will do no such thing as starting a war. I heard Devon is holding a welcome party, it's probably for Avery. You will send a present to them showing you are accepting of their relationship. I'll send someone to make sure it never gets out that she was taken."

He said firmly. I knew that was his final say and there was nothing more to do about it. I wanted to argue more but I cared about my father. I didn't want to strain him.

"Okay, sir." I agreed reluctantly.

"Good, you can go," he said, getting up from the table and heading towards his quarters to rest.

I turned around and walked out of the hall. On my way out I looked towards Donovan. I gritted my teeth as I saw a sly smile on his face. I knew immediately, he had a hand in this. I don't know how but I was sure he did and I would get to the bottom of it.