Chapter 65

Violet

Owen’s words landed but the look on his face told me he was still full of shit. I said nothing, trying to block out the twinging ache running through me. The pain meds were wearing off and I could feel myself getting irritated the longer I had to look at his stupid, lying face.

I almost grimaced at the thought. I was tipping towards furiously hungry. Not the best place to be when sitting across from the alpha king.

“I’ve been accused of being a dictator,” he began, his tone carefully measured, “and of being unfair to Theodore over the years. And recently, it’s been suggested that I’ve been equally unfair to you, Violet.”

I folded my arms, keeping my expression neutral. Whatever he was building up to, it wasn’t an apology. Owen didn’t strike me as the type to admit fault ever, and his tone said he didn't give a damn about being a dictator. He might even like it.

“So,” he continued, leaning back slightly, “I’m taking this moment to correct that. I’ve decided I won’t make a decision on the Shelter project myself.”

I almost scoffed at that, but I glanced at Theodore, trying to gauge his reaction. His unbothered and patient expression was a thing to be admired. I knew that I looked like I'd rather throw the water that hadn't been served in his face than listen to another second of him talking.

“Instead, I’ll put it to a vote. If Theodore can secure 70% of the pack alphas’ support, I’ll approve the project.”

Theodore said nothing, his expression calm, but I felt my anger spike. That number was strategic—just high enough to make it difficult, but not impossible. It wasn't even the same standard of a vote used in the Capital Court, so it was likely that he was going to try and use that against Theodore later.

Besides that, Owen knew Theodore could probably buy 50% of the votes easily. What did he think he know, what was he planning that he was sure that at least 20% would be firmly out of reach for us?

I narrowed my eyes. There was something else behind this, a motivation Owen wasn’t admitting to.

“And what guarantee do we have that you’ll honor this... compromise?” I asked.

Owen frowned, his gaze flicking to me. “A guarantee?”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “In a formal decree. You’re asking Theodore to rally an overwhelming majority of support for this project. The least you can do is ensure your commitment is binding.”

His jaw clenched, and for a moment, he looked like he might refuse outright. “You’re not doing yourself any favors with me by essentially calling me a liar, Violet.”

"Should I ask a different question?" I smiled sweetly, though the edge in my voice was unmistakable. “I thought you were trying to change your image, Owen. Why would being held accountable be a problem?”

The tension between us was palpable, but I refused to back down.

"Also, who is allowed to vote and in what manner?" I asked.

"What?"

"We've never had any form of democracy outside of the Capital Court," I said. "So how are you planning to collect these votes. You're a monarch who doesn't pass decrees based on public opinion."

A dictator, but a weak one.

"Which pack alphas? All of them who are registered and established or only those with enough GDP to be substantially influential in the economy?"

He flushed. Hearing his own words thrown back in his face probably had to hurt.

He set his jaw. "You are pushing my buttons."

"And, with all due respect, Your Majesty, you are wasting my and my husband's time," I said. "Give your track record for making a promise and then changing the terms of it later, I want it in writing."

"I didn't realize that you had become so invested in the affairs of Midnight," he looked at Theodore. "You should be focused on your proper place as luna. Isn't that what's landed you here in the first place?"

I looked at the stunning ring on my hand and tilted my head.

"To have a union blessed by the Goddes three times over, like my parents? Or at Theodore's side? Sitting across the table from you -- what exactly are your referring to?"

He sneered. "You --"

"And as luna of Midnight it is my duty to steward over the issues, initiatives, and policies that will effect the inter and intra workings of the populations within our pack." I smiled. "Isn't that actually why you wanted Theodore to have a luna before agreeing to allow Shelter to happen in the first place? It is, after all, a Midnight-centris endeavor." I smiled, a vicious sort of glee taking over as I felt attention turning towards us. "Wasn't it out of concern for your dear brother?"

He bared his teeth, but closed his mouth, not daring to say a thing while the people not even two tables away were listening in so closely. It wouldn't do him any good to feed the rumor that he and Theodore didn't get along.

The arrogant jackass should have reserved the whole restaurant, though I wonder if the royal coffers could handle that.

Theodore’s hand found mine under the table, squeezing gently.

“Darling, no need to be upset. I’m fine with the decision,” he said, his voice calm and even. “Shelter isn't something to stress about."

I squeezed back. "It's your heart's project. I simply want to fulfill it."

He smiled warmly at me, and I saw Owen starting to look green with envy and even more furious by the second.

Honestly, I didn't want to let it go. Owen was going to keep making things deliberately difficult for him, and for me, for as long as he could get away with it. Theodore might be willing to play the long game, but I had never had much patience for people wasting my time.

"The announcement will be made soon."

With that, Owen stood, adjusting his jacket. He was mad, but the smirk on his face was just smug enough to confirm I was right. Without so much as a backward glance, he strode away from our table. I considered what to say. Nothing in me wanted him to have the last word.

"You know, Theo'," I said, just loud enough to be overheard. "I look forward and wonder…"

"About?"

I smiled. "How lucky the people of Midnight are to have you and all your magnanimous compassion."

Owen stopped a few paces before hurrying out. I sat back, beaming at Theodore.

He chuckled and leaned close. "Are you pleased with yourself?"

"Immensely." He kissed my briefly.

"You're damn hot when you're in a confrontational mood, my luna."

My heart flipped at the affection in his tone.

"A luna must stand in defense of her alpha's territory when he is away."

Theodore chuckled and stood. "Come on. This place is quite good, and I'd rather have a better view."

I stood with him. He placed a steadying hand on the small of my back as he guided me through the restaurant.

We left the main dining area, weaving through a private corridor that led to the balcony. When the door opened, the city stretched out before us in all its glory—gleaming with the early morning sun. The table was set impeccably, and we'd be completely alone on the balcony.

He ushered me into a seat. The waiter poured us glasses of water, and then she was gone.

"It'll all be fine. He’s handed us an opportunity on a silver platter. A chance to talk directly to the pack alphas, the people, anyone who cares about Shelter. All Owen’s done is given me a platform to speak.”

"Yes, but…"

He shrugged. “Owen doesn’t care about the good this project could do. He just wants to keep me under his thumb—control my influence, dictate my actions.”

“Then why are you so calm?”

“Because I’m rich. I have enough resources to buy goodwill, charm a few undecideds, and pay for the lip service to win the vote, no matter who is voting. Though… I have to ask if you ever considered going into law. It felt like I was listening to one of the lawyers.”

My face heated. "Don't insult the lawyers like that… I just…" I sighed. "My mother made sure I was educated about ever aspect possible, and I carried on with it, despite my father's wishes." I shrugged and picked up the menu. "Business has a huge intersection with law…. "

"True."

"Enough about that," I shook my head. "What's good here?"

Theodore rattled off a few suggestions. The waiter came back, and we had just ordered our appetizers and entrees when our phones buzzed.

As we left the restaurant, our phones buzzed in tandem. A notification flashed across the screen of Owen holding a press conference.

Theodore glanced at me, his smirk returning. “And the game begins.”