Chapter 207

Later in the day, as the Council finally convenes, Caleb joins me in one of the side rooms of the Hall where we can speak privately.

Though I’m eager to ask him about what his plans are with Gladys, given how the pack Alphas talked about her, the most pressing matter at this moment is Tristan.

“Tell me what Jason told you,” Caleb says.

“Okay, but promise you will keep where you gained this information from a secret,” I reply. “Jason is worried about the safety of his family and friends.”

Caleb gives me a flat look, as if he is making no such vow – which puts me in a very awkward position, having already promised Jason that we would keep his involvement a secret.

“Please, Caleb,” I say. “I’ve already promised.”

Caleb looks at me a moment more, then sighs. “Your soft heart is a liability, Harper. Be careful with it.”

I know Caleb generally likes my soft heart so I don’t read too much into the words. I know they are intended as a warning more than a criticism.

“Fine,” he says, “I’ll keep the secret. Now tell me.”

“The rebels have been in touch with Jason. He believes that he has an idea where the stronghold is, and believes that Tristan is being held there. He also thinks Tristan is still alive.”

Caleb listens closely as I continue to relay all that Jason told me in confidence.

When I finish, more than upset, Caleb seems relieved. “I’d been hoping something like this would happen. We just needed one break, somewhere, from someone, to get the wheels turning. This information will narrow our search tremendously.”

“Do you think we’ll find him?” I ask.

“We will,” he confirms. “I just hope we find him before the rebels discover how much we know.” He curses lightly. “I wish I could go and search for myself.”

I could understand his frustration. The King was often a figurehead as well as a statesman. For him to disappear for weeks on end to search for his friend and Beta would make the kingdom appear weak. He has so much power, and still his hands are tied more often than they are not.

“Tristan will understand,” I say.

“He shouldn’t be made to,” Caleb replies, his brow lowering with annoyance. This annoyance, I know, is entirely self-reflective.

His frustration makes me consider my own position. I’m not as powerful as Caleb, but therefore not needed nearly so much. Perhaps I could move freely while he remains bound. If I could join the search then…

“No,” Caleb says, looking into my eyes.

I startle a little. I haven’t said any of what I was thinking out loud.

“I can already see the wheels in your brain turning,” Caleb says. “You think that though I’m confined here, you are not. Harper, I absolutely forbid you leaving the palace for this, or for anything else.”

“But, Caleb –”

He grips me by the shoulders. “You told me yourself what Jason said. Samuel is obsessed with you.”

So he had been paying attention to that part… I skimmed over it quickly, hoping he wouldn’t put too much stock into it. Apparently, it had not gone unnoticed.

“Do you truly believe that if you take even one step outside of the palace walls without me that you will not be taken? How many times do you need to be attacked before you start exercising caution for your own life?”

“I…” I start to say, but he continues, not waiting for me to finish.

“How many times must I tell you what will happen to this kingdom, to me, if you are taken from me?” Caleb says, a growl permeating his voice. “There is nothing I won’t do to get you back. I will tear everything down, burn the whole world, to have you back again. And if they hurt you…? I will scorch the entire kingdom myself.”

“Caleb…”

He closes his eyes, blocking away the intense focus that had burned into me during his speech. Only now do I feel like I can breathe again.

“Tell me you aren’t planning anything foolish,” he says.

“I’m not planning anything,” I say. “I wasn’t before. I was just thinking about it.”

“Don’t even do that,” Caleb says. When he opens his eyes again, there is less intensity, though some concern still lingers. “You have no idea how many wait for the opportunity to take you from me. Do not give them the opportunity, Harper. I’m asking you.”

“I won’t. I’m sorry.”

The touch of fear in his eyes makes my own heart ache. Lifting my hand, I place it onto his cheek. He leans into the touch. Turning he places a soft kiss to my palm.

“Caleb,” I sigh, with more feeling this time.

Leaning down, he captures my lips with his own and kisses me until the chasm that started to form between us patches up once more.

Leaving Caleb to his duties, I return to wing with our room, as well as the rooms of all the harem members. However, once I step foot into the hallway, I nearly walk right into a legion of harem girls and handmaidens bustling around.

Suitcases are being wheeled around. Some servants are carrying dresses, others missives. As a harem member walks by me, she tells her handmaiden, “I feel like I am forgetting so many things.”

Others are far less organized. Some have gathered in the hallway in small groups, some looking upset, others furious.

When they catch sight of me, many openly glare.

A few even start to approach me, though, noticing this, one of the guards at Caleb’s door steps forward to intercept them. Even stopped, the girls peer around the guard to glare at me.

“I hope you are happy with yourself, Harper!” one of them shouts at me.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I say. “What’s happening?”

“Like you don’t know!” one of the girls accuses. “Like you didn’t arrange for all of this!”

“I have no idea what’s happening,” I try to say again, but they don’t seem to be listening. They are too overcome with their rage, ready to accuse me of everything.

“You vicious snake,” said one girl. “We applauded you getting rid of Annabelle, but now the rest of us? This is too far, Harper, and you are only hurting Caleb with this.”

I genuinely am so confused.

Bethany, on the other end of the hallway, spots me and rushes closer. Grabbing my arm, she pulls me back into the rooms I now share with Caleb.

“Bethany,” I say, hoping she can gleam some light on what’s going on around here. “What is going on? Why is there so much chaos around here?”

“Everyone’s packing,” Bethany says. “It’s better if you stay in here for a while, I think. Out of the way. You’ll be safe behind the guards.”

“Packing?” I ask, still confused. “Where are they going? And why would I be in danger?”

“They blame you, Harper,” Bethany says. “They always blame you for everything, but things are worse this time. This is their last chance to act out against you.”

“Bethany…” I’m at a total lose.

“Harper,” Bethany replies. “Can’t you see? Caleb has disbanded the harem. All the harem members are being sent back to their packs. Well, all except you.”