Chapter 209

Bethany tries during the entirety of our shared lunch to convince me that Caleb is the one who gave the order to disband the harem.

“No one else would have the right,” she says.

I want to believe that, but it’s difficult to. This is such a dramatic step, and not one Caleb told me about beforehand. I still believe it must be some kind of mistake.

At the end of lunch, a knock sounds on the door. I brace myself as I invite whoever is calling through the door. When an official messenger steps through, I tense up entirely, ready to hear this was all a terrible mistake.

Instead, he says, “Alpha King Caleb requests all harem members come to the Hall immediately.”

He doesn’t stay long after that, disappearing back into the hallway.

Bethany and I look at each other.

“Well, I guess now you will have your confirmation,” she says.

I must have been one of the last to receive the message, because when I arrive at the Hall, most of the other harem members are already there. It’s alarming, seeing so many all in the same place. I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen everyone all together. Perhaps never? There are definitely women here who I’m certain I’ve never seen before.

The large Hall is absolutely packed with women. Some are calm, but most are talking animatedly with each other. Some are excited, others are outraged.

Bethany stays by my side, watching my back. With my warrior training though, and everything I’ve been through, I no longer fear anyone in this room. I’m grateful for Bethany though. All it would take is one overly ambitious and overly murderous person to catch me by surprise and slip a knife into my back.

When the last of the group files in, Caleb and his advisors appear on stage. One of the advisors holds up his hands, claiming everyone’s attention.

“Quiet, please. Quiet.”

When the room falls mostly quiet, Caleb steps forward.

“As you have no doubt been made aware by now,” Caleb says, “I have made the decision to dissolve the harem. My intention was for you to hear it first from me before anyone else, but it’s difficult to keep secrets here, especially of this nature. I apologize for the informality of the reveal.”

Standing there, I keep my eyes on Caleb, even as my mouth drops open. That’s Caleb alright, confirming what Bethany already told me. Still, it doesn’t seem real. I feel like I’m going to wake up any minute and find this was a dream.

I quickly pinch myself in an effort to wake up, but nothing changes.

Maybe this isn’t a dream.

“I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your loyalty to me and the kingdom over the years,” Caleb continues. “You have all served me well, but it is time for us to part ways. Undoubtedly your friends and family miss you.”

I try to imagine what my parents would think to my returning home. With Leah still locked away in the dungeon and Samuel now leading the rebellion, I could only imagine what they were thinking. Seeing me would not make for a happy reunion.

But, if Bethany’s word is truth, then Caleb has no intention of sending me home with the others. If that’s true, though, why am I here for this meeting?

Am I not part of the harem? The dissolution by default would include me.

My nerves begin to prickle once more.

“There is no need to rush in your exit, although you are welcome too,” Caleb says. “I will give you one month to fully depart from the residential wing. If you need assistance in your relocation, my advisors will be happy to assist you. You have served me. Rest assured, I will see you all have comfortable lives from here on.”

Those words seem to ease some of the more ruffled feathers in the group. At least, not as many dagger eyes are being cast my direction.

Some of the girls even seem pleased.

“I can’t wait to see my family again,” says one.

“My sister just had a baby. I never thought I’d get to be a part of their lives.”

“The King is so good to us.”

As they begin to file out of the room, I stay where I was, nervous about what happens next.

When only a few groups linger here and there, I gather my courage and start walking toward the stage. Spotting me, Caleb excuses himself from his advisors and hops down to join me.

The edges of his lips are quirked slightly, an almost smile. “Well?” he says, clearly expecting something from me. As I have no idea what that could be, I just stare back at him. “Harper?”

“What’s going to happen to me?” I ask.

“What?”

“I can’t go home. I don’t have a home.”

Caleb’s almost smile falls away. “You think any of this applied to you?”

“I… Doesn’t it?”

“No,” he says firmly. Stepping closer, he wraps his arms around my waist. Holding me close, he doesn’t seem to care who sees.

“I don’t have to leave?” It still feels too good to be true.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Harper,” Caleb says.

Slowly, the skepticism finally leaves me, and the reality of this situation starts to take hold. He’s done it. He’s really done it.

He’s dissolved his harem. I no longer have to share him.

Happy tears start to well in my eyes. “Oh, Caleb.”

He tugs me against him and holds me tightly for a while. Turning my head, I hide my face against his neck, though I’m certain he can feel my tears against his skin.

After a moment, and several sniffles, I pull back to look in his face again. “Does this make me your servant? Your slave?”

“Whatever you want,” Caleb says. “The only title I care about for you, is mine.”

Heat rushes through me and I start to smile.

“Come on,” Caleb says. “Let’s go somewhere more private and celebrate.”

I love the sound of that, so when Caleb releases me and offers his hand, I immediately take it. Yet, just as we are about to scurry off, a voice from the entrance of the Hall calls out.

“King Caleb! A moment please.”

The voice is familiar. Both of us turn to look.

Scott, the scout who accompanied us before, is there, walking closer to us.

Caleb tilts his head. “A phone call would have done.”

“Not with the news I have,” Scott says. “Especially with the new information you sent out. We need to talk.”

Caleb glances at me. Subtly, I give him a nod. Our celebration can wait until later.

With that, Caleb leads Scott and me toward one of the sitting rooms that line the Hall. Once we are both inside, he closes the door behind us.

“Speak freely, Scott,” Caleb says.

“As you know, since we parted we’ve been tracking Tristan. A while back, we received intel that he was being held in the rebel stronghold, so we focused primarily on that. With your new information, I believe we have narrowed down the location enough to a very specific area,” Scott says.

“That’s great news,” I say.

Scott’s mouth tightens. Caleb narrows his eyes.

“Where is it?”

“The pack lands to the east, in the mountains,” Scott says. “Near where the former Alpha King and his second wife Gladys have their estate.”