Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 137 The Position of Alpha Queen
A heavy silence descended over the now, much calmer, courtroom. Ann couldn’t help but feel a little cheated that they wouldn’t immediately be executed, but there was nothing that she could do to reverse the decision.
It was, however, a decidedly better outcome than she had initially feared, although, she wasn’t sure that Adam would agree with her. His face was still dark with a murderous rage and the aura emanating from him was terrifying. She understood fully now why he had such a terrifying reputation.
“With these vile matters resolved and a judgment in place, I move to vote that the current reigning Alpha King Leopold Veritas, his former wife, Narcissa Veritas and his… non-biological daughter, Ada Veritas, hereby be s*tri*pped of their royal titles.” The Ancient voice spoke from the darkness above.
Countless voices signaled their agreement as Ann cast a glance toward where her father sat. The tiniest wave of pity washed over her as she took in his dejected appearance and resolute set of his jaw.
“The Royal Elder Council is in agreement. Effective immediately both Narcissa Veritas and Ada Veritas will be s*tri*pped of their status. Alpha King Leopold Veritas will act as a proxy until his replacement can be inaugurated.” The Ancient voice continued.
Ann blinked in surprise.
‘The old bastards don’t waste any time do they?’ Maeve said thoughtfully.
‘Maeve… have a little respect. They sit in the Royal Elder Council for a reason.1 Ann chided.
‘Pfft. I’m not wrong though.’
‘Perhaps not… but we are going to have to work closely with them in the future, Maeve, so please… don’t make this hard for me, okay? I can’t be sitting through serious events and fighting back laughter every time you chose to be vocal about your inner dialogue…’
‘Oh sure, blame the wolf… you are aware though that technically I am YOUR inner dialogue… just think about that…it’s mostly your fault that I’m like this…’
Ann didn’t quite know how to reply to that and Maeve sniggered in response.
‘It’s like Schrodinger’s cat, isn’t it?’ Maeve exclaimed gleefully, ‘Although I would have much preferred he uses a wolf rather than a cat… sneaky little bastards…’ she grumbled to herself.
“Ann? Pay attention, they’re talking to you…” Adam murmured quietly in her ear.
She quickly pulled herself out of her dialogue with Maeve and listened attentively to the mysterious voices above.
“…and as we are all in agreement, all that is required is for Ann to accept the terms. Do you accept it?” The Ancient voice asked, his tone flat and deadly serious, indicating whatever she had missed was indeed of great magnitude.
Ann swallowed nervously and glanced sideways at her friends as she gathered her hands in her lap. She had no idea what conversation she had just missed and the delay in answering was starting to draw murmurs from above.
‘They’re asking if you accept the position of Alpha Queen, princess.’ Adam’s gruff voice appeared in her head, startling her slightly.
She had forgotten about the mind link and at that moment, she was incredibly grateful for it.
Ann lifted her eyes as she stood, hands clasped demurely in front other, and looked at where her father sat for a few moments catching his gaze momentarily. His eyes were filled with grief, sadness, and strangely enough, a fierce pride as he regarded his daughter.
He nodded gently in her direction and Ann lifted her chin, turning her gaze upwards to the darkness that shrouded the balcony above.
A thousand thoughts swirled through her mind as she hesitated to answer, but after a moment’s pause, she spoke confidently to the unknown people above.
“It would be an honor to accept this position,” Ann answered simply and a hum of approval met her words.
“Very well. Then it is decided. The rightful heir to the Alpha King’s Throne has accepted her ascension to Alpha Queen. Henceforth she will be known as Ann Nocturne, Alpha Queen, as befitting her status as one of the few true Alpha Females left in this world.” The Ancient voice announced.
“Now that the important details are settled, arrangements for your official coronation will be made and announced shortly. We will arrange the necessities, all you have to focus on is ensuring that none of what happened here today ever leaves this room.” A female voice answered as Lexi gasped in outrage.
“The general public will be informed that Leopold has chosen to step aside and retire after many long, fruitful years on the throne. We would prefer it that he mostly stays out of the public eye following his abdication, but if needed, he can still attend functions when there is no other alternative.” The female voice continued, raising her voice imperiously.
“So you’re going to hide the fact that Dark Witches and a Rogue Daemon are actively working to e***“e your kind?!” Lexi protested, completely undeterred.
A ripple of disapproval could be heard from above them as a male voice answered.
“No good will come from panicking the citizens. We have successfully achieved a delicate balance between all races that dwell within our kingdom. What do you think will happen when the mere mention of a witch or Daemon resurgence is mentioned?”
“Yeah sure, people are gonna be pissed and target the wrong groups but, you can plan for that surely?! Don’t people have a right to know? They should be preparing to defend themselves if needed… we don’t know when or even what their next move might be!” Lexi roared angrily.
“ENOUGH!” A booming voice interrupted and Lexi fell silent almost immediately, although the disdainful sneer that crept onto her lips told everyone exactly what she thought of their decisions at this moment in time.
“That is an issue for another day.” A gentle female voice said, in an attempt to placate the rising tensions, “Right now, we need to focus on stability so that when the time comes to reveal that… concerning snippet to the members of the public, they have faith that our leadership can resolve it quickly and decisively.”
Lexi snorted as she threw herself back in her chair, her eyes flashing dangerously yet she knew that this wasn’t an argument that she could win.