Third Person’s POV


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    Lance said, “If we wage war in the name of the prince and the ughtered civilians, the Western Tribes‘ werewolves might massacre the civilians at Bloodscar Border. But the southern border is different. Thend we reimed didn’t belong to us and was war–torn. Snke has adhered to the principle of not harming civilians–he’s a truemander.”


    Snke’s restraint was indeed admirable.


    But Lance knew that if the Western Tribes‘ second prince became the new Lycan King, he’d likely act on the truth. Given his belligerent nature, Bloodscar Border would be in peril, and even Snke couldn’t stop him.


    .


    Turning to Adide, Lycan Erasmus’s tone softened. “I’ve discussed with Lycan Luna the possibility of Adide serving as a royal priestess.”


    Lance, preupied with the Western Tribes‘ internal strife, absent–mindedly agreed.


    Then, realizing what was said, he shot upright, his inebriation gone. “You want Adide to enter the royal pce as a priestess?”


    The royal court had priestess positions, but they were essentially for breeding purposes.


    Lycans valued tradition–one mate per werewolf–but the royal family sought more heirs.


    Thus, they appointed priestesses, selecting strong, noble–blooded she–wolves.


    This was why Erasmus hadn’t outright rejected Ulrik’s request to take Velda as his second mate.


    “What’s the excitement for?” Erasmus nced at Lance. “She’s earned merits and is the sole heir of the Frostfang Pack. Alpha Bentley’s former subordinates will inevitably rally behind her. Women’s hearts are fickle; if exploited, she might tarnish her father’s legacy. Bing a priestess is the safest path.”


    Lance’s voice cracked. “She’s only been to war once. Why such precaution?”


    “It’s better to prepare than to remediate,” Erasmus said sternly. “Your reaction’s excessive. She’s your subordinate, but her future isn’t yours to dictate. My decision to make her a priestess is final.”


    3


    “Have you asked her? Does she want this? Why confine such a she–wolf? If you fear her amassing power, arrange a mate for her.”


    Impatiently pacing, Lance added, “Moreover, her amassing power is a baseless concern. Why such severity?”


    “A mate? Who’s worthy? Ordinary wolves won’t do. If a powerful pack allies with her Frostfang Pack, isn’t that forming a power base? I couldn’t take the risk earlier.”


    “But now, with no outstanding young generals, isn’t keeping her in the pce a waste of talent?” Lance’s fingers subconsciously tapped his sword hilt, the wolf’s–head emblem gleaming in the candlelight.


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    “A priestess can still wage war,” Erasmus remarked, ying with his wolf–bone seal. “I want her Frostfang Pack aligned with the royal family, not imprisoned in a gilded cage.”


    “She won’t agree,” Lance insisted, stepping forward as his armor tes clinked. “And I deem it improper.”


    “What’s improper? Who in the capital better suits her lineage than the pce?” Erasmus sneered. “You just suggested she take a mate. Now you object?”


    Lycan Erasmus pressed his hand down. “Sit. I know you value talent, but with no wars now, I believe you can train fine generals. As for Adide’s consent, once my decree is issued, she mustply, regardless of her feelings.”


    “Isn’t this imposing on someone?” Lance was momentarily flustered. “I think we should ask Adide first.”


    Lycan Erasmus stared at him for a long moment. “Lance, don’t tell me you’ve taken a liking to her?”


    “I…” Lance hesitated, recalling his earlier words. If he and Adide were to be mates, Lycan Erasmus would be even more apprehensive.


    “If you have no intention of mating with her, there’s no need for objection. Inquire her feelings, but know this–my decision stands. Mymand will follow,” Erasmus said, his tone brooking no dissent. O


    Lanceughed bitterly. “Lycan Luna rissa won’t agree to this.”


    “I’ll persuade her. Don’t you worry about that. Tomorrow, go to the Frostfang Pack and speak with her,” Lycan Erasmus said with finality.


    His gaze locked onto Lance’s, and he delivered the crushing blow, “Consider this an order.”


    The immense aura of the Lycan King pressed down on Lance, making Lance hard to breathe.


    His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but one thing stood out clearly: he couldn’t let Lycan Erasmus bring Adide into the pce as a priestess.


    A spirit like hers shouldn’t <i>be </i>confined to the pce, even if she wasn’t on the battlefield.


    “Lycan Erasmus, she can’t be a priestess. I disagree. She’s my subordinate; you can’t take her by force without her consent.”


    “This isn’t a valid reason,” Erasmus retorted. 7


    “She’s just emerged from a terrible marriage. At least grant her time to heal and rebuild trust in men. Respect her feelings instead of forcing her into submission.”


    Erasmus’s gaze sharpened. “Do you apply such leniency in war? Do you consider the enemy’s feelings?”


    2


    Lance stood firm. “She’s not the enemy.” D