<b>3/3 </b>
Third Person’s POV
Two dayster, Caldwell and Tommy returned.
After a downpour, Caldwell changed into dry clothes and hurried to the study to see Lance.
Caldwell said bluntly, “Lycan Erasmus just wants to takemand of the army. Since you n to relinquish it anyway, do so, but never use your marriage as a bargaining chip.”
“He knows you once sought a bond with Miss Davidson’s mother. He wants to offer Miss Davidson to you to clear his conscience. But I see no need for that.”
“After you hand overmand, make him rescind the order. Whether you and Miss Davidson be mates is between you two.”
“Lycan Erasmus’s interferenceplicates things, making any potential bond awkward.”
A mate bond should be clear and honest. A marriage of convenience would dishonor Lance’s integrity.
Lance frowned and said, “I agree. The appointment as armymander came from the former Lycan King, who stated the army is mine to defend our kingdom.”
“The Royal Council is aware. When I relinquishmand, Lycan Erasmus must reward me to honor the former king and the Council.”
“For appearance’s sake, he’ll have to. I fear he’ll directly make Adide my mate, even announcing my pre- war bond request with her to frame it as a reward.”
Caldwell also frowned. “Then people will specte that Airelle preferred Ulrik over you, or that she doubted your victory. There’ll be endless rumors.”
“That’s my main concern,” Lance said, flipping a paperweight off the table.
“Lycan Erasmus’s actions have caused me great distress<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Caldwell pondered and suddenly had a thought. “Is it possible Erasmus doesn’t insist on you relinquishingmand? Perhaps he’s open to either option?”
Lance felt a weight drop. “Are you saying Lycan Erasmus truly wants Adide in the pce as a priestess?”
Caldwell exined, “Eithermand or Miss Davidson. If you force him to rescind the order, he might try to have both. As for rewards, he could offer wealth or even return the Ironthorn Army.”
This was new to Lance.
He’d never heard of Erasmus’s interest in Adide.
If Erasmus had intended to <i>stop </i>Airelle from marrying Adide to Ulrik back then, he would have.
1:05 am
But perhaps his interest arose post–war.
His pce had many priestesses, but none like Adide.
Moreover, she was the most capable candidate to lead the army.
As Lycan Erasmus’s priestess and lover, she’d secure his future.
Also, having proven herself to Alpha Bentley’s subordinates, they’d obey her.
So Lycan Erasmus’s words held ulterior motives.
+10 Free Coins
Lance’s gaze grew colder. “Thus, I must relinquishmand and formally propose <i>to </i>Adide. No other options left.”
Caldwell sighed. “We’ll need a reason–strategic or heartfelt–to secure the bond. The three–month deadline burdens Miss Davidson too. Without Erasmus’s approval, no one dares propose. Those eligible for the Royal Council aren’t chosen lightly.”
Lance said gravely, “I understand.”
Caldwell added, “Prisci might not approve of Miss Davidson.”
In Prisci’s eyes, Lance was the ideal werewolf.
Given Prisci’s temperament, it was foreseeable that Miss Davidson would not have a peaceful life as Lance’s mate.
Lance, decisive as ever, moved swiftly once resolved.
He ordered, “Call the Frostfang Beta. I’ll visit tomorrow.”
Caldwell had Tommy visit the Frostfang Pack.
Confused, Tommy questioned Caldwell, “Alpha Lance could be Adide’s mate without relinquishingmand.”
Caldwell knocked his head, “Without relinquishingmand, Erasmus would have Prisci intervene immediately.”
Tommy thought about the word “intervene” but remained confused.
“Prisci will still object now.” Everyone knew Prisci’s personality.
Caldwell exined, “Now, it’s Prisci acting alone, not on orders. There’s a difference.”
Caldwell stopped there. “Just visit the Frostfang Pack. Say nothing more.”