Das‘ p.o.v.


    We are back in the Throne room and the air is buzzing with whispered words.


    Why are we here? What will happen today? Why do those Elders lock angry? Those are some of the questions that float through the air, but no one can figure out the answers.


    “Quiet down<b>, </b>please.” Uncle Vaughn says after he has gotten out of his seat. It takes a few seconds for the room to go quiet and I take a look around the room, looking at everyone present.


    “I have asked all of you to gather here for a trial.” Uncle Vaughn says and the room erupts in murmurs again. He gives them time to settle down again, but it seems that it is very difficult for them to keep their mouths shut.


    “My Grandfather had to take over the Throne rather unexpectedly and hadn’t finished his training yet. Three Elders decided to take advantage of this and keep a lot of important information from him. They chose Elders who shared their mindset and took power that wasn’t theirs to have.


    This book exins the duties of the Elders and the reasons behind their initial selection. I was stunned to hear that an Elder we have all put our trust in broke ourws for their own gain.<b>” </b>Uncle Vaughn says.


    He lets everyone think about his words and takes his time to return to his seat. He is leaving the rest of the trial up to me, something that Charna and I are more than willing to do.


    “Our Elders only have an advisory role and no other power than to carry out the orders of their king or Queen. The Council consists of nine Elders and is chosen by the King with the input of his Beta and Gamma. The same applies to the Protectors and


    bloodline Guardians.


    When ites to crimesmitted by a Pack’s leadership, the King and his Beta and Gamma will be your judge and jury. The King designs and signs off onws with his Beta and Gamma. The Elders can only give them advice on the matter.” I say as I let my eyes roam over the Shifters in the Throne room.


    I don’t have to tell you that not every Elder and Alpha is pleased with my speech, but I don’t give a rodent’s behind.


    “<b>For </b>those of you who are watching this from your territory, let it be clear that you can report any crime to the Pce. We w determine how it will be handled and whether it needs to be presented to the King.


    Any crime that is punishable by death or life imprisonment has to be reported to the Pce. An Alpha can and will not have the right to convict a Pack–member for such a crime. Break thatw and we will take your title and your Pack away from you and your family.” I continue.


    I know that many Alphas have broken thatw in the past and we decided not to hold it against them. However, we wanted them to know that we would be watching from this day forward.


    “Excuse me<b>, </b>but who are you to tell us this?” An Alpha asks and I look in his direction as I point at my mark.


    “This mark does. I am the Royal Beta of the Phaenian Kingdom.” answer and his face pales when he realizes what that means.


    Usually, I would have given him a hard time for the tant disrespect. In this case, I don’t because none of them knew I had epted the position.


    “We held the Ceremonyst night. So, I will forgive you your disrespect. However, <b>I </b>am warning you all, the next one to disrespect me will lose his head.” I say.


    We present them with all the evidence we found and its location. Pictures of the closets and the open doors to the hiding <b>ces</b>. Pictures of the books and files that were uncovered, even from the secret meeting those Elders had over the years.


    We hear from Captain Vern and Joshua about their search of the West wing and how the Elders acted during their confinement. We hear about the notes that were made during their confinement and we can hear a few Elders and Alphas growl.


    “In my hand, I have the most disgusting file that was among the evidence. Former Elder Irvine wanted to expand his power


    A Break


    even further and came up with the n to have his Granddaughter Tammy, be your next Queen.” I say as I hold up the file.


    On the screen, I show them each page from the file and slowly it bes clear to everyone what he had intended to do with the Kingdom.


    Irvine is trying to get out of the Throne room, but our Guardians block his way. No one will be allowed to leave the Throne room until Uncle Vaughn says so and that won’t be for a very long time.


    “Your Highness<b>, </b><b>I </b>had no idea about the hidden space in my room Elder Zane says. “However, I will ept any punishment I am given.”


    “Elder Zane, we are aware of the fact that you weren’t aware of the hidden <b>space</b><b>. </b><b>The </bst entry into your Father’s journal is from the morning of his death. No one has been in there ever since as these pictures will show you.<b><i>” </i></b>I reply.


    I show them a picture of the floor in Elder Zane’s closet and after that, a picture of the floor in Elder Dawn’s closet.


    “I believe it is clear to see that the door hadn’t been opened in ages. We are not going to punish you for crimes that your Father and Grandfathermitted.” I say. “Your position as an Elder is an entirely different subject<b>, </b>but that goes for almost every Elder.<b>” </b>


    Elder Zane nods his head before he sits down again. He seems to understand what my words imply for the Council and the other Elders.


    Alpha Leon gets up as his eyes are fixated on me, but I don’t allow his behavior to unsettle me.


    “Your Highness, I was wondering when you would visit home again. Your Father and Sister are anxious to see you again.” Alpha Leon says. He knows what he is doing, but I have no intention of ying his game.


    “Alpha Leon, are you trying to impress the other Alphas?” I ask, but don’t allow him time to respond. “I believe I made myself clear thest time you hinted toward this. Your Beta never gave a damn about me and Lucy is not and never will be my Sister.”


    I see a few Lunas hide their smiles behind their hands, but others don’t give a damn and smile without hiding it. Alphas are chuckling as they look at Alpha Leon<b>, </b>making it clear that they will remember his behavior here today.


    “We will have a break for lunch and will continue this further in an hour or two.” Uncle Vaughn says as he steps beside n


    Very Capable