The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 137: Without my permission

"What do you mean you couldn’t find out where they went?" Phillipe barked, his sharp gaze fixed on Alfred, who kept his head bowed.

"They’ve been highly secretive about their destination, Your Majesty," Alfred responded carefully. Then, as if recalling something, his tone grew more serious. "However, I do have another crucial piece of information for you."

Phillipe’s expression darkened, but his curiosity piqued. "Speak."

Alfred took a steady breath. "The packs held a meeting a few days ago. They discussed the growing threat of rogue groups—and the formation of new spy networks."

Phillipe’s jaw tightened. "Spy networks are forbidden," he said coldly. "How dare these packs hold discussions without my permission?" His fists clenched in barely restrained fury.

"Your Majesty, rogue attacks have increased over the past few months, so they believe such networks could help them counter the threat. However, Radulf advised against it, reminding them that it is banned in the kingdom," Alfred explained. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Phillipe let out a low, menacing chuckle. "Radulf knows very well what happens to those who defy me," he said, his voice laced with warning. His gaze turned sharp as he issued his next command. "Summon the pack leaders who participated in this meeting. And find out where Radulf and Zenna have gone."

"Understood, Your Majesty," Alfred said, bowing deeply before swiftly exiting the chamber.

"I should have asked them last night," Phillipe murmured, picking up the scroll from his desk, wondering what the packs were up to.

"Your Majesty, Princess Aria is here," a servant announced from the doorway.

Phillipe lifted his head. "Send her in," he ordered, leaning back in his chair.

A moment later, Aria stepped into the chamber. She bowed slightly in greeting.

Phillipe studied her with a sharp gaze. "What is it that you wish to speak about at such an hour?" he asked.

"Father, forgive me for disturbing you while you’re working," Aria said. "Gregor has found his mate. It’s so upsetting, Father. I always admired him," she admitted softly.

Phillipe observed her for a moment before gesturing to the chair across from him. "Aria, take a seat."

She hesitated briefly before stepping forward. Pulling out the chair, she sat down, lowering her head as her fingers fidgeted nervously in her lap.

"Gregor isn’t suitable for you. If he were, I would have ensured your union," Phillipe stated firmly. "Besides, for him, it would have been a forced marriage, and in the end, you might have suffered." His gaze softened slightly as he continued, "Now that he has found his mate, I don’t believe it would be wise to separate them."

Aria clenched her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "What about me, Father?" she asked, her eyes searching his for an answer.

"You should find a mate for yourself. If you cannot, then you may choose any suitable man from the packs within the capital," Phillipe reasoned.

Aria fell into silent contemplation, her fingers stilling as she mulled over his words. After a moment, she gave a small nod. "Zenna found her fated mate in the man you chose for her. Radulf is the strongest known dominant alpha in the kingdom," she said. "I wanted someone like him... and in my eyes, Gregor possessed those very qualities."

"There are many men in the kingdom far better suited for you," Phillipe stated, his voice steady. "Would you be interested in meeting Isaac Westwood of the Pine River Pack?" he suggested, watching her closely.

Aria hesitated, but before she could respond, Phillipe continued, "No one can rival Radulf in strength, so finding someone exactly like him would be nearly impossible."

Her lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke again. "Then why did you choose him for Zenna, Father?" she questioned, a hint of resentment in her voice. "She isn’t even worthy of standing beside him."

Before Phillipe could answer, a sharp, commanding voice interrupted them.

"Because Radulf was never worthy of marrying you."

Aria stiffened at the familiar tone. Turning her head, she saw Queen Loretta stepping into the chamber, her regal presence demanding attention.

"He is the son of a traitor," Loretta continued coldly. "Do you think I would have ever allowed you to be tied to someone like him? Radulf should have been hanged alongside his parents that very day."

Aria quickly rose from her chair out of respect, lowering her head slightly as her mother approached.

Phillipe exhaled through his nose before nodding. "Then the Queen shall assist the princess in selecting a suitable mate," he declared, shifting the responsibility onto Loretta.

The Queen’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she looked at her daughter. "Very well," she said calmly. "I will make sure Aria finds a mate truly worthy of her status, Your Majesty." Loretta then turned to Aria with a composed expression. "Leave us," she instructed. "I have an important matter to discuss with the Alpha King."

Aria nodded obediently, bowing to both her parents before quietly exiting the chamber.

Once the doors closed behind her, Loretta shifted her attention fully to Phillipe.

"I want you to declare the Crown Prince as the next King soon," she stated. It wasn’t a request from her side.

Phillipe’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward slightly. "Why?" he asked, his voice edged with displeasure. "Do you think I am no longer fit to rule?"

Loretta met his frown with a knowing stare. "Your Majesty has undoubtedly lost much of his strength," she remarked, unbothered by his reaction. "Our son carries the blood of an Alpha in his veins. You must ensure that the throne remains secure until the very end."

"Leon isn’t the true heir to the throne. He doesn’t contain my blood. He was merely a replacement for the position of the crown prince because you could never give me a son," Phillipe said, keeping his gaze fixed on her.

"Phillipe, is that why you cheated on me with that omega? You will declare Leon as your next heir to the throne, or I’ll kill Zenna before she can give birth to your grandchild," Loretta threatened him.