Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 235

The king pov

The Council members sit around the long table, their faces unreadable. The robes that represent their high standing hangs heavy on their shoulders and the silence in the room stretches out, filling every corner, every space.

I stand at the head of the table, hands braced on the wood, struggling to come up with the right words to address the powerful men around me. They’re waiting for me to speak up. I know they’re watching every move I make, judging my ability to be the king I’m supposed to be.

Sucking in a deep breath, I brace myself for whatever is to come and force my voice to remain as steady and emotionless as I can make it be. “Thank you for joining me on such a short notice, gentlemen,” I start and slowly scan the faces.

I hate this. Having to grovel, to beg for help, it’s not something a king would do. But my own son has left me no other choice.

I push myself off the table and straighten my position. “I called you here because we have a problem. A serious one. It’s not putting only the Royal bloodline at risk, it’s threatening to burn the whole kingdom down to nothing but ash.”

Elder Thorne, always the sharpest, speaks up first. “A problem with your son, I presume?”

I clench my jaw. “Yes.” The word is bitter on my tongue, but there’s no point in denying it. They already know. News travels fast, and Kaiden hasn’t been subtle with his displays of magic.

“My king,” another Eder speaks up. “We’ve heard disturbing reports. While I would like to think those are untrue, we can’t ignore the masses of reports we’re seeing. Public use of forbidden magic. Fear. Tyranny. Those are just a few main issues the people are reaching out to the Council about. How much of it is true?”

“Too much,” I admit, my heart heavy with the weight of the admission. “Kaiden has changed. Ever since the failed ceremony, he’s been using powers I don’t recognize. Dark powers. He’s no longer acting like my son, or even like a prince. He’s reckless and dangerous. He doesn’t care how many of our people suffer for as long as he gets what he wants.”

“And you let it happen?” Elder Thorne growls.

I feel the heat rise to my face. I want to deny his accusation, but in a way, I’m responsible for this mess. “I didn’t let it happen,” my voice is sharper than I intend. “Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I wanted to see my son turn into this? I don’t know how he got the magic, or what he gave up for it, but it’s consuming him. I can see it and I can’t stop it. I need help.”

The room is silent for a moment, the weight of my words slowly sinks in. Then another Elder speaks again, his voice low. “What exactly do you want from us? You’ve ruled this pack for decades. You’ve handled rebellion, war, and famine. Why can’t you handle your own son?”

“Because he’s not just my son anymore!” The words rip out of me before I can stop them. “He’s something else now. That magic has changed him. It’s given him power that I can’t match, power that’s driving him mad. Even Kaiden himself has forgotten who he is.”

Councilor Thorne raises an eyebrow. “Is it madness, or ambition?”

“Both,” I admit. “He wants control, power. And he’s willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way, including me.”

A murmur runs through the Council, and I see the doubt in their eyes. They think I’ve lost control and sadly, they’re not wrong. There is nothing about this situation that I can try to control at all.

“You’re the king. If you can’t control him, then perhaps it’s time to consider harsher measures.”

My heart nearly breaks at his words. “He’s my son. I can’t just,” I stop myself to take a breath and brace myself for the effect of the words that I’m supposed to say next. I sound broken, devastated beyond repair, but I manage to whisper the dreaded statement, “I can’t kill him.”

“No one is suggesting that,” Thorne interjects, though his tone suggests otherwise. “But you must understand that if Kaiden is as dangerous as you say, then he’s a threat not just to your pack, but to the entire alliance. If he continues down this path, the Council will have no choice but to intervene.”

I stiffen and glare at him. “Intervene? What does that mean?”

“It means we’ll do whatever is necessary to protect the balance of power. With or without your approval.”

Anger flares in my chest, but I push it down. Fighting them won’t help. I need their support, not their interference. “Please,” I whisper as the desperation claws at me. “I’m asking for your help. Kaiden is out of control, yes, but he’s still my son. I can’t stop him alone. I need time to figure out how to reach him and bring him back before it’s too late.”

“And what happens if it is too late?” Thorne asks.

I don’t answer right away. The truth is, I don’t know. If Kaiden continues down this path, there may be no saving him. But I can’t admit that. Not here and definitely not to the Council Elders.

“I’ll handle it. Just give me the time I need.” I finally announce, already hating that I asked for their advice to begin with.

The Elders exchange glances. Finally, one of them speaks. “We’ll give you time. But not much. If Kaiden’s actions continue to threaten the alliance, we’ll have no choice but to act.”

I nod, feeling how the tension finally leaves my body. “Thank you.” It’s too soon, of course, but I do feel a little lighter knowing I have some time.

“Don’t thank us yet,” Thorne interjects, ruining my moment of ease. “You’re playing a dangerous game. One wrong move, and you could lose everything.”

“I’m aware,” I whisper and nod. “Believe me, I’m aware.”

The Council rises without more words and I stand aside, watching them leave the room, the whispered conversations filling the air around them as they leave.

I stay behind and order my servants to show the Council out. I need to think. Kaiden has put me in an impossible position. He’s my son, but he’s also my greatest threat. And now, I’m running out of time to stop him.

As the door closes behind the last Elder, I let out a shaky breath and collapse into my chair. For the first time in decades, I feel truly powerless, and that terrifies me.