The Princess's Revenge Chapter 110

Valencia’s POV

Our horses stamped impatiently, their breath forming small clouds in the cold air. I adjusted the straps on my pack one more time, checking that everything was secure.

Logan stood near his white stallion, speaking quietly with Elias. Three warriors waited nearby—Ryan, Bastian, and Thomas. They were all dressed for travel.

"Are you ready?" Logan asked, walking over to me.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I said.

He helped me mount my horse, his hands steady on my waist. Once I was settled, he swung up onto his stallion.

"We'll ride hard today," Logan announced to the group. "We need to reach King's Fang before nightfall."

"Yes, Alpha," the warriors replied in unison.

We rode out through the castle gates as the sun climbed higher. The snow was thick here in the north, covering everything in pristine white. Our horses' hooves crunched through it, leaving a clear trail behind us.

For the first hour, no one spoke much. We were all focused on the journey ahead. But as we descended from the high plateau, the landscape began to change.

The snow gradually thinned. Where it had been knee-deep near the castle, now it barely covered the ground. Pine forests gave way to bare deciduous trees, their branches reaching toward the pale sky.

"Look," I said to Logan, pointing ahead. "The snow is almost gone."

"We're moving south," he explained. "The climate is warmer here. By the time we reach King's Fang, there won't be any snow at all."

I watched in fascination as the world transformed around us. "It's beautiful," I murmured.

Ryan rode up beside us. "Luna, how are you holding up? We've been riding for several hours."

"I'm fine," I said. "Just a bit sore."

"We'll stop to rest soon," Logan said. "There's a clearing about a mile ahead."

When we reached the clearing, everyone dismounted gratefully. Thomas immediately went to check the horses while Bastian unpacked dried meat and bread from his saddlebags.

"Eat quickly," Logan instructed. "We only have fifteen minutes before we need to move again."

I sat on a fallen log, accepting the food Bastian offered. My legs ached from hours in the saddle, but I knew complaining wouldn't help.

We mounted up again and continued south. As the sun began to sink toward the horizon, the landscape changed again. The wild countryside gave way to cultivated fields. Small farmhouses dotted the hillsides, smoke rising from their chimneys.

"We're close now," Logan said. "King's Fang is just over that ridge."

We crested the ridge, and I gasped. King's Fang spread out before us like something from a dream. The city was built on several hills overlooking a wide bay. Massive stone walls surrounded it, easily fifty feet high, with towers every hundred yards. Guards walked the battlements.

Beyond the outer walls, I could see a maze of streets and buildings rising in tiers toward the highest hill. At the very top stood the royal palace—a massive structure of pale stone. Its towers reached toward the sky, and I could see banners flying from every turret.

"It's enormous," I breathed.

"The largest city in Valdoria," Logan said. "Home to over fifty thousand people."

We rode down toward the main gate. "Halt!" a guard called out as we neared. "State your business!"

Logan rode forward. "Alpha Logan of Cliffwatch Pack. I've been summoned to the royal council."

The guard's expression changed immediately. "Of course, Alpha. My apologies. Please, enter."

The massive gates swung open, revealing a tunnel through the thick walls. Our horses' hooves echoed as we passed through. When we emerged on the other side, I found myself staring at the streets of King's Fang.

But something was wrong. The streets were nearly empty.

"Logan," I said quietly. "Where is everyone?"

He didn't answer immediately, his expression grim as he looked around at the deserted market squares and shuttered shops.

"Let's get to the palace first," he said. "I'll explain there."

We rode through eerily quiet streets. A few people hurried along with their heads down, but most of the buildings looked abandoned. Windows were dark, doors were barred, and entire sections of the city seemed completely empty.

"This doesn't look right," Elias muttered.

"No," Logan agreed. "It doesn't."

The palace district was at the top of the highest hill, reached by a wide stone road that wound back and forth. As we climbed, the buildings became grander. But even here, many were dark and silent.

We finally reached the palace gates. Guards in armor stood at attention on either side.

"Alpha Logan," one of them said with a bow. "We've been expecting you. Please, follow me."

We dismounted and stable hands appeared to take our horses. I stayed close to Logan as we followed the guard through a series of courtyards and corridors.

The palace was magnificent. But like the city outside, it felt empty. The few people we passed moved quickly, their faces drawn with worry.

"This is your suite," the guard finally said, stopping before a set of double doors. "The council meeting will be held tomorrow at noon. Please make yourselves comfortable."

The doors opened to reveal a series of luxurious rooms. The main chamber had a huge bed with silk curtains, plush chairs arranged near a fireplace, and windows overlooking the bay.

Ryan, Bastian, and Thomas were shown to a smaller adjoining room. Elias would stay in another suite nearby.

Once the guard left and closed the door, I turned to Logan. "What's going on? Why is the city so empty?"

Logan walked to the window and looked out at the darkening sky. "My father is dying."

The words hung in the air between us.

"Dying?" I repeated. "How do you know?"

"I've known for months. He's been sick for over a year now. The healers say he has maybe weeks left at most."

I walked over to stand beside him. "I'm sorry."

Logan's laugh was bitter. "Don't be. I'm not."

I was shocked by the coldness in his voice. "Logan—"

"You don't understand, Valencia. My father is not a good man. He never was." Logan's jaw clenched. "Do you want to know why the city is half empty?"

"Because when an Alpha King dies, there's a power vacuum. His brothers, his sons, anyone with a claim to the throne will fight for control. And King's Fang will be the battlefield." Logan turned to face me. "Half the population has already fled to other packs, hoping to survive the chaos. The nobles are choosing sides, preparing for war. Everyone knows what's coming."

"A civil war," I said quietly.

"Yes. Between Elton, Soren, and whoever else thinks they can take the throne." Logan's hands clenched into fists.

I took his hand, feeling how tense he was. Before I could speak, there was a knock at the door.

"Enter," Logan called.

A servant bowed. "Alpha Logan, the Alpha King requests your presence. Immediately."

Logan's expression hardened. "Now? Tonight?"

"Yes, Alpha. He's waiting in his private chambers."

Logan looked at me. "I have to go."

"I know. Be careful."

He kissed my forehead quickly, then followed the servant out of the room.

I watched him go, worry gnawing at my stomach. Something felt wrong about this sudden summons. But I had no choice except to wait.