The White Wolf Chapter 106: All the Damn Time

She would not press Enzo. Instead, she would be a good mate and tell Caspian to do it later.

Looking down at the table she spotted her parents who had Morgan next to them smiling animatedly. Alexia had made sure not to place any young males near her or her father might scare them off. With Luca and Alexia out of the house, he was able to focus more on her.

Not too far away was Luca and his mate. Her keen hearing could pick up bits and pieces of what they were discussing. Abi seemed to be happily chatting away with some Eastern Kingdom Court members about her family. Alexia was straining to listen when she was interrupted by Prince Dristan speaking to her.

“My apologies, would you repeat that?” She tried to play it off as if she hadn’t been completely ignoring him.

“I was asking if you would not mind giving me the tour tomorrow.” He threw her a dashing smile that screamed danger.

Caspian interjected dryly “My beta will be available to give you a tour.” Gabe looked up from his plate with a furrowed brow at the king's words. No doubt he was drowning in work.

His poor mate who was seated next time had barely seen him during the preparations. Her patience was that of a saint as she sat next to her mate supporting him quietly.

Dristan cocked his head “I would love to get the know Queen Alexia better as you and I have met before.” His attempt to rile Caspian seemed to be working. “To strengthen our alliance that is.”

If looks could kill Dristan would be dead but it seemed he was ready to play and taking his first shots at the King.

“Plus” his voice drawled. “I’ve never met a Silver before so I’m very intrigued to learn more about you.” He said as sweetly as he could.

“Very well, I would be happy to give you a tour.” She flashed him a smile before Caspian could protest as he wanted to but would not contradict her in front of everyone.

“Excellent!” He beamed “I will be waiting for you first thing in the morning, I want to learn all about you. ”

“I’m afraid you might find me rather dull as I have only been queen for a little while.” She feigned being humble with a sigh.

“Nonsense, I’m sure you're quite fascinating as the Silver family has always been.” He encouraged her.

“I’ve just had a wonderful idea!” She chimed putting down her silverware. “I’ll have my father accompany us so you can converse with another Silver as well.”

“How thoughtful of you.” He spoke slowly as he processed the change in events. Caspian begrudgingly seemed to settle a little bit but still shot daggers at the prince.

On the opposite end of the table from her family was Alpha Henry from the Gemstone pack along with his Luna and daughters. Alexia had heard from her brother that the alpha also had a son who seemed to be absent. Based on how his daughters had their cleavage on display, she could deduce their motives for being here tonight.

However, the Alpha happily made conversation with a member of the Eastern Kingdom Court about the possibility of trading gems and opening trade between the two.

“You will never find a stone that shines brighter than the ones in my mine. Take a look at the stones around my daughter's neck, have you seen more beautiful pieces?” He gestured to his daughters who each wore gaudy necklaces that hung low into their bosoms.

The Eastern Court member seemed to contemplate what the alpha said as he eyed the jewelry. “I cannot say I have.”

“That settles it, we must discuss trade in more detail. Perhaps one of the girls can show you their necklace when there are not quite as many things going on so you can admire the craftsmanship. “

The Eastern Court’s reply was drowned by the rise in excited chatter from others at the table who were making their way through the royal supply of wine rather quickly.

Directing her attention to the alpha next to her. Alpha Tinzen was alpha to a fairly large pack that specialized in fishing. He had been placed at such a highly sought-after seat as he had always supported the crown. Thus his loyalty was rewarded with a seat of honor.

He beamed at the queen as they had only spoken briefly at her ball. His mate next to him offered kind words to the queen but was mostly reserved unlike some of the other guests.

Keeping the conversation light Alpha Tinzen and Alexia discussed the oysters he had personally sent for the reception. They debated size and brine differences seeming to come to the same conclusion preceding the small saltier brine oysters.

The alpha seemed nice but Alexia knew better than to let her guard. She praised him for the little delicacies but did not open up anything personal. Keep everyone at arms reach, she had learned.

All around the table deception and schemes were taking place in pretty clothes with sweet smiles. The whole night was draining on Alexia as her cheeks ached from smiling all night long.

The dessert was finally served after a never-ending parade of courses. After dinner, the men would go off for cigars and whiskey while the ladies chatted amongst themselves.

Satisfied and ready to be done, Caspian placed his silverware down to signal the meal was over. At his rising from his chair, the other males followed suit. Alexia noted that it did not seem that the prince had quite finished his dessert, a fact that she was sure Caspian was aware of.

As the men stood, Alexia also rose to signal to the ladies to leave. “Ladies, shall we?” She said sweetly with the females rising to their feet as well.

Alexia noticed how Gabe seemed slightly inebriated as they made their way out of the dining room. She scowled as he lectured her on the importance of a clear mind around the enemy.

Loose lips sink ships he had drilled into her head over and over again. As the men stood to leave Alexia shot the beta a link *Loose lips sink ships.*

Giving her a smile and a wink he shot back *All the damn time.*

Son of a bitch she thought to herself. He was far more crafty than she gave him credit. Pretending to be slightly intoxicated not over the top but enough to get some to open, the wolf was downright diabolical.

The females followed the Queen’s lead and the males the King’s. Each group made their way into their designated area for the next round of battle.