The White Wolf Chapter 147: Discarded Sock

“That diamond is supposed to be in a vault, how is it lost?” Caspian asked halfheartedly. He could not be bothered to care about a piece of jewelry. 

He took the photo back from his mother who let it go without protest. His eyes went back to searching for any clue. 

Alexia however was very worried and she thought back to when she last had it. She could only last remember seeing it in their chambers lying on a side table after she had unclasped it from her neck. 

Her mind began buzzing as she thought of different scenarios. It was gone on her watch. She had been careless. What would the public think? 

Surely she would be labeled a ditzy stupid queen or worse an uncaring one who had no regard for expensive things. 

The rumors swirled in her head. What if they came for her head? The diamond belonged to the crown and the crown served the citizens of the realm. 

Being a new queen, she had yet to establish herself. Had it been Judy, she doubted the repercussions would be grave as she was so beloved. 

It was surprising she was able to muster a reaction at all with the intense amounts of emotions she had already felt that day. 

“Security was carrying out lockdown protocols and checked the vault. When it was unaccounted for they checked your chambers. It has not been found.” Gabe explained. 

The protocols were in place for times like these. No one else had thought about the vault except the guards assigned to it. 

Initially, the guards would be drawn away to protect the perimeter leaving one lone guard to stay behind. After the perimeter was deemed secure, the guards returned and began checking inventory. 

“It could just be misplaced, let’s worry about it later,” Caspian said dismissively not alarmed at all. 

“My son, the diamond is not a discarded sock. It’s a priceless piece of art.” Judy chastised him. It was concerning to her as she knew the significance it held. 

“And my people are dead and injured, I am not spending resources looking for a piece of jewelry. If you feel so deeply about it then be my guest and go look.” 

No one protested. It had been a long day and there was no chance any of them would be getting any sleep that night. 

“I’ll keep an eye on the black markets,” Gabe said but Caspian did not care and had already moved on from the matter and did not suffer from the existential crisis Alexia seemed to be having. 

Some individuals preferred to operate in the shadows. Their low supply of moral character made them likely suspects of using a tragedy to enrich themselves. 

“Also watch Gemstone. He’s greedy and stupid enough to steal from the crown.” Judy told him. 

“Put the rest of the papers on my desk,” Caspian told Gabe who did as he was told. 

“Is there anything in the report that tells us who did this?” Alexia asked him as he crossed the room. 

“I’m afraid not.” 

“Who do we think is behind it? Dristan?” Alexia began to thank out loud as she picked up a pen and twirled it between her fingers. 

Caspian scoffed. “I wish it was that easy but I doubt his mental capabilities to pull something off on this scale.”

“What about his father?” She changed the direction of the spinning pen. 

“I do not know him well but I’m not inclined towards him,” Caspian spoke to her. It didn’t matter what they talked about but just looking at each other and speaking got right to them. 

“It’s not his style,” Judy said. “He would want to fight you on the battlefield, not like a thief in the night. There’s no honor in that.”

“I didn’t realize he was a male of honor.” Edmund quirked an eyebrow throwing another snack in his mouth. 

Judy waved him off “He’s not. He’s one of wanting praise and admiration. I don’t think he can pass a mirror without looking at his reflection.”

“I love it when they’re simple.” Gabe sighed. “It makes my life so much easier.”

Edmund leaned back in his chair. “Sometimes it’s hard to walk past a mirror and not admire yourself.”

Eyes rolled around the room but Edmunds's ability to ease tension was a gift. 

“An alpha?” Alexia suggested ignoring Edmund’s remark. 

“It’s always possible. It would be surprising if someone wasn’t plotting something.” Gabe said. 

“More likely it’s an outsider or a rogue,” Caspian spoke his eyes full of contemplation. 

The wisdom that he held within him was a stark contrast to his young age. Having taken over the throne he had to grow up as there was no room for mistakes. 

The look he had told Alexia that he knew immediately it wasn’t an alpha or Dristan but he was just now allowing himself to admit it. 

The other two would have been much easier. Declare war on the eastern kingdom or chop off the head of an alpha. Not knowing who he was fighting was much scarier. 

His face was determined not letting his shield slip and reveal his true emotions. At his core he was scared. When he was a child and scared at night he could run to his mother's room and she would comfort him. 

Now she was still here but he would be the one to comfort those around him. Never let them know how scared he truly was. 

“The rogues that have been attacking us?” Alexia said more as a statement than a question. 

“Yes.” He answered solemnly. 

“I want to go see my family.” Her eyes implored him to agree with her. She felt as if she had abandoned them. It ate at her heart. 

Caspian contemplated. “I’ll compromise. Eat a real meal first and then we will go together.”

Alexus pursed her lips. “Only if you eat with me.”

“Deal,” Caspian said turning to Gabe who was already in motion. 

Before long there was a bustle of noise at the door as servants brought in trays of food. Quickly they placed them down before unveiling the domes that covered them. 

Alexia did not even know what she was waiting for but mechanically filled her stomach as she kept stealing glances at her mate making sure he ate as well. The others had plates nibbling here and there. Judy however opted for just olives, the ones in her martini. 

No one else could seem to bring themselves to drink. They were past it. 

The room was quiet except for the clatter of plates and silverware. No one wished to start a new conversation. 

Enzo excused himself in a quiet mumble. Caspian nodded but did not look up. Alexia chewed at her lip as her eyes went back and forth between the king and the gamma. 

Enzo’s feelings were low priority with everything that was going on but Alexia wanted them to make nice again. Gabe caught the queen's eye and gave her a warning look. If there was someone who knew how to handle the two males, it was him. Deferring to Gabe’s judgment, she let the matter drop. 

Alexia sent Harley off to bed by messaging her on her phone. Even though she had not seen her secretary in some time, she knew the female was up working on some task. She agreed on the basis to keep checking in on the hospital. 

It was futile with Gabe already having a handle on the communication but Alexia did not tell her but instead wished her a good night. There was still one thing left she wanted to do. 

“Can we please go see my family?” Alexia asked tired and desperately needing to see them. 

“Let’s go,” Caspian said without another thought standing to his feet as he placed his napkin down and pulled her into his side.