Chapter 45: Chapter 45

As Alex and his team traveled toward the king's palace, they could see the effects of the Alpha King's wealth on the people. They were full of life and all smiles.

The streets of the kingdom were well-maintained, clean, and bustling with activity. The buildings lining the streets were made of fine materials; some made of stone, brick, or marble, and adorned with ornate carvings.

The people were cheerful and waved at Alex's entourage as they walked by. The wide streets were well-paved, with smooth cobblestones laid down in patterns. Vendors selling a variety of items went about their business, calling to them to have a look at their merchandise.

Along the sides of the streets, there were elegant lampposts to light the way at night. Trees were everywhere along the sidewalks providing shade and beauty to the bustling crowds. Little children were there, playing familiar games under them.

Alex couldn't help but feel a little relaxed watching the beautiful scene play out. He had been told that this park was known for its beauty but the reality by far beat his imagination.

The people walking the streets were another evidence of the kingdom's beauty. They were dressed in fine clothing made from silk or velvet, and the ladies adorned with jewels and other precious accessories.

Alex was tempted to ask if there was an occasion but from how freely the people around acted, one could tell right away that it was all normal for them. Some were chatting with one another or engaged in lively debates, while others were going about their daily business.

The merchants on the streets had practically everything on display, with colorful stalls and booths selling a variety of goods from fresh produce to textiles, jewelry, and crafts. There were also street performers showcasing their talents to entertain the crowds.

Alex slowed his pace and so did his entourage as they watched young boys performing creative stunts. After watching for a while, Alex dropped a few notes in the tin placed in front of the boys. People were all cheering and dropping in money as well to appreciate the boys.

As they approached Alpha Jayden's castle, Alex realized just how much effort the King must have put in making his kingdom the way it was.

Although they weren't nearly as wealthy as his pack, they had set up a good working system, where even the poor could live comfortably. It was hard to point out the poor with the way they were.

Alex nodded his head. Alpha Jayden was surprisingly not as terrible in administration as he was a father.

On arriving at the palace, they welcomed Alex warmly. The palace stood high and strong in all its glory just as he had seen on the streets.

Alex felt a new found respect for Alpha Jayden but none of that showed on his facial expression. He was still the weak man that did nothing to protect his own child.

He wanted to wipe the bright smile on the faces of Alpha Jayden and his wife.

He walked into the palace, not returning the man's smile and his men brought the dead man from earlier out of the carriage.

Mia's mother began to panic. "Is that-Is that,"

"It's nothing, dear," Alpha Jayden quickly said, "It's a mannequin," he lied through his teeth and the maid came and led her in.

Alpha Jayden frowned at Alex, not appreciating the fact that he had carried a dead body for his wife to see.

"Who is he?" The Alpha asked, seeming confused and Alex explained

"He's a poison expert, one I expect you to know really well."

"What happened to him?" Alpha Jayden recognised the body as a man who had worked there at the palace for many years but had retired and gone to live far away in search for serenity.

If he had lived somewhere within the city, he would have been safer and avoided this fate. Alpha Jayden thought, looking away from the body.

"He was murdered," Alex simply replied, watching closely for any mishaps. There were none and it was either the Alpha knew nothing of this or he was just very good at acting.

Alex had always seen the man as an open book. He doubted the man had any acting skills so he decided to not believe either yet.

The Alpha led them into his enormous palace, and directed some maids to take them into the dining hall and bring them something to eat since, he figured they must be weary from their travel. Alex's men gladly went with the maids, truly exhausted and happy to relax for a while but Alex bluntly refused.

Alpha Jayden was a bit disappointed and he couldn't hide it from his expression. He suggested he gave Alex a tour around the castle and although Alex wasn't still interested, he didn't oppose this time. Apart from the man's weak heartedness, he didn't really have any reason to hate the older Alpha.

The walls were lined with pictures and ancient artifacts. Each one more complex than the last. Alex felt it was quite weird but said nothing. The place reminded Alex of his parents.

Alpha Jayden had similar taste with his father but thankfully he had changed the entire interior of his villa the moment he was made Alpha.

Although the kingdom was big and spacious, it was still no match for Alex's.

Alex was about to end the tour, when he spotted a portrait of a crystal orb carried by a double headed cat. Alex found it oddly familiar and slowed his pace to have a better look. He knew he had seen thar same portrait before.

His eyes brightened when he remembered where be had seen it.

That same portrait used to be in his father's study when he was much younger.

"This looks familiar," Alex pointed out to Alpha Jayden who was looking at anywhere but him. "What does it stand for?"

Alpha Jayden laughed nervously, attempting to brush it off.

"It's just some random painting I got a long time ago."

Alex had already learned to read the man's emotion and could tell he was lying. What he didn't know was why. Alex decided to play along and drop the topic.

"Very well, I must have been mistaken," Alex said, walking away from the portrait and moving on to the next artifact.

"If you're done looking at these, I've something far more exciting that might interest you," Alpha Jayden said, obviously eager now to take Alex away from the artifact display and Alex played along, letting him lead the way out of that hall and to the Alpha's study to see Mia's baby pictures.