Chapter 48: Chapter 48

Chapter 46

I still felt terrible about lying to Alpha Greyson. It felt a little too much like a lie to me. I had no idea he'd respond that way, or that he'd be overjoyed about it. I haven't given it much thought. I should've given it more thought! I guess it was a bad decision! But I can't go back in time. Elder Agnes will arrive later because Alpha Greyson summoned her promptly yesterday.

No one knows the true reason since I asked him not to tell anyone because we aren't sure yet. I'm not even sure if I'm pregnant! I mean... I'm not feeling anything. Shouldn't you get that sensation in your body while you're pregnant? Just thinking about the disappointment on Alpha Greyson's face breaks my heart.

"How are you feeling?" Alpha Greyson said as we sat in his office waiting. Elder Agnes is supposed to be in the vicinity of the palace personnel. It's another reason I feel so bad. Alpha Greyson has become even more careful of me since I told him that. He regards me like a delicate crystal that he must check at all times.

"I'm fine, Alpha Greyson," I said, smiling to reassure him. He nodded and kissed my forehead. As guilt crept up on me, I bit my bottom lip. I promised myself I wouldn't do it again! I'm not going to lie to him anymore! This is the first and last time I'll do it!

"Elder Agnes from the South White Pack has arrived," one of Alpha Greyson's men came to tell us. I just noticed that Beta Miguel is not here in the palace.

"Let him in," Alpha Greyson said. When the office door was opened again, Elder Agnes appeared to us. I hurriedly rose to greet her.

"I'm glad you arrived safely, Elder Agnes," I said as I hugged her passionately. She appears to be in good health. Her white hair from old age does not detract from her appearance because she still appears strong.

"It's good to see you again, your Majesty," she said. She let go of the hug and bowed to greet Alpha Greyson as well. I asked Alpha Greyson to leave Elder Agnes and me alone in the office once we were situated. Alpha Greyson was hesitant at first but he let us in the end. I was relieved when Elder Agnes and I were alone. She gave me a friendly smile.

"Is it true? You called me to confirm if you are pregnant, Your Majesty?" she asked. I don't know where to start explaining to her.

"Listen... that wasn't my real intention, Elder Agnes," I confess. I looked back at her. She seems confused.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"The reason for this is... I have a question for you concerning Dylan..." I finally said it, and she stiffened at the mention of Dylan's name; I know she didn't anticipate this from me, but I also know that she know Dylan attacked me during the hunting ceremony.

"About what?" her voice became serious as if she was prepared to answer my inquiry to the best of her ability no matter what.

"Do you know anyone who is very close to... Dylan?" I inquired, looking her in the eyes. Her eyebrows meet, she's comprehending my questions. Her deep thoughts are visible to me.

"Ever since Dylan's father died, and he despised Prince Henry and Alpha King Erick... he's become elusive to others as well," she exhaled deeply. "The last I heard from him was that he left the pack with his mate, the woman he was destined for," she added.

I reflected on what Elder Agnes had stated. Dylan left with the woman the Moon Goddess had chosen for him as his mate.

"Did you hear anything about his mate?" I asked. She paused. "I know Dylan's wife died in childbirth, but I haven't heard anything about Dylan's son since, and there are many theories that the child died with his mother." Elder Agnes' story.

"Why would they think the child died?" I wondered.

"Well, in the other unintentional sightings of Dylan in the forest, they didn't see a child next to him at least once. If the child survives, he may be close to Alpha Greyson's age."

I sighed firmly and held my temple because it ached slightly. That is not enough to infer that Dylan's son is indeed dead, but it may also be true because no one sees Dylan with a child or a young man as old as Alpha Greyson.

"Are you okay, your Majesty?" Elder Agnes inquired, clutching my arm. I nodded and smiled at her immediately.

"I'm fine..." I assured her.

"What are your questions for, Your Majesty?" she sought clarification. I pursed my lips and took a deep inhale.

"Someone is betraying Alpha Greyson, and I want to know who it is," I stated firmly. Elder Agnes seemed surprised by what I was saying.

"A-Are you sure, your Majesty?" she asked, surprised.

"I am certain. That is why Dylan and his fellow rogues haven't been apprehended until now. Someone is protecting them, and that someone is inside this palace betraying Alpha Greyson," I stated emphatically.

"Then... are you asking me this to find out the people close to Dylan who may have entered the palace to betray the Alpha King?" Elder Agnes confirmed. I gave her a nod. She remained silent as if what I said was still being digested in her mind. I thought of Beta Miguel and how his absence is felt now that Elder Agnes is in the palace. I can't help but think that Beta Miguel is suspicious.

I try not to think negatively of him because he was kind to me, especially when Alpha Greyson was still cruel to me and I was new here in the palace. He was my salvation back then, but... I can't bear the thought of him betraying Alpha Greyson. Alpha Greyson has a lot of faith in him! And I'm sure it's more than his faith in me as his wife and mate! Because they practically grew up together!

Wait... they grow up together? Alpha Greyson and Beta Miguel... They grew up together. The idea anxious me, but I wanted to confirm it! Damn it!

I turned to face Elder Agnes, who was equally shocked in front of me. "Elder Agnes... you've been close to Alpha Greyson since he was a child, haven't you?" I asked desperately.

"Of course," Elder Agnes replied, "I was one of those who looked after him after his parents died."

"Then... who were the people close to Alpha Greyson when he was younger?"

Elder Agnes pondered deeply. "He grew up almost at the same time as his guardian's children. Alpha Carl's son. Also, the son of Alpha Alfred and Luna Vienna. But since the arrival of Beta Miguel, he has been the closest to Alpha Greyson, especially when he was shown leading the Betas." Elder Agnes explained. I pursed my lips as the realization hit me.

"Do you know how Beta Miguel got into the palace?" Elder Agnes was stunned by my question. I feel like she knows where my inquiries are headed, yet all she did was answer. "When he introduced himself to everyone and was presented as Beta, he introduced himself as Miguel from North Pack, an orphan with no family, so since then he has been close to Alpha King," she explained.

North Pack... I haven't been there yet, but it's one of the approximately two hundred packs ruled by the North Snow Kingdom.

“Do you suspect… Beta Miguel?" Elder Agnes inquired gently. I locked my gaze on her.

"Elder Agnes... promise me you won't tell anyone about what we discussed today, not even Alpha Carl," I replied definitely. She was taken aback by me but quickly nodded. I took deep breaths as I sought to solve the missing puzzle in my thoughts.

The North Pack... I'm sure Beta Miguel wouldn't say it in public if he didn't have proof that he actually resided there, but if he was the one who's betraying Alpha Greyson... He undoubtedly left some evidence of his deception. Because, no matter how hard you try, lies and betrayal always leave a trace.

And I need to locate that trace. For the sake of Alpha Greyson and this kingdom... I am willing to put everything on the line.