Chapter 73: Chapter 73

Chapter 71

The room was so quiet that I could almost hear their hearts racing. They were horrified as Alpha Greyson approached the area in front of his regal chair. I walked with him because he was still holding my hand. I'm terrified. I'm not sure what will happen. When the officials saw me, they let out a few gasps. Alpha Greyson sat in his chair, so I did as well.

I'm terrified of looking at them, yet I keep trying. And when I did, I almost lost my breath. Their faces were filled with shock and bewilderment. They're staring at me as if there's a ghost in front of them! I forced a strong swallow.

“Y-Your Majesty!” the Elder who was very familiar to me said. I couldn't recall his name, although from what I remember he was formerly close to Elder Mateo.

"It's nice to see you again, Samuel," Alpha Greyson said sarcastically. So... Elder Samuel was his name. I didn't know his name before, but I constantly saw him with Elder Mateo.

"It's good to see you back, Your Majesty!" Elder Samuel exclaimed, frightened at first but confident.

"Of course, I'd be back, especially if I heard you were dethroning me," Alpha Greyson said dryly. I could feel the tension surrounding me increasing.

"It was just for the betterment of the kingdom, your Majesty; we are just planning for the Kingdom's future, and without you, there will be no future, which is why we are planning an alternative way to continue your legacy," Elder Samuel added.

"Nonsense," Alpha Greyson pointed out. I became tense. Alpha Greyson's fury was palpable. He's enraged. I know. Elder Samuel, on the other hand, regained his cool. I'm not sure why, but he's instantly calm.

"We're just trying to fulfill the responsibility you left behind when you left, Alpha Greyson; please forgive me if it offended you or hurt your feelings—"

"So, you're saying I'm an irresponsible leader?" Alpha Greyson stated strongly, and my lips parted, the other officials behind murmured panicky as if they are in trouble.

"That's not what Elder Samuel meant, your Majesty! You have been a good and reliable Alpha King, your Majesty!" said the other officials in the back at the same time. It's a good thing everyone is still afraid of Alpha Greyson. This Elder Samuel was the only one who had the courage to speak face-to-face with Alpha Greyson.

"Forgive me, your Majesty..." Elder Samuel bowed in respect, and everyone fell silent. His gaze was drawn to me when he lifted his head, and I became apprehensive because I knew he was about to ask me!

"We all thought Queen Luna died on that cliff..." Elder Samuel stated. I'm not sure if he's carrying a grudge against me because of what happened to Elder Mateo, but I know he's not a nice guy!

"She didn't. She's alive. And now she's back," Alpha Greyson stated grimly. Elder Samuel fixed his gaze on me. There is something in his eyes that I know is judging me. He's like checking me out, looking for a way to get me out of the palace.

"Then... I guess... the officials have the right to know how it happened?" Elder Samuel suggested. Everyone was in agreement with him. Everyone was nodding as if it were a huge deal that I was suddenly standing in front of them when they believed I was already dead!

“She's—”

"Please allow me to explain, your Majesty," I interrupted Alpha Greyson. Alpha Greyson gave me a glance. I smiled at him, assuring him that I could do it.

I had to deal with them all. They're all waiting for my explanation. They are all ready to judge me for whatever I say, but I will only tell them the truth. If they don't trust me, then... I have no say in the matter.

"Yes... I fell on that cliff... as Dylan's rogues chased me to death..." I took a deep breath and tried to relax. Everything has to be said. I must explain everything.

"Alpha Greyson tried to save me, but it was too late. I thought I was going to die. I was ready to die. But... the Moon Goddess had a different plan for me. A human couple found me on the river unconscious. They saved me. And then... when I woke up... I didn't remember anything. I had amnesia..." my eyes darted to them. They were all silent, still processing my words.

"I only remembered my childhood memories... and my identity... I don't remember Alpha Greyson back then, so I couldn't return sooner. In those two years, I tried living in Tyreese trying to fit-in in a world I wasn't familiar with, and then... months ago... I met Alpha Greyson, and his presence alone made me remember my past..." I continued.

When I finished, they all fell silent, and Alpha Greyson took my hand in his. I was cold, but when he held mine, I felt relieved.

"Is this why you left the palace, your Majesty?" one of the elders in the back inquired Alpha Greyson.

"We're mates. I'm the only one who knows if she's alive or not. I know she's alive; I just need to find her," Alpha Greyson replied. Everyone nodded in agreement. I had a peek at Elder Samuel. He was fixed on me. I'm not sure why, but I'm suddenly nervous.

"But it's still risky to say Queen Luna is clean," Elder Samuel emphasized. I blinked twice.

"What do you mean by that?" Alpha Greyson inquired, alarmed by Elder Samuel's tone.

"With those two years living in a human world without memories, you didn't even remember Alpha Greyson who was your mate and husband; are you sure you didn't commit relationships with other men?" he asked accusingly. Alpha Greyson had already predicted this. Alpha Greyson was right.

"Watch your tone, Samuel. She’s my Queen," Alpha Greyson shot angrily. Elder Samuel stared at Alpha Greyson with a satisfied expression on his face, as if he had just won something.

"And if I say no, you'll ask for evidence, right?" I responded, taking a big breath and standing in front of them all.

"We all know that if a she-wolf with a mate's mark sleeps with another man or has feelings for another man, her mate's mark will eventually vanish from her skin..." I replied without taking my gaze away from them. I sighed deeply and rolled up my sleeves.

“Amara!” I heard Alpha Greyson's protest but I still continued. This is the only evidence I have, and I'm hoping it could convince them. Everyone gasped. They were whispering to each other.

"Do you understand the consequences of what you're about to do in front of us?" Elder Samuel challenged. I gave him a serious stare. I know. It is against royal protocol. They could accuse me of being unworthy of Alpha Greyson. Only Alpha Greyson is permitted to see my bare skin. That is the royals' sacrosanct norm.

"I know, but I also know that no matter what I say, you'll still accuse me of something I didn't do," I muttered.

Elder Samuel grinned sinisterly. When Alpha Greyson stood up and halted my hand, I was ready to push down my sleeves to show them my mark. I raised my eyes to him. His rage-filled eyes are locked on Elder Samuel. I forced a strong swallow.

"She didn't have to do it in front of you; I saw it," Alpha Greyson stated emphatically.

"How so? We will never believe—"

"Then make your choice. See her mark or I'll kill you right here… right now?" Alpha Greyson's terrifying tone gave me goosebumps. My lips were parted. Everyone was deafeningly quiet.

"You can't do that, your Majesty, because I'm still the head elder—"

"And any moment now I will cut that head of yours if you didn't stop talking," Alpha Greyson sounded so mad I could literally hear his gritting teeth. I saw Elder Samuel's paleness. Fear is now evident on his face!

And then Elder Samuel's face completely lost its color.