Chapter 75: Chapter 75
ALPHA GREYSON (Part 1)
"Greyson..." I straightened up when my father called my name. We were in the palace's grand hall to greet our visitors for the day.
"What exactly is it, Father?" I inquired. I raised my eyes to him. His brown hair and blue eyes are identical to mine. It's just that he appears to be gentler and softer than I am.
"We're going to meet Rema's prince today; do you know him?" he asked, and I immediately nodded. Ever since I was three, I've kept myself away from studying, even though my father didn't force me to; I just prefer to be alone and learn new things. I'm not the type of prince who will wander around the palace.
"He's Prince Henry, the younger brother of Rema's Alpha King," I replied immediately. My father smiled and nodded, pleased with my response. I am North Snow Kingdom's, Crown Prince. One day, I shall succeed my father as monarch of this vast empire. That is why I value my father's compliments. But he wasn't hard on me. He's fine with everything. He just worries about my health.
After a while, the palace's main gate opened. A carriage came to a halt in front of us. The vehicle was opened by palace guards, revealing a tall man wearing a white royal cape. I glanced at him, and the one thing that struck me was his green eyes.
"Prince Henry!" My father smiled as he greeted him. My mother followed accordingly, but I simply stayed there waiting for them to finish till Prince Henry looked at me. My brow furrowed as I looked at him. He gave me a big smile.
"Whoa! Is this your son? He looks just like you!" Prince Henry exclaimed as he approached me, but I remained quiet, unfazed by his flattery.
"Of course, he is! He is my son after all!" my father said with a hearty laugh. He crouched so our eyes leveled and stared at me directly into my eyes. "It's nice to finally meet you..." he said and offered a handshake. I looked down at his huge hand waiting for me to accept his hand. I'm not really fond of strangers. That's why I don't greet other people. Maybe the reason why I always hear other people saying I'm sick or something.
"Greyson!" Father called me when I was still silent and staring at Prince Henry's hand; I looked at my father, and he gave me a look saying 'What are you doing?'
I sighed loudly and quickly shook Prince Henry's hand before withdrawing. Father sighed heavily, drawing Prince Henry's attention away from me. Mother took my hand in hers.
"You did well, Greyson," Mother observed as she escorted me to the visitors' area. I know it's a problem. My parents don't want me to live away from the people, especially in the North Snow Kingdom. Being an Alpha King necessitates a connection with his subjects, which I lacked.
The entire night was spent drinking and partying with Prince Henry. His presence made everyone happy. On the other hand, I spend my nights reading and discovering new things. The library was stacked to the rafters with books. I could live here indefinitely. I came across an old book while rummaging through the bookcases. It was probably an article on something. The first thing I saw when I opened the book was an old photograph of a man. When I read the headline about him, my brow furrowed.
"Alpha of the South White Pack found dead after bandits from the Rema Kingdom attacked the pack..." I read. My eyes are drawn to the Alpha's name. Alpha Ricci was the name. I'm familiar with him. When I was studying about the many packs in the North Snow Kingdom, I read his information. He was an excellent leader. He was an excellent Alpha.
I read the next pages and discovered that the bandits have yet to be apprehended. The palace is said to be concealing what happened because Prince Henry and Alpha King Erick, my father, are close friends. What's more startling is learning about Alpha Ricci's child, Dylan, going missing.
I think I know this, Dylan. I've also seen him in the palace.
My mother was pregnant with me at the time of the tragedy. But why did my father keep it hidden? Dylan is a member of the North Snow Kingdom. Alpha Ricci is an excellent pack leader. I couldn't think of any reason why my father couldn't help them. Or... might it be because of Prince Henry?
I placed the book down and hid it from view. I left the library and proceeded to the visitor's area, where everyone was having a good time. I can tell that Father’s face is a touch crimson from the alcohol. My mother was standing right by my father, watching and enjoying the festivities. Why would Father ignore one of his people merely to befriend someone from another Kingdom? I don't understand.
I was young. I can't open up what I found out. I didn't tell my father about it until after Prince Henry had left. Until I overheard my father and mother arguing over something. They were in my room, and they had no idea I was awake. My mother came in while I was sleeping this morning, and then my father came in. They were initially whispering about something before yelling. I pretended I was sleeping.
"I can't believe this is happening, Erick; I understand your reasoning back then, but I'm not going to let it go now!" my mother yelled.
"I'm doing everything in my power, Grace! The palace guards surround the entire palace—"
"That's not the assurance I need right now, Erick! What I need is for you to do what Dylan wants so that he will stop us! Find the killers of Alpha Ricci!"
"They're all gone, Grace! They've all died after five years! And do you believe Dylan truly desires this? He wants me to assassinate Prince Henry! That's exactly what he wants!"
Prince Henry... Dylan... Because of these people, my father and mother are arguing.
"But what about our son, Erick?! He's in danger! Dylan clearly gave us a threat about our son!" Mother screamed, terrified.
Is my life in danger now that I learn Dylan is exacting his vengeance on my parents? Dylan is having his full-blown revenge and now he's tormenting my parents.
"Grace... That will not happen. I will protect our son... I will protect this family," my father assured my mother tenderly. Before leaving my room, they kissed my forehead. I just got up when I heard them leave my room. I stood at my door, thinking about all I had heard.
I became enraged at that point. I've never felt anything like it. I am filled with rage at those who did wrong to my parents.
I was certain that no one could hurt me. Even though my parents warned me that I was in danger, I felt at rest since I didn't believe I would be whisked away so simply.
But I was mistaken. Someone covered my mouth and nose when I was fencing from the back of the palace. I smelled chemicals that induced sleep in me. When I awoke, I was bound on a chair, with a man in front of me glaring at me with terrible eyes.