Chapter 213: Chapter 213

I had barely closed the door behind me after leaving Lisa alone when a soft knock echoed through the hall.

"Your Highness?" The voice of one of the maids called.

"Yes?" I answered, my voice sharp but tired.

"There’s... a guard outside the palace gate," she said cautiously. "He asked for you personally. His name is Carlos. He said you should be informed immediately and... and he wants to bring something to your chamber."

I arched an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Carlos, you say? Very well. Instruct him to enter and bring it here. I will receive him myself."

A few minutes later, the tall, broad-shouldered figure of Carlos stepped into the room. He moved with the precision of a soldier who had been trained for years, each step measured and quiet. When he reached the center of the chamber, he bowed deeply, the leather of his armor creaking slightly as he straightened.

"It has been a while, Your Highness," he said, a faint smile on his lips that seemed almost mischievous.

I gestured for him to rise fully. "Indeed, Carlos. But tell me, why are you here at the palace gate? You do not come without reason."

He straightened his back, his eyes serious now. "You ordered it, and it is ready. I have brought it as instructed."

I blinked, stepping closer to inspect what he carried. The package was heavy, wrapped carefully in thick leather, tied with strong cords. My fingers hovered over it, almost hesitant, though excitement ran through me like fire. "Already? This was meant to take time. How... how did you manage it so quickly?"

Carlos’s grin returned, faint but sharp. "It took effort, yes. Several men helped, as you instructed. We worked day and night. The materials were difficult to find, but I ensured everything was in perfect condition before sending it to you."

I nodded slowly, impressed despite myself. "I expected delays. Anything involving preparation usually takes at least a week. You’ve done it in mere days. That is... remarkable."

He lowered his gaze briefly, then looked up, pride shining in his eyes. "Yes, Your Highness. And it is potent. We tested it first, just as you instructed."

My hand rested on the package, feeling its weight. "Tested?" I asked, curiosity sharpening my tone.

"Yes," he said. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, though we were alone. "We tested it on some rogue at the edge of the pack’s territory. They did not last more than a few seconds."

I raised an eyebrow, impressed and satisfied. "Seconds, you say? That is... faster than I anticipated. And there were no failures?"

He shook his head. "None. The blend is perfect. The potency is consistent. There was no hesitation, no chance for survival. I can assure you, Your Highness, it will act exactly as you wish."

I could not help but raise a brow, impressed despite myself. "Really? That fast? That... efficiency is remarkable.

I lifted the package carefully, feeling the weight of its power. A slow smile spread across my face. "Well done. This... this is exactly what we need."

I ran a finger along the leather wrapping, imagining the possibilities. "And the delivery... it came directly to me? No one else involved?"

Carlos nodded firmly. "No one else. I personally escorted it to the gate. I ensured no prying eyes could see or interfere. Even the messengers who knew the order never understood the purpose."

I allowed myself a slow smile, the thrill of control warming me. "Excellent. You understand the importance of secrecy, I see."

Carlos chuckled, and I could see the mischievous glint in his eyes. "You should hurry, Your Highness. I can barely wait to serve you properly as Beta of the pack."

I shook my head slowly, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "Patience, Carlos. You will have your moment. But remember, timing is everything. We do not rush such things. Not yet."

His grin widened, a low laugh escaping him. "Yes, Your Highness. I understand. But it is hard to wait when the chance to serve you comes so near. I’ve trained for this. I’ve waited for this. And now... now it is almost within reach."

I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms, watching him. His eagerness was almost childlike, and yet beneath it was a sharp edge, a deadly seriousness. "You are too eager, my friend. But I like that about you," I said, my tone light, almost teasing. "It shows loyalty... but also the fire in you. You think too much about the act, and not enough about the consequences."

Carlos shook his head, the smile never leaving his face. "Consequences? Ha! Consequences are only for the weak or those who fail. I will not fail you, Your Highness. You will see. Everything will unfold exactly as you want it."

I raised a brow, letting a quiet laugh escape me. "Do you? You always say that. But you forget, Carlos, that the world does not bend to strength alone. Timing, subtlety, patience... these are what bring true victory. One wrong move, one impatient step, and everything falls apart. You must remember this, always. You know how long we have been planning this."

He nodded earnestly, stepping slightly closer, lowering his voice. "I understand. I will wait, Your Highness. I will obey. I will act only when you command. But... the wait makes the heart beat faster, yes? The mind can barely contain the anticipation of serving you."

I shook my head again, smiling, a quiet, satisfied smile. "You think of it as service, but this is more than that. This is the shaping of a future, Carlos. This is control. Power. The palace, the pack... everything bends, eventually, to those who wait long enough and strike at the right moment."

He let out a low whistle, impressed. "Yes, Your Highness. I understand. And I will be ready. No one will interfere. No one will see until it is too late."

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand, my eyes narrowing slightly. "Good. That is what I like to hear." ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹~𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮~𝚗𝚎𝚝

He bowed his head, voice low and steady. "I understand, Your Highness. And I will not fail. I know the stakes. I know the danger. And I know the reward. Your command is my law."

I allowed a slow, satisfied smile to spread across my face. "Yes," I whispered, almost to myself. "Soon, everything will be in place. Soon, the palace will bend to my will. And those who thought they controlled the pack will find themselves powerless. All because of patience, planning... and those willing to act at the right moment.

Carlos’s grin widened once more, and he stepped back toward the door. "Then I shall take my leave, Your Highness. Until the command is given, I remain at your service. Always."