Cassy pov

“We are here to inform you about the improvement of our son’s behaviour, your highness. He had been extremely obedient and had been doing everything without any delay or complaints. At times we had noticed him taking care of an omega boy, which is something we never thought we would see. But we think that he has shown a considerable amount of improvement.” Miles’ father said.

My expression didn’t change. I was not too excited to know that. But since I was the Queen, I would have to bear with it.

“Where is he?” I asked.

“Waiting outside.” Came the reply.

I gestured to my guards to let him in and soon the person who I had known as the arrogant and obnoxious alpha was standing in front of me.

“I have heard that you have changed. I hope that you are changing for real? With no pretence included in it.” I stated, nonchalantly. I had to say that. I found it extremely hard to trust him just like that. He wasn’t trustworthy. According to me, he still had a long way to go. He still had to prove himself that he was worthy of his position.

“Yes. Your majesty.”

His meek reply surprised me a little. Never had I seen him like that. He had always been proud and self-centred. But here, in front of me, he stood with his head lowered, not looking up at me and Elliot.

“Maybe he finds it hard to see you beside Elliot?” Izzy stated. My lips parted as I realised that she might be right. Perhaps that was the reason he wasn’t looking in our direction.

I felt like taunting him, however, I kept a straight face and sighed.

Whatever he thought was not important to me. Honestly, I couldn’t care less. He can go to hell with his regrets and I wouldn’t give a damn.

“Good for you,” I replied. “Is there anything else you would like to inform me about?” I asked. I wanted this meeting to end as soon as possible. Keeping a straight face in front of Miles was hard, though speaking to his parents was a piece of cake.

“We were thinking of giving the title back to him, your highness.” His father spoke.

I sighed. I was expecting this.

“It is up to you. If you feel that he would make a difference this time, I will not forbid you. However, if I ever find out that he had done anything, and I mean anything wrong, I promise you, I will punish him.” I warned, narrowing my eyes at Miles, who still had his head lowered.

There was an awkward silence.

“I…. ” Miles stammered. I saw that he was nervous.

“I have told my father that I didn’t want the title….” He whispered.

“Why not? It is your responsibility. You cannot run away from your duties or your mistakes. You can only learn from your past. And meanwhile, you must fulfil your duties too.” I spoke with authority. I tried to hide the deep feeling of distaste I had for him. I just hope I had successfully concealed it.

He gulped. “Yes. Your highness.”

“I hope you have heard me. This is your second chance and if you blow it, I swear I will make sure that you don’t have a third chance at leading your people.” My voice echoed in the hall. I was stiff and the atmosphere was tense. I hated him to the core. If I had a choice, I wouldn’t have met him at all. Unfortunately, I was their Queen and occasional meetings cannot be avoided.

“This is your last chance, Miles. And honestly, I can’t believe I am saying this, but I hope that you do a better job than the last time. I hope you have learnt from your past mistakes and lead your pack the right way because they don’t deserve to be led by someone who is only worried about his position. A true leader will worry about his people, more than himself. Keep that in mind.” I stated and heaved a deep breath.

“You go, girl!” Izzy cheered, making me smile internally.

“I will, your highness.” He replied, not bothering to look up. It started to irritate me.

“Raise your head and look at me!” I ordered. I wanted to see what was going on in his eyes. Was he hiding something from me?

He slowly raised his head. I saw that his eyes were glossed with moisture. The arrogant smile that I was used to seeing on his lips was no more. I couldn’t find anything except remorse on his wilted face.

“Wow. He sure looks regretful.” Izzy commented.

“Let’s see how he uses his power this time,” I replied to her in my mind.

“Okay. You may give him the position back if you feel that he is ready, Alpha. As the high alpha, you have every right to make this decision for your pack.” I told his father in a lower tone. It was when I spoke to Miles that made me almost lose control over my anger

“We just wanted to inform you, your majesty. Since you were the one whom he had wronged.” His mother spoke, rather anxiously. “We were partly at fault. We had spoiled him and we didn’t realise that he was like that until recently. And for that, we apologize. Please forgive us.” She bowed down.

I shook my head.

“It is in the past now. We better let it go and focus on the future. I am not someone who would hold a grudge against anyone. My heart is crystal clear.” I said, making Miles’ parents smile. However, Miles’ face remained expressionless. He didn’t seem to be too excited to be the alpha this time. Well, that is not my business. He should take responsibility, regardless of the situation he was in.

“And….uh, your highness? We did bring some gifts for you and your husband. It is in our trunk.” Miles’ father told us. I nodded and gestured to the guards to bring them to me. The guards brought the gifts they had brought for me. There definitely were some food items and other things that I couldn’t say for sure from a distance.

I smiled. Whatever they had brought was dear to me and I accepted it. Because this was from the alpha couple that had allowed my adoptive parents to bring me up in their pack and accepted me in their pack, sheltering me on the day I needed it the most.

“Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you, Alpha Sam and Luna Clara.” I smiled. “I hope to see a difference this time. We will be watching.” I said, not looking at Miles, however, I was certain that they would understand what I had meant.

“Thank you for listening to us, your highness.” Alpha Sam bowed, making me frown.

It was awkward to see them bow to me. It was the opposite when I grew up.

“Umm….alpha Samuel?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“Please….. you and luna you don’t have to bow down to me. It is you who sheltered me in the past.” Chewing on my inner cheeks I stated. He chuckled.

“It is my pleasure, and obligation, your highness.” He replied. “We will like to go back to our pack now.”

“You may leave.” I nodded.

Elliot, who was silent the entire time, intertwined our fingers and gave it a little squeeze. His lopsided grin and sparkling eyes told me that he was extremely pleased with what he had seen just now.

“That was so cool. You were so hot giving out orders like that.” He whispered as he leaned towards me.

I tried to keep my face expressionless, however, I couldn’t and my face flushed. Elliot makes me feel like a hormonal teenager, rather than a fierce Queen who was ready to kick some asses.

“Thanks” I murmured.

“Can we skip this and go to bed now?” He asked, lowering his voice further.

My eyes widened. I had to bite my lips to prevent myself from gasping in and doing anything stupid in the royal court.

“Elliot!” I mind linked him. Ever since we mated and marked each other, our own link had been formed.

“What?” He leaned back, covering his mischievous smile with his hand.

“You didn’t have to say that out loud!” I grumbled and stood up from my throne.

“Shall we leave?” I asked out loud, holding back my urge to smirk.

“We shall.” He replied, standing from his seat.

“Oh wait…..” I said, remembering the gifts we had received just now. I gestured to a guard.

“Bring these to my room. I would like to see what it is in peace.”

He silently obliged and took them away. When we reached the room, the gifts were waiting on the table for me to check them. I smiled when I noticed the local snacks they used to make in the pack. I had missed eating those. There was a bouquet and two bottles of wine too.

“Wow,” Elliot exclaimed, picking one of the bottles. “This looks promising.” He said as he studied the label.

“You drink? I’ve never seen you do that.” I said.

“Yeah. I rarely drink. But I think I want this.” He said, admiring the bottle.

I shrugged. I was not interested in drinking anyway. He can have the entire bottle if he likes.

“Go ahead. I am not interested in drinking. I am too happy with the snacks they sent.” I said walking towards the closet.

“I am going to change this heavy gown. This thing is making me sweat.”

I took a soft top that ended right below my a*s and a pair of leggings that I felt comfortable in and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Wearing the gown was more like torture to me. I saw that Elliot had already started to have the wine. Looks like he was eager to taste it. Shaking my head and smiling to myself, I went to take a much-needed shower, hoping to join him afterwards. He can drink, I was only interested in the snacks.

I took a quick shower and dressed myself up to join him.

“Let’s eat…” I mumbled as I stepped out of the bathroom, tying my hair up in a bun. There wasn’t any response.

I looked up and chuckled when I saw how he was slumping on the couch. Was he so wasted? This was hilarious. Giggling, I walked towards him.

“If this is what wine does to you, why…….” I trailed off when he fell onto the couch when I touched him.

My smile instantly fell when I saw his pale face. His eyes were closed and foam was coming out of his mouth. My heart skipped a beat.

The half-drunk bottle was still in his hands, tilted and spilling its contents onto his lap.C0pyright © 2024 Nôv)(elDrama.Org.

Gasping and with a frantic heart, I took it from his hands and kept it on the floor.

“Elliot! Elliot!” I desperately called, shaking him as hard as I could, hoping that he would wake up.

No, this cannot be happening! My breathing had laboured. He was not responding to me. He was completely out cold. I need to get help…and fast!