Jae listened respectfully as the two leaders from the delegation teams informed the alpha and council of their progress. The delegation to White Fang had been granted permission to enter the pack's territory and was on its way to White Fang's capitol city. Black Moon, however, had yet to allow Team 2 to enter their territory. The king brought his hand to his chin in thought as he contemplated the next move.
'For now, focus on obtaining an audience with White Fang's alpha and luna.' Fachan addressed the leader of Team 1 through the enhanced link. The king set his hands on the long table before him as he came to a decision. 'Move forward with delegations with White Fang; we will not wait for Black Moon's response. We will continue with Black Moon once we have their answer.'
The council members nodded their heads in approval of the alpha's decision. The sigma's eyes turned from silver to her usual blue in an indication that the link was no longer enhanced, leaving Teams 1 and 2 to their own devices.
"What are we to do if Black Moon does not respond?" One of the council members inquired of the alpha.
Fachan tilted his head as he pondered his response. The alpha folded his arms across his chest as he leaned back in his chair and answered, "Well...that means Black Moon does not value their delegates and that they are disposable. I do not see why we should house and feed wolves that were not valued by their pack."
The hall fell silent at the king's response. It was no secret that Fachan was a cut-throat alpha, but his answer only strengthened the fact.
"Alpha, what if there is something more to this, something more than what meets the eye?" Jae spoke up after the hall had remained silent for a few moments. The king turned to face his son and nodded as a signal for Jae to continue. Jae slightly inclined his head to the king before continuing, "What if the five were sent to our territory with a certain goal?"
"Explain," Fachan voiced as he knit his brows in concentration. He was all-ears.
Jae quickly made eye contact with the luna, who nodded in approval, before elaborating. "I suspect the wolves from Black Moon were on our territory intentionally. I do not believe they were merely passing through."
"You are insinuating the 'delegation' team was sent as spies?" Fachan inquired as he acknowledged the possibility. The alpha's eyes widened when he realized the weight of the prince's words. "Are you saying Black Moon intends to invade Crimson Night?!" The alpha let out a scoff at the correct assumption. "That is outrageous! The five packs of the eastern region have only known truce for fifty years." Fachan shook his head at the prince before standing to his feet. "Black Moon dare invade my pack?! Ha!" With that, the king turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall.
The true blood cocked his jaw as he watched his father trump away from the table. The council members remained in a state of shock as they heard the doors slam open. The hall remained silent as Jae, too, stood to his feet and exited the hall. The luna was quick to follow her son out of the hall and down the corridor. The prince ran his fingers through his hair in frustration at his father's refusal to see the truth.
"Jae!" Armina called her son's name as she hurried to catch up to him.
The true blood halted in his tracks as he heard his mother's call. Jae turned to face the luna as she reached him; Yejin bowed to the queen in respect as Yehwa bowed to the prince. Jae clenched his jaw as he pointed to the direction down which his father disappeared. "He refuses to accept the possibility of someone preparing to invade our pack! He is ruthless as long as it brings him power, but whenever someone threatens to take over, he does nothing! He cannot even bear the thought that we are not the strongest pack!" The prince exclaimed as he vented his frustration.
"I know, I know," Armina agreed softly. "That is why I need you to continue to investigate."
The luna's words calmed the fiery true blood as they reminded him he still had a sane parent.
"I don't know why he refuses to acknowledge the possibility. I knew those wolves were up to no good when I found them." A growl entered the prince's voice as he ended his statement.
"And I believe you. Now, calm down. It would not do well to outrightly go against your father at a time like this," Armina warned her son with a low voice. "He is still the alpha."
Jae nodded his head in agreement as his emotions leveled out.
"Do not forget that this could all turn out to be nothing. We are not certain of anything as of yet," the luna reminded her son softly.
"Yes, Luna." Jae bowed his head respectfully in response. "I apologize for my outburst."
The luna smiled softly at her passionate son. "It's alright. It is good that you care for the pack. You will make a good alpha, Jae."
Armina's compliment caused Jae's heart to swell. The prince smiled at his mother before lowering his head.
"Now, if you will excuse me, there are some matters I must tend to," the luna said to her son, who nodded in response. The luna's eyes turned cold as she started in the direction down which her mate had disappeared. Yehwa bowed to Jae in passing as she hurried to keep up with her luna's quick footsteps.
Jae watched his mother disappear around a corner before turning to Yejin. "We have work to do."