The Alpha King had a happy disposition once his shower and re-scenting were complete. He had to keep expelling the intrusive thought about his wife, but he was able to focus on the task at hand. He could wallow later when he didn't have a job to do, and an image to cultivate.
Perhaps later tonight.
When he got back to the throne room, everyone except for Myranda was waiting for him - Jyriah, Joss, Veltar and Jess, Gerald, and even Syri.
Their faces were happy, proud, but tired. Still, the mood was positive and everyone was fresh with hope.
"Are you ready for your first appearance as King, baby brother?" Ajax asked proudly, and smiled at him with a full show of teeth.
"I am. It doesn't feel entirely right without my Luna at my side, but I know she will awaken, and she isn't technically Luna yet- not until we have the ceremony." Metas lamented just a little at the thought of having to appear before his subjects without his wife to steel him.
He was going to fake it, though.
"Well, we're all here for you, Metas. Always and forever," Jyriah greeted and put his right hand over his heart and bowed.
"Friends forever, Mets. It's gonna be the four of us from now on - like it used to be, plus some new allies to add to the circle," Lara chirped out and smiled.
"I look forward to your reign. I'm glad we're finally here where you belong."
"Where /we/ belong. Your deeds will be honored forever - both in this life, and next. I would not be here if not for you," Metas insisted and bowed to his friends and family. "It is I who am grateful for you, my friends - my family."
Tears were shed by Lara whose smile couldn't have grown bigger if she tried. Her cheeks grew so red she had to fan her face and try to stop herself from squealing with delight.
He assumed his large, black wolf form - which was intimidating enough when others around him were in their wolf skin, but with his friends surrounding him in their mortal forms, it was terrifying stand underneath such a massive figure.
Even as his allies, they still seemed to have fear in their eyes as he assumed the stone throne and sat on all fours on its large, flat base.
He fit it perfectly. He looked as though he belonged there - like it had been carved just for him, and nothing solidified that fact more when the palace gates opened and the influx of souls viewed them with their own eyes.
Wave after wave of subjects would bow before him as they came to ask for favor, mercy, or strike deals to keep their homes. With each and every one, he listened patiently and with a neutral face. He knew exactly who didn't deserve to live in the caves, and his memory was sharp to cut to each memory solidified behind his eyes for each of them.
Lara and Ajax sat at his left side in their respective high-backed stone chairs that were smaller and just as lackluster as the main royal throne. It was nice to have them filled again. For the longest time, they had been empty when his father grew ill and paranoid.
Even though his "right hand" was missing, he still felt supported and far more powerful with his best friends there. It also helped establish their titles and importance to each wolf or small family pack who bowed before them.
"Sire, thank you for seeing me..."
"Your highness, I appreciate your work."
"Great King Metas, I grovel at your feet"
The platitudes just kept rolling in - the worst of which were the fake ones that the upper class tried so very hard to convey as truth.
"Please Alpha. We weren't aware. It was what everyone was doing. We always supported you," said his father's and Harbinger's biggest supporters.
"We are so very sorry. If you let us keep our homes, we'll happily serve you and never stray from your ruling again," another couple who were officials begged on their hands and knees.
"I'll do anything, please- anything. I'm sorry for the past and how I treated you. I was just trying to protect myself. I-I always wanted you as Alpha." Lied an old palace servant clutching her outfit with fingers so tight that her knuckle bones were well defined through her skin.
The benevolent male listened to each one, and returned exactly what was given to him. Fake kindness (that he could actually act as truth), and due recompense.
"You were aware. You cared only about yourself." He said bitterly to the first dignitary.
"You are not sorry - and you shouldn't need incentive to serve me. I am your King, and from this day forth, you are as equal as rest of clan. Get out of my sight, and pack your belongings." Metas commanded to the couple.
"You who have been so cruel to me - you are asking for me to favor you? Pah. You're lucky I don't throw you in the mines. You made my life much harder than should have been. For this, you are cast out from castle, and cannot hold any leadership position at any point - including in your job." The Alpha returned the lies flowing from her mouth with truth.
"Pack your things and wait for the lottery. You will not be allowed to stay up here." Metas finished each time with a snarl and a glare.
With so many subjects now in the know about Metas' return, many of them left the line and presumably went to pack. Those smart enough to walk away, were unknowingly given a little bit of respect from the new king. At least they knew what they had done.
The other that had come to find his favor were going to be watched closely, for those were the ones who coveted power and favor above all -- and they were officially done with that.
By the time the sun was rising (now officially ending their 'day'), the line had been dealt with, and all the lists checked and plans were officially plotted out. All that was left to calm the calamity was to pull off that lottery system, and finally let the mountain settle into its new beginning.
...and all that was left for Metas was for Myranda to join him at his side.
Without letting anyone know or asking for permission from Jhinto, the Alpha King took his beloved wife and carried her to their new bedroom, which he had everything (including the mattress) replaced.
The only way he would sleep is if she was by his side, and he wanted to be there when she did wake up so she wasn't alone. Metas pulled the heavy, luxurious silk comforter back, laid her down as gently as possible, and covered her up.
After a quick shower, he took his place next to her, and pulled her warmth against his strong, broad chest.