Chereads / THE RETURN OF THE ALPHA / Chapter 5 - CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 - CHAPTER 5

"But Your Highness, you've come of age. It has to be done. It's the law of the land—you must marry," insisted Tristan's Chief Adviser, his voice firm but edged with concern.

Four years had passed since Tristan became the King of the Lutcharin Kingdom. Now twenty-five, the young king still bore the weight of his reluctant reign with quiet determination. He sighed deeply, resting his chin on his palm.

"I said no," Tristan retorted, a steely defiance in his tone. "I am not ready to get married, let alone have children. I'd rather die single, for all I care!"

The Chief Adviser frowned but pressed on. "You do realize, Your Highness, that if you die without an heir, your cousin and his descendants will seize the throne. They will rule this kingdom—forever."

Tristan stiffened. His cousin. The thought of that "filthy opportunist," as he often muttered under his breath, sitting on the throne made his blood boil.

"What do you suppose I do?" Tristan asked, exasperated. "I don't know how to court noblewomen or princesses, let alone build a relationship strong enough to convince one to marry me!" His voice softened, tinged with vulnerability.

The Chief Adviser's lips curled into a subtle, almost imperceptible grin. "Do not worry, Your Highness. Leave everything to me. Trust that I have your best interests at heart." With that, he bowed low and departed the throne room, his steps deliberate, his intentions shrouded in mystery.

Tristan leaned back, rubbing his temples. "What is he up to now?" he muttered to himself. His hand idly brushed against the golden-armored fur of his Alpha wolf. The creature, majestic and imposing, turned its head to meet Tristan's gaze. Around its neck was a collar engraved with the title Alpha, a mark of its unique place in the kingdom.

The throne room doors creaked open, and the rest of the pack bounded in, their paws pattering on the polished marble floor. Five playful wolf pups followed closely, yipping and tumbling over one another. Tristan knelt to greet them, his tension easing as he ran his fingers through their soft fur. Memories of his childhood flooded back—days when the Alpha had been his sole confidant.

As he cradled one of the pups, an image flashed in his mind: a girl, her gentle hands stroking a wolf pup in the same way. The memory tugged at the edges of his consciousness, but he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the playful wolves surrounding him. The Alpha padded over to a pup and nuzzled it lovingly.

It was a Luna-pup.

Months later, the grand hall of Lutcharin was alive with energy. Lavishly restored for the occasion, it gleamed under the glow of countless crystal chandeliers. Banners bearing the kingdom's emblem draped the walls, while finely dressed royals, nobles, and even some commoners milled about.

"Greetings to all!" the Chief Adviser's booming voice silenced the crowd. He stood tall at the dais, his presence commanding. "We are gathered here for a most splendid occasion. Eligible bachelors, spinsters, and other fine singles shall have the chance to find their match. And who knows? One among you may become the Queen of Lutcharin."

He gestured toward the throne where Tristan sat, his posture composed but his eyes betraying his discomfort. With a forced smile, the king gave a polite wave to the congregation.

The crowd erupted into applause, then broke into clusters as attendees began mingling, laughter and introductions echoing through the hall. Tristan chuckled quietly at the scene, amused by the orchestrated chaos. But as he scanned the room, his gaze caught on something—or rather, someone.

Amid the lively throng, one figure remained seated, her head bowed, seemingly oblivious to the festivities around her. Tristan squinted, curiosity piqued.

Before he could act, the Alpha wolf rose abruptly and let out a resounding howl. The room froze, all eyes turning toward the creature. Tristan's heart raced—never before had the Alpha behaved so unpredictably in public.

The wolf darted forward, weaving through the crowd, heading straight for the seated figure. Tristan hurried after it, his boots echoing on the marble floor.

The Alpha stopped a few feet from the girl, approaching her with an almost reverent slowness. She sat cradling something in her arms. As Tristan stepped closer, realization struck him like a thunderclap.

The half-grown wolf pup she held—it was unmistakable. And so was she.

"My lady," Tristan whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief. "Is it truly you?"

She looked up, startled. Her wide eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"Tristan?" she breathed, her voice barely audible. "It... it can't be."

The wolf pup leaped from her arms, scampering toward the Alpha, who greeted it with affectionate licks. The reunion between the two animals brought a small smile to Tristan's lips.

The girl—no, the princess—rose from her seat. "So, the rumors are true," she said, her voice steady but laced with emotion. "You are the rightful heir to the Lutcharin Kingdom."

"And I suppose you knew all along," Tristan replied, his tone half-playful, half-accusatory.

"I might have," she admitted, twisting a strand of hair around her finger.

They stood in awkward silence for a moment before she spoke again. "At your hut, four years ago, you gave me a carpet—said it was the last remnant of your parents. But I always knew that was a lie. Tell me, Tristan. How did you really lose them?"

Tristan's chest tightened. He met her gaze, searching for answers he wasn't sure he had. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I saw them, Tristan," she said softly. "I saw you. A long time ago."

The room around him blurred as a long-buried memory surged to the surface.

A younger Tristan wandered the palace halls, his tiny hand clutching a royal badge as he searched for his missing wolf pup. He found Alpha in a quiet chamber, its fur being stroked by a girl with bright, curious eyes.

"Hi," he had said shyly, his voice tinged with the innocence of youth.

The girl had smiled at him, a smile he now realized he had never truly forgotten.

The flashback ended abruptly, leaving Tristan staring at the princess in stunned silence. "You... you were there," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"Yes," she replied, her own voice trembling. "And I never forgot."