Chapter 45: The Price of Consent

As the morning sun entered through the large windows of the mansion, already dressed in his black leather armor, Alpha Lleus stood in the central hall guarded by his close men. His eyes were bright and commanding. "Keep the eastern border guards vigilant," he told one of his lieutenants. "The last report mentioned some suspicious movement near the old ravine. I don't want any surprises." "Yes, Alpha," he said, bowing, before he turned and headed out of the room. Lleus glanced up at Reika, his eyes softening as he met hers. 'I'll be heading to the obsidian mines today. It shouldn't take long, but I'll leave the house in your capable hands." She gave him a small, reassuring smile. 'Of course, my king. Everything will be taken care of." Before Lleus could say a word, a servant burst into the great hall, bowing deep. "My lord, my lady. The family of Dawn stands at the gates. They claim they've come to bless your recent union. Reika froze, her smile faltering. Her mind reeled at the mention of the Dawn family. Memories from her past life came rushing back in vivid, painful flashes-the betrayals, the conspiracies, and their role in her ultimate downfall. The Dawn family had once been key players in her destruction, aligning themselves with her enemies to strip her of everything. "Let them in," Lleus said casually, oblivious to Reika's inner turmoil. Reika rounded on him sharply. "Are you certain of this? Their visit happened so suddenly… seems so unexpected." Lleus raised an eyebrow. "They are our close allies and we could do with their favor. Moreover, if they have come with benedictions, then we must welcome them with politeness." Politely? Reika's fists were clenched. She nodded. "Very well." As the huge gates of the mansion swung open, the family of Dawn entered with an air of arrogance, their richly adorned garments speaking of their wealth and status. In front, Lord Malric Dawn cast a piercing gaze into the hall with both disdain and curiosity. Next to him walked Lady Eliza, her lips curled into a faint smile. Behind them was their son, Edran. Alpha Lleus," Malric said loudly and firmly as he extended a hand. "Congratulations on your marriage. A union like yours deserves the blessings of noble allies." "Lord Malric, Lady Eliza, Edran," Lleus said with a slight inclination of his head. "Your presence here honors us. Reika came down the stairs, each movement purposefully slow. Her eyes finally met Malric's, and a tempest brewed in her soul as memories of his betrayal in her past life conflicted with her determination to not have history repeat itself. "Ah, and this must be the new queen," Eliza said, dripping her tone with sweet falseness. "Reika, is it? Such an. unexpected choice. Reika forced a polite smile onto her face. "Lady Eliza, your reputation precedes you. It is an honor to meet you and your family." Lleus, heedless of the tension between the women, laid a reassuring hand on Reika's shoulder. "Reika, I really must be off to the mines. Will you see things here?" Reika looked up into his face, her bright, professional smile softening as she met the trusting look in his eyes. "Of course, my king. Go, and I shall see to everything. He nodded, pressing a brief kiss to her forehead before turning to the Dawns. "I'll leave you in my wife's capable hands. Do enjoy your stay." As Lleus and his men departed, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. The Dawns' courteous facade began to crack, revealing their true intentions. 'We've heard many things about you, Reika," Malric said, his tone now dripping with disdain. 'Some say you've bewitched the Alpha, turned him into a puppet." Eliza smirked. 'Others say you're a nobody who got lucky. Tell us, how does it feel to rise so far above your station?" Reika's hands quivered, but she refused to show weakness. Instead, she met their hostility with a calm, calculated gaze. "I'm not here to defend myself against baseless rumors. What matters is that I am now queen, and my authority stands." Edran laughed mockingly. "Authority? You think wearing a crown makes you one of us? You'll never be more than a commoner playing dress-up. Reika's smile hardened. "Perhaps. But even a commoner can wield power if they know how to use it wisely." Malric leaned forward, his voice low and menacing. "Do not think for a moment that you can dictate terms to us, girl. We are the Dawn family, and we bow to no one. Reika's eyes narrowed as her mind worked furiously for a way to neutralize them, to turn the tables in her favor. And then, one idea hit her-one as audacious as it was effective. She gestured to one of the servants, who quickly fetched her a chest. Within moments, a large wooden box was placed before her. Reika opened it, revealing stacks of gold coins and precious jewels that glittered under the sunlight. Power takes many shapes," Reika said, ice dripping off her voice. "Wealth, one of those. Consider it a show of good faith. Look upon this as an investment in our. friendly future." The family of Dawns stared down at the treasure, changing their visage from disdainful to acquisitive in an instant. Eliza's fingers itched visibly to feel the gold under them. "And just what is expected in return? Reika stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Your consent. Publicly, you will acknowledge me as your queen and offer your fullest support. Privately, you will rein in your ambitions and not interfere in my affairs. We have a deal?" Malric's face tightened, his pride wrestling with his greed. Finally, he nodded curtly. "Very well. You have our support-for now. Reika smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Good. I trust this will be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship." As the servants carried the chest away, the Dawns exchanged wary glances, realizing they had underestimated the woman before them.