Chapter 4 Cracks In The Throne

• Lucian's POV
• News of the corruption spread through the palace by midday. I stood in the council chamber while nobles argued over the documents Seraphina had somehow placed in their hands. The papers showed clear evidence of supply diversions tied directly to Vesper's family. Minor officials had taken cuts and left border packs short on grain and medicine. I watched the room carefully as whispers grew louder among the gathered lords. Some glanced my way with questions in their eyes while others nodded toward the empty seat where Vesper's uncle usually sat.
• This should not have happened. I had kept tighter control over these matters yet Seraphina moved pieces I did not see. The mate bond pulled at me again as I thought of her. It had not eased since the rejection. If anything it pressed harder every time she surfaced with another unexpected action. I felt irritation mix with a pull I could not shake.
• One noble raised his voice above the rest. "This cannot continue unchecked my king. If Vesper's kin steal from our own people, then trust in the throne suffers."
• I stepped forward and lifted my hand for silence. "These claims need full investigation before we point fingers. Vesper's family has served the pack loyally for years. I will not allow rumors to tear us apart."
• My words came out firm and the room settled somewhat. I defended her publicly because appearances mattered. The pack needed stability especially after Seraphina's public rejection of me. Still the evidence looked solid enough to raise real doubts. I ended the meeting shortly after and dismissed everyone. Once the doors closed, I turned to my beta who waited nearby.
• "Bring Vesper to my study," I told him.
• She arrived within minutes, her face showing controlled anger as she shut the door behind her. "This is clearly a setup, Lucian. That omega is behind it. She wants to weaken me in your eyes."
• I studied her closely. "The numbers match ledger copies from your family's warehouses. Explain how that happened without your knowledge."
• Vesper crossed her arms. "Servants make mistakes. Lower officials get greedy. You know how it works. Why doubt me now because of her?"
• Her answer did not satisfy me fully. I remembered how Seraphina had warned Harlan about the ambush with details no ordinary omega should possess. Now this. Something felt off about the timing and her confidence. I waved Vesper out after a few more questions but the doubt lingered in my mind.
• Later that afternoon, I walked the upper halls alone. Guards reported seeing Seraphina near the servant quarters again. I found myself heading in that direction without planning to. The bond urged me forward. When I spotted her carrying a small bundle toward the outer buildings, I stopped and watched from a distance. She moved with purpose and spoke briefly to a kitchen maid who nodded and hurried off. Even at this remove her presence affected me.
• I thought about the way she had slipped away from me in the storage room. The nearness of her body and the heat of our almost contact stayed with me. She defied me at every turn yet part of me respected the strength she showed. My obsession grew with each new report about her actions. I needed her closer where I could watch her properly. The palace offered better protection after all.
• I called my head steward over once I returned to the main wing. "Prepare quarters in the east wing of the palace. Move Seraphina Voss there by evening. Tell her it is for her own protection after the recent tensions."
• The steward blinked but did not question me. "As you command, my king."
• I nodded and continued to my study. Inside I poured a drink and stood by the window again. Publicly, I stood by Vesper to maintain order. Privately, the questions about her family and their dealings bothered me more than I wanted to admit. Seraphina, on the other hand, occupied my thoughts constantly. Her defiance should have pushed me away but it did the opposite. I felt the mate bond strengthen every time she challenged me.
• Moving her closer served multiple purposes. I could keep her under direct watch. I could confront her about the evidence she spread. Most of all I could figure out why her rejection only made me want her more. The throne already showed small cracks from her moves. I would not let them widen.
• As evening approached, I received confirmation that the orders were carried out. Seraphina now resided within the palace walls under the excuse of protection. Part of me knew she would see through it but that did not matter. She was here now. I could reach her whenever the bond pulled too strongly. My irritation at her actions mixed with this growing dark fascination. She had become a force I could no longer ignore and I intended to keep her close until I broke through whatever barrier she had built against me.