The Alpha's Temptation

Eltanin could understand Biham's situation. Since all the kings were present here, so he took the opportunity to clear his father-in-law's name.

He said, "King Biham has denounced his daughter from the throne. He is no longer in contact with his elder daughter Princess Morava. Rather--"

"What about his elder wife, Queen Sirrah?" Eridani scoffed.

Biham let out a ferocious growl. Eridani was no less. He too got up and let out a ferocious growl. "We all know about your queen, King Biham, so it's no use hiding it from us!" said Eridani, placing both of his hands on the table.

"When you already know everything, why are you bringing it up?" Biham retorted. "And if you know everything, then why are you accusing me of hiding?"

"Calm down!" Eltanin said as his aura slipped out. Blue smoky mist spilled from his eyes and his magic coiled in his chest as if on an instinct. He didn't realize but all the kings winced when his aura slipped.

It was for the first time they saw his aether turning silver and streaking out from the corners of his eyes. They all looked at him with awe and respect as silence coated the air. No wonder he was the strongest king of Araniea.

Eltanin withdrew his aura and said, "These matters are your personal matters and you can't discuss them in the presence of other kings." Then he turned his gaze to Eridani and replied, "Since you already have a lot of information, I hope you are also aware that King Biham's younger daughter, Princess Lusitania is my mate and wife. This event is in honor of my wife."

Eridani's face flushed red when other kings started laughing.

Eltanin knew that he had quiet Eridani but the man is going to come after him in one or the other way.

After a brief talk about how the alliances would bring a combined benefit to their forces, Eltanin stopped. "You all can discuss this with your nobles and Generals and let me know. However, if you decide not to be with the Draka Kingdom, at least strengthen yourself on the inside. But in the end, all I can say is, if we stand united, Felis cannot do anything to us!"

A murmur broke out amongst the kings over it. Eltanin let them talk as he quietly ate his breakfast. He looked at Rigel from the side and winked at him. Rigel shook his head and grinned.

Suddenly, one of the kings of a small kingdom said aloud, "We can talk about all the alliances and strategies later, but what about our entertainment, King Eltanin?"

Eltanin knew that the wolf was a popular debauch. He also knew the kind of entertainment he was referring to. In the kingdoms, amongst the royals, it wasn't uncommon for the kings to have concubines or more than one wife. And this king had two. Still his appetite wasn't full. The thing was that almost every king sitting on the table immediately had an interest in the question King Tojil threw his way. Eltanin wiped his face with a napkin and said, "Of course. A private function awaits all of you in the basement of the palace." It was something that could never be avoided when he had a gathering like this.

King Tojil slapped the table and said, "Now we are talking sense!"

Others joined, cheering him and laughing.

Eltanin couldn't help but think that when he went for royal meetings before he had met Tania, he used to find such gatherings and functions rather a topic of erotica. It was mostly who banged whom and a hot gossip amongst men. But now... now he felt strangely terrible about it. He knew that while he had to organize it, he wouldn't participate in it. It just didn't feel right.

When the breakfast was over, Eltanin rushed back to his bedchamber, but was stopped by Princess Eri this time. "May the moon shine upon you, King Eltanin," she said sweetly and bowed.

He accepted her bow and was about to leave when she stopped him.

---

Lusitania was getting dressed in her bedchamber by Flora. She had given her a rose bath and applied scented oils on her skin. Right now she was applying scented oils in her wings. "I want you to spread the scent in case you decide to fly."

Tania giggled. "I wonder if I will fly at all! Though I really want to." She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Flora had insisted that she wear a canary yellow gown. It had puffy sleeves and the waist was cinched. The soft fabric of the skirt fell around her, draping her curves beautifully. Half of her hair was pinned up in a bun and the other half were left open. Flora had made curls out of them and let them cascade off her shoulders.

"If you want to, then you must spread your wings and take to the sky," she advised.

All at once, Tania's ears caught a faint voice. It was of a female talking to Eltanin. And she was saying something about how much more handsome he looked after their last meeting.

Tania jumped up from her place. "Stay here Flora. I am just coming back," she said as jealousy stabbed her heart. Who could be this woman?

"What happened, m'lady?" Flora asked, confused.

Tania wondered if her ears didn't catch the words of the woman who was talking to Eltanin. But she didn't have time to muse. "It's nothing. I will be back in a few minutes."

Tania dashed out of her bedchamber. She walked through the breezy corridor. The guards bowed to her all the way down. Four guards started to come after her, but she stopped them. She rounded a corner and came to stand behind a pillar. The voices were now clearer.

"Thank you, Princess Eri," Eltanin replied in a breathy voice. "I hope you are enjoying your day."

"I would enjoy it more if you take me for a tour to the orchid gardens. I have heard that they are beautiful!"