Chapter 79: Insults, and provokes

The next morning, Andrew called his father early, catching Davian by surprise.

"It’s unusual for you to call me at this hour," Davian remarked from the other end of the line.

"Good morning, Father," Andrew greeted him.

"Good morning." Davian handed his teacup to the valet, who placed it carefully on the saucer before stepping aside. "Now, why have you called? I assume this has something to do with Caroline."

"You’re right, Father. I’m trying to establish communication with the leadership of the rogue territory. According to my sources, they’re willing to negotiate, provided either you or an appointed ambassador takes the initiative and approaches them officially," Andrew explained.

"Then I’ll appoint you as the ambassador. I’ll have your brother prepare an official order," Davian declared without hesitation. However, his expression grew serious as he added, "Be careful, Andrew. You’re putting yourself at risk, and there may be dangers you haven’t fully considered. I know you love Caroline, but remember that you have a family here, too. I don’t want you to forget that while pursuing this matter."

"If Victor isn’t apprehended soon, he’ll cause havoc when he returns," Andrew replied, his brow furrowing.

He couldn’t shake the suspicion that the dark forces supporting Victor had helped him escape. If Victor returned with their backing, Caroline would most likely be his primary target. Andrew had no intention of allowing that to happen, even if it meant putting himself in danger to uncover the truth and bring the matter to an end.

"I told you I would arrange a welcoming party for Caroline. I’m planning to hold it next week, so keep your schedule clear," Davian stated.

"Of course," Andrew replied. "I won’t keep you any longer. Thank you, Dad."

The call ended, and Davian stared at his phone with a frown.

"He’s willing to risk his life for an omega," Seraphina remarked from beside him. She held a teacup in her hand, her expression growing darker with every passing moment. "You shouldn’t arrange a party for her. I want Caroline out of Andrew’s life."

"That seems increasingly unlikely," Davian replied. He picked up his teacup and took a quick sip before the tea could grow any colder.

"Davian, you could have used your authority to order their separation," Seraphina insisted, placing her cup on its saucer. A maid immediately stepped forward to collect it. "But you chose to remain silent. You deliberately allowed their marriage to happen, and now you’re acting as though nothing can be done."

Davian didn’t respond immediately, which only fueled her anger.

"Caroline will destroy this family one day. Remember my words," Seraphina continued with resentment. "She’ll even bear Andrew’s children and malign our pure bloodline. How can you stand by and allow this to happen?"

"Because I don’t want Andrew to believe that we despise his choices," Davian explained. "Ever since he learned that we never wanted him, he has distanced himself from us. My mother’s last words before she died were, ’Let Andrew feel alive.’"

Seraphina fell silent, unwilling to disrespect the final wish of her late mother-in-law. However, her resentment toward Caroline remained, and she couldn’t keep her thoughts to herself for long.

"Mother wouldn’t have accepted Caroline either," she argued.

"Perhaps not," Davian conceded. "But her love for Andrew would have compelled her to tolerate the presence of an omega beside her grandson, even if she disagreed with the marriage."

He rose from his chair and straightened his clothes before turning toward the door.

"I’ll see you later, my queen."

With those words, Davian left the chamber, leaving Seraphina alone with her anger and frustration.

~~~~~

"You want to appoint Andrew as the ambassador?" Alarick raised his eyebrows in surprise. He stood before his father with his hands clasped behind his back, maintaining a firm posture.

"Yes. Prepare an official order appointing him to the position. I’ll place my seal on it later," Davian instructed, leaning back in his chair.

"Dad, Andrew is hot-headed. The rogues haven’t attacked our territory in years, but that doesn’t mean we should take this opportunity lightly. What if Andrew loses his temper, insults them, and provokes them into retaliating against us just because they couldn’t present Victor?" Alarick questioned. After a brief pause, he added, "I would recommend appointing Ilias instead. He’s calmer and has a better understanding of politics. He would be more suitable for negotiations."

"I’ll warn Andrew to be careful," Davian replied. His expression darkened as he thought about the situation. "Besides, this matter concerns Victor. That man has even managed to manipulate my own daughter and turn her against her judgment."

He had little patience left for Victor’s schemes, and he wanted the matter resolved before it caused further trouble for the royal family.

"Nina is my sister too, Dad and I’m also worried for her. Andrew shouldn’t be sent there to negotiate with the rogues. He has a habit of flaunting his strength in front of others. That might work here, but it won’t work everywhere," Alarick pointed out.

Davian frowned, leaning back in his chair as he considered his son’s argument. He knew Alarick had a point. Andrew’s temper and tendency to assert his dominance could easily turn a peaceful negotiation into a confrontation.

"All right. I’ll send Ilias instead. I can’t risk the safety of the country over this matter," Davian finally decided. After a brief pause, he added, "And I can’t deny that Andrew has a habit of provoking others."

"Thank you for considering my suggestion, Dad. I’ll prepare the official order right away," Alarick replied.

He bowed respectfully and turned toward the door, ready to carry out his father’s instructions.

"Alarick, wait!" Davian called out.

He immediately turned around, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Yes, Dad?"

"You’re my eldest son, Alarick. It’s time you found your mate and settled down," Davian began. "Now that Andrew has married first, the council has started pressuring me about your marriage as well. Just yesterday, several high-ranking officials approached me to ask whether I had someone in mind for you. They even suggested holding a bride selection ceremony."

Alarick remained silent, listening to his father.

"For now, I’ve refused their suggestion because I know you want to find your fated mate rather than marry someone chosen for you. However, I can’t keep delaying the matter indefinitely. I’ll give you one month to find your mate. After that, we’ll have to consider the alternatives."

Alarick knew something like this would happen anytime soon. "Thank you, Dad. I’m searching for my mate." He bowed and walked out of the study of the Alpha King.