The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 181: A Month ()
The round table in the meeting hall looked about ready to be broken in half or smashed to pieces and it was owed to the palpable tension between King Askel and Alpha Caedmon Grey.
The moment Askel had to finally pulled away, it was then he took notice of the presence of Caedmon Grey who was again being restrained from lunging at Askel.
Of course, Askel was not pleased at the sight but he calmed his rage knowing he could not let Caedmon Grey get to him this time.
Zariah did not pay either of them any heed, her mind was occupied by her own thoughts and she was not really concerned about what was to be discussed or decided here today.
"There has been cases of a shifter being granted two mates across history, most of these were second chance mate bonds in cases where the first mate bond could not prevail."
"However, a second chance mate bond should not have manifested if the first bond has not been severed, therefore it would not be overstepping to conclude this is not one of such cases." Lord Kodin began.
"Though there has been cases of two mate bonds manifesting at the same time, it is admittedly a very rare occurrence... especially when both cannot coexist." Lord Kodin said, staring warily between Askel and Caedmon.
Askel growled low at the mention of coexisting, there was absolutely no way he would share Zariah’s heart with another, he would never have it.
Zariah was already clear on Askel’s possessiveness and so she was not the slightest bit surprised by his reaction.
Instead, her gaze was fixed on Caedmon, subtly studying his every reaction in an attempt to decipher his thoughts.
"That being said, when it comes down to what can be done about it, there is no easy solution to this situation." Lord Kodin continued, exchanging a look with Lord Melven.
"Before that, it would be right to announce that we have already summoned the High Oracle to verify Caedmon Grey’s claim to the mate bond and it has been duly confirmed."
"Caedmon Grey does share a mate bond with Zariah...an exact first mate bond just as King Askel’s bond." Lord Kodin carried on.
"Hence, there is no question as to the legitimacy of the bond." Lord Kodin paused at that, as if to let the fact sink in.
It was clear that even Lord Kodin and Lord Melven were at a loss on the complex situation.
"I do not care if the bond is legitimate or otherwise. I will not let Zariah go." Askel made clear.
"It is not up to you to let her, Your Grace. Zariah has a mind of her own, you do not get to make the decisions for her." Caedmon Grey countered.
"Before biting off each other’s heads, let me finish. There are only two possible ways this situation can be resolved and I am certain we all already know what they are."
"First...a battle to stake your claim, a challenge to the death." Lord Kodin said in a grim tone.
He again paused to let it sink in before he continued.
"Secondly..." Lord Kodin paused again, passing a sympathetic look to Zariah.
"Secondly, Zariah must make a choice on keeping one bond and rejecting the other." Lord Kodin finished.
No one had expected to hear anything different, truly there was only these two ways that could solve this situation.
The first would be a great tragedy and the second would present Zariah with a very difficult choice, neither of these choices were fair to anyone but it was what needed to be done.
"Both of these options completely rob me of any opportunities. Between King Askel and I, it is clear who is stronger. I am no match for King Askel...a battle already has a predetermined end." Caedmon protested. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
"And if the choice is left to Zariah, she has already grown used to King Askel and they have shared time together. We have not had the chance to even be acquainted, how could she choose a complete stranger?" Caedmon argued.
"You just said the choice is Zariah’s alone to make. How is it that you no longer want her to make a choice? Do you doubt her judgement or her ability to determine what is best for her?" Nile asked with a frown.
"What I doubt is my chances when I have not been given a shot. The choice is surely Zariah’s alone and I will honor her choice, but I request a chance to woo her too...a chance to get to know her just as King Askel has." Caedmon reasoned.
Caedmon’s words were inarguably the truth. King Askel stood a better chance in all regards if a decision was made at this exact moment.
"Not happening." Askel said firmly.
"Forgive me, Your Grace but Caedmon Grey is not wrong. None of these options would be fair to him and the very reason Melven and I have been invited here is to make this as fair as possible to all parties." Lord Kodin continued.
"With that in mind, Melven and I have come to a decision." Lord Kodin announced.
"A month...it is a long enough time for Zariah to be able to make her judgement without any bias." Lord Melven spoke up for the first time since the meeting had begun.
"To make things unarguably fair, Zariah and Caedmon will be allowed a month to get to know each other and afterwards, Zariah will make her decision on who she is willing to have as a mate." Lord Melven relayed.
Askel growled dangerously low and was going to protest firmly but the words died on his tongue when Zariah spoke up.
"I am not opposed to this arrangement. It is in the best interest of all parties that this be resolved in a manner that gives no room for doubts or questions. As such, I will give Caedmon a month before making a decision." Zariah agreed much to Askel’s dismay.
