{Third Person}

Back at his side of the residence, Alexander returned to his study shortly after lunch.

The fire crackled quietly in the hearth while a stack of documents waited untouched on his desk.

He had barely settled into his chair when the door opened, and Barron entered without bothering to announce himself.

One look at his cousin was enough for Alexander to know why he had come.

Barron crossed the room and took the seat opposite him before folding his arms across his chest.

"I saw your human bride leaving your study earlier," he said. "She looked as though she had been crying."

Alexander did not deny it. Since Barron was already involved in the matter, there was little point in keeping the truth from him.

So, he recounted everything that had happened that morning, beginning with the confrontation in Amara’s bedroom and ending with the lengthy discussion that followed inside the study.

He told him about the Caldwells’ deception, about Amara learning she was not their biological daughter only shortly before being sent to the Werewolf Kingdom, and about the strange condition of her body that made it increasingly obvious she was not even human.

By the time he finished, Barron was leaning comfortably against the back of his chair. To Alexander’s surprise, he did not appear shocked.

If anything, he seemed unusually calm.

"That explains quite a few things," Barron said thoughtfully.

Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly. "You are not surprised?"

Barron shrugged. "I suspected something was wrong long before today. Not that she wasn’t a Caldwell specifically, but there was always something unusual about her."

The answer was reasonable enough.

After a moment, Barron tilted his head and asked the question that mattered most. "So what happens now?"

Alexander’s gaze drifted toward the documents spread across his desk. For several moments, he remained silent, trying to put words to something that continued frustrating him.

Finally, he exhaled slowly. "I don’t know."

Barron’s eyebrows rose. Alexander rarely admitted uncertainty.

"The logical decision should be obvious," Alexander continued, his expression hardening slightly. "Yet every time I think about it, I find myself wanting to protect her."

The admission sounded strange even to his own ears.

"She deceived this kingdom. She concealed the truth from everyone around her. She has become a political liability that could create problems for both kingdoms."

He paused before continuing. "And yet my first instinct is still to keep her safe."

A frown appeared on his face now.

"I do not understand it. Even my wolf seems affected. It doesn’t want her harmed. It doesn’t want her punished."

Barron listened quietly until he finished. Rather than mocking him or making one of his usual jokes, he simply smiled.

"Whatever you decide, I will support you."

The simplicity of the statement caught Alexander slightly off guard.

Barron leaned back comfortably in his chair and continued, "You are the one carrying the responsibility for this decision, not me. Whether you choose to expose her, protect her, investigate her further, or do something else entirely, I will stand behind you."

For the first time all day, some of the tension eased from Alexander’s shoulders. Unfortunately, it did not last, as Barron’s expression grew serious at the thought of another possibility.

"There is something else you need to consider."

Alexander looked up.

"If Lady Amara remains inside this palace, she is in danger."

The statement immediately drew his full attention.

Barron folded his hands together and continued carefully. "She is no longer simply a political bride with a questionable identity. She is someone whose existence alone could become a weapon in the hands of your enemies."

Alexander did not argue because he knew Barron was right.

"There are people in this palace who would happily destroy you if given the opportunity," Barron continued.

"Some of them already have spies watching your residence. They are constantly searching for weaknesses, scandals, and opportunities. The moment they discover something valuable, they will use it without hesitation."

The room fell silent.

Neither man needed to pretend otherwise. This was simply the reality of palace life.

Barron leaned forward slightly. "You should leave the palace."

The suggestion was not new.

Over the last few weeks and years, Barron had made it countless times, and Alexander had always rejected it immediately or pretended to consider it.

This time, however, he found himself considering it seriously.

If he truly intended to keep Amara safe, then leaving the palace might be the most effective solution.

There were simply too many eyes here, too many ears, and far too many people waiting for him to make a mistake.

The city residence would provide far greater privacy. It would also make it significantly harder for anyone to monitor Amara.

"There is one problem," Alexander said after a moment.

Barron smiled immediately, as though he had already anticipated the objection. "You need a reason."

Alexander nodded. "A convincing one."

Barron’s smile widened. "That is actually the easiest part."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, so Barron delivered the answer. "Your birthday banquet."

The answer only deepened his confusion, so he asked, "What about it?"

Barron chuckled softly. "I happen to know that several people might already be planning one thing or another for that day. They intend to embarrass you, undermine you, or damage your reputation."

Alexander was not surprised in the slightest. Such behaviour was expected.

"What does that have to do with leaving the palace?"

Barron’s eyes gleamed. "You don’t stop them."

Alexander stared at him, so he continued, "Whatever they attempt, you simply allow the consequences to become impossible to ignore."

Slowly, understanding began to form, and a smile appeared on Barron’s face as he saw it.

"You amplify the aftermath."

Alexander leaned back in his chair. Now he understood perfectly.

No matter what scheme his enemies prepared for the banquet, all he needed to do was ensure that the resulting controversy became significant enough to justify his departure from the palace.

Once that happened, even the Alpha King would struggle to oppose the decision.

After all, Alexander had never wanted the banquet in the first place.

The more he considered the idea, the more elegant it became. Eventually, a faint smile appeared on his face. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"It is an excellent strategy."

Barron grinned immediately. "I thought you would appreciate it."

Alexander turned his gaze toward the window, his mind already moving several steps ahead.

He could already see a path forward. But more importantly, he could see a way to protect her without openly revealing his intentions.

And he had no intention of letting that opportunity go to waste.