The Alpha King's Nemesis-Chapter 191: Chances ()

Vivienne walked through the halls of the Ethereal palace, mulling over Queen Sancia’s words as she made her way to King Askel’s quarters.

There was a tray in her hand on which a clean change of clothing was carefully laid out, prepared by Vivienne herself with Queen Sancia’s guidance.

The Royal Lycan guards she had encountered on the way had not stopped her, Vivienne was still a familiar face to them and she carried with her King Askel’s personal items.

"At least there are those still willing to acknowledge me." Vivienne murmured, nodding to the group of guards who bowed her way before they continued on their path.

Most had been more intent on ignoring Vivienne’s existence since her return, and Vivienne could not hold it against them,

Once an enforcer of the Royal Lycan Pack, she had become a Luna of a branch pack, but now, they simply did not know how to regard her... Vivienne herself was not certain what to regard herself anymore.

It was why Vivienne absolutely needed to seek out who she had been, she needed to find her true self before she had left Royal Lycan Pack.

She needed to find that part of herself she had left behind here as it was the only part of her life that still made sense, the only part of herself she could still be proud of, the only part of herself that was not worn out with one betrayal after the other.

There was only one person who could help her find that part of herself, and that was King Askel.

Vivienne shook off her thoughts as she approached the doors to King Askel’s quarters.

Unsurprisingly, Lucas stood right outside, leaned against the wall with his hands crossed over his chest.

His eyes were closed but the moment Vivienne turned the hallway, they snapped open and moved to settle on her.

"Lucas." Vivienne greeted with a bright smile, walking over to Lucas.

Vivienne’s smile soon dropped, she could not help but notice Lucas shift slightly so he stood right in front of Vivienne, blocking her path from King Askel’s door.

It was a subtle action, but more than enough to convey Lucas’s intent to Vivienne.

More than enough to make Vivienne understand that she was not wanted, Vivienne was not silly enough to miss that.

What was more, the fact that Lucas of all people was guarding outside King Askel’s door only confirmed to Vivienne what Queen Sancia had already said.

King Askel had been greatly affected by Lady Zariah’s decision, so much so that he holed himself up in his quarters and had his subordinates concerned.

’It is for the best, the deeper his hurt... the more positive my chances become.’ Vivienne reminded herself.

As for Lucas’s cold countenance, Vivienne mentally reminded herself not to take it to heart, things were different now but most importantly, Lucas was Lucas and Askel was Askel.

She had not come here for Lucas, but Lucas had never liked her anyways, not even all those years back.

"It has been a long time since we last met." Vivienne said, lowering her head to a bow of respect.

"Hmmm." Was all the response Lucas gave.

Instead, his questioning gaze moved from Vivienne’s face down to the items she carried with her. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"What brings you?" Lucas asked, despite Vivienne’s intents being obvious enough.

"Could you let His Grace know that I am here to see him?" Vivienne asked.

"My King is not granting audience, you should head back." Lucas replied blankly.

Vivienne gritted her teeth, Lucas had always been a difficult man, but he was King Askel’s most trusted, if she hoped to have any chances, Vivienne knew she would need to overcome Lucas.

"I have been unable to bid my greetings since my return. Would it be too much to ask for just a moment?" Vivienne pressed hopefully.

"Your greetings will have to wait till you are summoned, Vivienne." Lucas said, his expression unchanged.

"But Queen Sancia has ordered for me to deliver these to Askel..." Vivienne began to say but cut herself off when Lucas’s gaze narrowed.

"His Grace, I meant to say." Vivienne quickly corrected the slip.

"I will pass them on." Lucas assured.

"Would His Grace not require assistance?" Vivienne asked again.

"My King knows well enough how to get dressed." Lucas deadpanned, his brows twitching slightly.

It was clear Lucas was becoming annoyed with Vivienne’s insistence.

"I..." Vivienne did not get the words out completely when she was interrupted.

"Lucas!" Dechlan called, jogging over accompanied by two of his Royal Lycan warriors.

Dechlan stopped right beside Vivienne, glancing between Vivienne and Lucas for a moment.

"You must come with me...at the borders, it has happened again." Dechlan said to Lucas in a low tone underlined with urgency.

Lucas’s expression finally revealed a change, his brows narrowed slightly and rage flashed through his eyes.

"How many?" Lucas asked.

"About a dozen." Dechlan reported.

"Shall we inform His Grace?" Dechlan asked worriedly.

Lucas shook his head slightly in disagreement.

"I will take care of it, come along." Lucas instructed.

He strode past Vivienne but stopped, glancing back at her.

"Leave them inside and take your leave afterwards. My King is not to be disturbed." Lucas made clear.

"I understand." Vivienne replied immediately, her face lighting up with a smile.

Lucas grumbled inaudibly before he turned, leading Dechlan and the Royal Lycan warriors away.

Left to herself, Vivienne’s smile grew brighter and she sucked in a deep breath before she moved closer to Askel’s door.

Vivienne knocked twice and waited for an answer, but she did not receive one.

After a moment, she pushed open the door and stepped in herself.

Vivienne glanced around King Askel’s receiving quarters, he was nowhere to be seen but the door to his office was partly opened.

Vivienne walked over slowly, standing by the door, she glanced in but it was also empty.

There was a door leading to an adjoining room from the office, Vivienne was not sure where it lead but she headed there.

Pushing the door open, Vivienne’s eyes went wide with surprise when her gaze was met by King Askel’s dark, furious gaze.