Chapter 27: Deal
[Throne Hall.]
"She didn’t answer?" Head Milan was stunned, her voice a hushed whisper in the suddenly tense hall.
"Try again!" Zinmo urged, his voice sharp with impatience.
Xenor nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes, and tapped ’sent’ once more.
Everyone watched, their breaths held, as the green caller logo on the holographic screen vanished, replaced instantly by Josephine’s face. A collective gasp, barely audible, swept through the hall.
Xenor exhaled in profound relief, a soft smile gracing his lips. "My love, where have you been? We are all worried." He spoke in a tone he hoped conveyed tenderness and concern.
"Xenor... I am not your love, but your queen, speak to me with respect!" Josephine’s voice sliced through the air, cold and sharp, stunning everyone in the hall into shocked silence.
"Huh? Why? But you are my mate! The moon goddess never lies!" Xenor stammered, his soft demeanor crumbling into bewildered frustration.
"When did I accept that bond? I didn’t let you ma—"
"—Hmm... My Queen, everyone is here, worried about you!" Xenor interjected quickly, cutting Josephine’s words short. He dared not let her finish that sentence. ’No! I can’t do anything now! I told the whole wolves’ clan I marked her to chase the wolves away... If they know... No! When she gets back, that will be the first thing I will do! Then we will know how you will leave me.’ he thought, a cold calculation forming in his mind.
"So everyone is present? And this call is on public?" Josephine asked, her voice still laced with an unsettling chill. Xenor nodded his head frantically.