Chapter 124
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Third Person’s POV
Two days later, Caldwell and Tommy returned.
After a downpour, Caldwell changed into dry clothes and hurried to the study to see Lance.
Caldwell said bluntly, “Lycan Erasmus just wants to take command of the army. Since you plan to relinquish it anyway, do so, but never use your marriage as a bargaining chip.”
“He knows you once sought a bond with Miss Davidson’s mother. He wants to offer Miss Davidson to you to clear his conscience. But I see no need for that.”
“After you hand over command, make him rescind the order. Whether you and Miss Davidson become mates is between you two.”
“Lycan Erasmus’s interference complicates things, making any potential bond awkward.”
A mate bond should be clear and honest. A marriage of convenience would dishonor Lance’s integrity.
Lance frowned and said, “I agree. The appointment as army commander came from the former Lycan King, who stated the army is mine to defend our kingdom.”
“The Royal Council is aware. When I relinquish command, Lycan Erasmus must reward me to honor the former king and the Council.”
“For appearance’s sake, he’ll have to. I fear he’ll directly make Adelaide my mate, even announcing my pre- war bond request with her to frame it as a reward.”
Caldwell also frowned. “Then people will speculate that Airelle preferred Ulrik over you, or that she doubted your victory. There’ll be endless rumors.”
“That’s my main concern,” Lance said, flipping a paperweight off the table.
“Lycan Erasmus’s actions have caused me great distress . ”
Caldwell pondered and suddenly had a thought. “Is it possible Erasmus doesn’t insist on you relinquishing command? Perhaps he’s open to either option?”
Lance felt a weight drop. “Are you saying Lycan Erasmus truly wants Adelaide in the palace as a priestess?”
Caldwell explained, “Either command or Miss Davidson. If you force him to rescind the order, he might try to have both. As for rewards, he could offer wealth or even return the Ironthorn Army.”
This was new to Lance.
He’d never heard of Erasmus’s interest in Adelaide.
If Erasmus had intended to stop Airelle from marrying Adelaide to Ulrik back then, he would have.
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But perhaps his interest arose post–war.
His palace had many priestesses, but none like Adelaide.
Moreover, she was the most capable candidate to lead the army.
As Lycan Erasmus’s priestess and lover, she’d secure his future.
Also, having proven herself to Alpha Bentley’s subordinates, they’d obey her.
So Lycan Erasmus’s words held ulterior motives.
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Lance’s gaze grew colder. “Thus, I must relinquish command and formally propose to Adelaide. No other options left.”
Caldwell sighed. “We’ll need a reason–strategic or heartfelt–to secure the bond. The three–month deadline burdens Miss Davidson too. Without Erasmus’s approval, no one dares propose. Those eligible for the Royal Council aren’t chosen lightly.”
Lance said gravely, “I understand.”
Caldwell added, “Priscilla might not approve of Miss Davidson.”
In Priscilla’s eyes, Lance was the ideal werewolf.
Given Priscilla’s temperament, it was foreseeable that Miss Davidson would not have a peaceful life as Lance’s mate.
Lance, decisive as ever, moved swiftly once resolved.
He ordered, “Call the Frostfang Beta. I’ll visit tomorrow.”
Caldwell had Tommy visit the Frostfang Pack.
Confused, Tommy questioned Caldwell, “Alpha Lance could become Adelaide’s mate without relinquishing command.”
Caldwell knocked his head, “Without relinquishing command, Erasmus would have Priscilla intervene immediately.”
Tommy thought about the word “intervene” but remained confused.
“Priscilla will still object now.” Everyone knew Priscilla’s personality.
Caldwell explained, “Now, it’s Priscilla acting alone, not on orders. There’s a difference.”
Caldwell stopped there. “Just visit the Frostfang Pack. Say nothing more.”
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