Noah POV
"Y-You’re King Tanner’s brother?" my brows shot up with disbelief as I stared at the man who was the complete opposite of the Tanner I know.
He let out an easy laugh and nodded "I swear to the moon, I am Tanner’s brother. We have the sa mother and the sa father. I think I look more like my mother," he reached for the folds in his pocket and brings out a black and white picture which he raises to my eye level.
It was a picture of a slender, beautiful woman with eyes that resembled Conrad’s’. In the picture, she was sitting on a high stool, with a 4-year-old Tanner from my guess and a toddler that looked like Tanner. On the picture was inscribed a date and ti the picture was taken. I looked up from the picture eting Conrad’s gaze. This proves nothing. With the high rise of technology, especially with most packs leaning towards the human world to tap from it, anything was possible.
But I decided it would be useless to keep arguing with him and I also know this might be a way to trap . So, I made sure I had a disbelieving look on my face. "I see," I nodded finally "It’s a pleasure to et you although Tanner didn’t ntion having a brother to the last ti we t,".
"Nah!" Conrad shook his head, a playful smile on his lips "Tanner does anything but talk about . You see, we don’t see eye to eye on a lot of manners and he’s as stubborn as an earthen god but he doesn’t talk about to anyone. You could safely say that I am the black sheep of the family and that’s okay. I’m used to it," he winked at .
"Anyways," he shrugged and went back to his position easing onto the sofa as he stared at with hardness glinting in his eyes and a smile still playing on his lips "I must admit, I’m surprised that you decided to see this morning, especially after last night’s..." he trailed off watching intently "saga...".
Instantly, I beca alert as the words left his mouth. He was baiting as Kurtis said he would. If I pretended and acted like I didn’t know anything about it, it would heighten his suspicion. But since we’re going with the narrative that Selene had gone to see him without my knowledge or permission, I would try sothing else.
I walked towards the sofa facing him, and settled myself on it, "I should be asking you that. When the guards reported to that you ca into Moon Whisper yesterday and didn’t care to inform or call anyone to tell us of your arrival and that was why I asked them to revoke your lodgings for only 48 hours even though I was told you wanted to stay the entire week,".
"Oh!" his brows furrowed with confusion "That was you?"
"Conrad, listen... in case your brother hasn’t told you, you cannot co into any territory without taking proper permission. The only reason why you’re still walking around a free man is because of my friendship with your brother Tanner. Or else you’d be in jail now,".
"Is that all you have to say to ?" He asked staring intently at "You didn’t do anything else, perhaps send soone to co visit yesterday or sothing?"
"I clearly stated that you’re an unwelco guest in my territory and you have less than 24 hours to leave. Why would I co to visit you? Besides, it was so rude of you to still show up to the pack house this early in the morning, without sending word first. I would say next ti you would do a better work but there won’t be a next ti. Starting from when you leave, you’re no longer welco to co to Moon Whisper on your own except, of course, you’re coming with your brother’s entourage. That’s the only thing I would permit,".
He didn’t say anything. Instead, his amber eyes stared at as if he were trying to read my thoughts.
Reid shifts closer to and whispers "Isn’t the punishnt too harsh? You know he’s new to things like this. Maybe you should give him a chance, instead of just writing him off like that,".
I froze and turned to Reid, staring at him with surprise. Reid loved to follow the laws and would always tell you that it was ant for everyone. So, why the hell was he supporting Conrad when he knew damn well that he had broken several laws. What was more shocking was how he was pleading on his behalf. It was so untypical of him.
"Are you alright?" I huffed and turned my attention back to Conrad. Not before I saw his features flicker with amusent.
"Where is my niece by the way?" he asked "I’ve been trying to reach her since I arrived but her number is not connecting and when I checked her at the suite she was staying at the hotel, I was told she checked out already and was taken to the pack house. Why did you do that?"
"Why exactly did you co here, Conrad? Why did Tanner send you? Is it to co back ho with his daughter or what? Because I am confused and would need enlightennt. By the way, Princess Jade is fine and is currently enjoying her stay in Moon Whisper. However, not until I’ve had a chance to speak with your brother – King Tanner about a ton of things, she stays," I said flatly.
"Are you threatening with her?" he chuckled but after a beat added "I think I understand where you’re coming from but detaining a Princess of the West and being bold about it is a cri, Your Majesty,".
"Your niece ca into my kingdom and just like you, there was no prior information. What is wrong with all of you from your pack? Does this place look like a dumping ground? Anyways," I took a deep breath, "I have the right to detain her until I am satisfied with a positive reply from King Tanner as to why he sent his daughter to knowing well that I am already married,".
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Reid was hovering impatiently as if he wanted to tell sothing. Turning my attention to him, he leaned towards again and whispered...
"Your majesty, there is no need for you to take such drastic action against them. After all, we’re partners and it will make no sense if we fight like this. We could reach a negotiation. Please, it makes no sense that matters like this would bring strife between us,".
I arched a brow at him as I watched with incredulity. Was he advocating for Conrad right now? Like for the second ti? He shot a pointed look before turning back to Conrad with a bright smile on his face.
"I’m sorry for the inconvenience so far and I don’t want you to misunderstand his majesty. Your niece would be released, I promise you but all we need you to do is call King Tanner and let his majesty speak the him. That’s all," Reid said.
Conrad scoffed and rose to his feet giving us a dismissive glare "I’ve heard so much about you, Noah and I’m a little impressed because the rumours have it that you’re sweet and loving and a whole bunch of stuff but you’ve managed to impress . That’s good,".
The words were barely out of his mouth when the door swung open and I turned, half-expecting to see Xavier or maybe Kurtis but instead, it was Selene who ca in. Her face had a haunted look as her eyes rested on Conrad who only arched a brow, probably in recognition, before they flickered to uncertainly.
"Selene?" I called out with shock "What are you doing here baby?" I asked stretching a hand towards her.
"Oh!" she ca towards , still looking at Conrad. From the way she panted, it was clear that she ran all the way here "Is that King Tanner? I heard he arrived a few minutes ago and I ca to greet him,".
"Not, King Tanner," I pulled her closer to "But his brother, Conrad,".
Conrad crossed the room and ca towards us, a bemused expression on his face "It’s such a pleasure to et you, Luna Selene," he bowed "Have we t sowhere? Your face does look like we have,".
Selene’s lips parted slightly as her face turned white with apprehension. Her eyes briefly darted towards and then back at Conrad again.
"N-No," she stuttered "This is the first ti we’re eting,".
As expected, Conrad jumped on her not being comfortable "Are you sure? I could have sworn that we t yesterday at...".
"So, how are you related to King Tanner?" she interrupted him with a high-pitched tone while glancing back at . You could tell she was apprehensive and for a minute I had to remind myself that this was an act and that it wasn’t real.
As I stared at the perfect act she was putting on which by the way Conrad already bought, I wondered if she had ever put on a show for like that. What other facades might she be hiding behind?
Conrad ignored her and then back to .
"While we’re at it, I already reached out to the other Kings in the region and they’ll be arriving here soon for a eting. There’s sothing I need to announce to you all but since you’re hosting , I think you deserve to know first,".
He paused and his eyes turned cold "King Tanner is dead,".
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