The Lycan Princess and the Temptation of Sin
67. Unfairness

ROYCE.

“And what are you doing here, Royce? Answer me. You are with the Lycan King... I do not want youto mess this up for us. Understood?’ Dad warns as he takes a seat, his face not betraying hisemotions.

I ignore him. After how he behaved, does he really think I'm just going to agree with anything thathe says?

I cross my arms, ignoring the two of them. I can see the signs that Aleric is irritated with the fact thatI'm here, he's trying to cover it and the way he keeps looking at Skyla is irritating me more thanever.

The fact that he lied to her and pretended to be me, has only made me extremely furious and it'snot something I am going to simply let slide. But until she’s had a word with him as she requested, Iwill have to control myself. Something that is fucking hard.

I've never felt angrier at him as I do over this...

Speaking of control, even trying to control myself around her is bloody difficult. She makes mecrazy, and I want her.

She crosses her long legs sexily as she turns slightly to face Rivers, her sexy thighs capturing myattention and I have to look away because fuck, I want her so bloody much. She's not wearing herthong underneath, and I know with just one lift of her skirt, that perfect pussy of hers could bewrapped around my fingers or better, my cock.

Because she would willingly allow me, but I'm trying to show her she means more to me than justthat. If I knew who she was back then at the club, I wouldn't have pleasured her in a restroom... Iwant to do the right thing now.

And when I do take her, I plan to make it perfect.

Focus Royce.

I groan internally, pushing those thoughts away and instead, I return to thinking about the matter athand.

"So, you are saying Heather may have misunderstood, then?" Rivers asks.

Of course, she bloody misunderstood

"Yes, clearly.” I say sharply.

Dad's watching me intently before his gaze flicks to Alejandro. “I'm shocked the council weren't toldall the details regarding the matter, Alpha Alejandro.”

“My daughter was in the hospital. When the fuck did I get time to fill everyone in?" Alejandrocounters coldly. “Call the coven and tell them to get down here, the girl's parents and one of theelders at the least. I want to sort this shit out today.”

Rivers hesitates. “Right away, Alpha Alejandro, but she is blaming Skyla and saying she was theattacker-"

“That is ridiculous. We have been fighting this monster for a while and we all know it isn't visible tothe naked eye, she may have misread and misunderstood the situation.” Dad cuts in.

He's doing it all to please Alejandro, but I have to give him credit for at least making some validpoints.

I almost scoff, resisting shaking my head.

I will never understand why people can be such suck-ups.

“That is a fair point..." Rivers says, sighing, “Excuse me, I'll summon them.” With that, he leaves theroom.

Dad sighs as he turns to Alejandro. “This is a problem. I'm just confused why she would think it wasPrincess Skyla. Unless she couldn't see her wolf properly, no doubt the Princess's wolf is-"

“Please, Alpha Kenneth, don't call me princess.” Skyla says, her jaw is clenched and despite hertrying to remain calm, she’s pissed.

Dad smiles apologetically. “Do forgive me, Skyla.”

Skyla doesn't reply as Aleric smiles at her, leaning forward.

Move back, asshole.

“I heard the serpent’s dead. That was incredibly brave and impressive of you.” He says, his wordsgrinding on my nerves.

Skyla tilts her head and smiles sweetly. “Thanks, but I think that compliment goes to Royce. He's theone who saved my life and slayed the monster. He's the true hero.” She says, batting her eyelids atme.

Didn't I say let's lie low, Love?

She looks gorgeous though.

Though I can’t help but smirk faintly, especially as Aleric's smile falters as he turns to me, hisheartbeat quickening.

“Royce was there?”

“It doesn't really matter. The main thing is, it's dead.” I reply.

"Ah... indeed,” Dad says, but I can sense his hesitance and he’s observing me again. "You used yourpowers."

“Does it matter?’ I finally respond through the link.

He doesn't look impressed, and I know Alejandro is watching and observing us as he smokes.

Dad doesn't say anything more, but I can guarantee I'll face his wrath later.

Alejandro clearly seems to know Dad's personality, and I doubt Aleric’s facade will get past him“That's great, Royce.” Aleric says, our eyes meet, and his glimmer of gold for a second.

“Thanks,” I reply simply.

“You should have told us what was going on Royce. Think sensibly.” Dad says just as we hearfootsteps, and the door opens again.

This time Rivers isn't alone, Heather is with him as well as a man and woman who, by appearance,seem to be Heather's parents and High Witch Magdalene. I've seen her before.

“The party keeps growing.” Alejandro says as he stands up.

“I'm afraid not due to pleasant reasons.” Magdalene says gravely. “This matter is serious.”

“No, but there has been a big misconception here.” Alejandro replies seriously. There's no trace ofhumour left in his voice as he talks directly to the high witch.

"Yes perhaps, but we will need to handle things properly before the Supernatural Court of Justice.”Magdalene answers, her eyes meeting his.

"Why the fuck does this need to go to court when you can probe their minds and get the answersright here and right fucking now?” Alejandro snarls.

“Because that is protocol... and our young witch isn't lying.” Magdalene replies. The girl's parentshave their arms protectively around the young witch but I can tell this isnt what Alejandro wasexpecting from them.

“Have you checked her mind for the play out of the events?” Alejandro questions.

“I am with Alpha Alejandro on this one.” Dad says seriously. “Why take it to the court when there's asimple solution?”

“Because that is the law that the king himself created. The child is terrified and there should be nospecial rules for the children of the king. Equality for all, remember?”

I glance at Alejandro; it's obvious Magdalene’s stance has troubled him.

“And right now, my daughter is being wronged but very well, Skyla has nothing to hide.” He replies.“But keep in mind, Heather may have been confused. Fear can do that.”

"Of course. You may not know this, but Heather is the granddaughter of an elder and one of ourmost potential young witches, as Headmaster Rivers knows. She is no ordinary witch that wouldsimply get confused.”

“Then she’s lying.” Skyla says icily, glaring at the girl who flinches and begins crying.

Something isn't right here; I step forward, placing a hand on Skyla's shoulder.

“Skyla.” I say quietly. She glares up at me, and I give her the slightest shake of my head.

Her eyes are blazing plum, and she’s trying to control her emotions.

“Those were the eyes!” Heather sobs.

"What more proof do we need? Miss Rossi clearly cannot control herself.” Magdalene says quietly.“I was a witness. I heard Skyla's shout for help, and I saw her fighting the real monster. She took astance so Heather could get her friend and herself out of there.” I say quietly, yet firmly.

“If this goes to court, Royce, you will not testify.” He snarls through the link. I ignore him.

"And you are?” Magdalene asks icily.

"Royce Arden.” I say, my eyes flashing at her cold tone. “High Witch Magdalene, let's not just jumpto assumptions on hearsay, set a date and I will be there to testify and you can probe my mind tosee the events from my point of view as well.”

“Royce, that is risky! If they probe your mind-' Dad begins.

I don't really care, and I see no reason for me to keep my abilities a secret any longer." I look Dadsquare in the eye before Alejandro sighs, making me look up at him.

"Very well.” He says, frowning deeply. “We'll ask the court to set a date for the hearing.”

Skyla's heart thumps and she jumps up from her seat, knocking the chair to the ground, makingHeather flinch.

“I love the price one has to pay for doing the right thing.” She says sarcastically before kicking theupturned chair and storming to the door. “Maybe I should have just left you to become snake food.Fucking hell.”

Magdalene’s eyes widen as she clenches her jaw, but to be honest, they deserved it.

“That behaviour will not help her case.” Magdalene says to Alejandro, making him growl.

“She's pissed off, like Heather. She's young too and she’s getting fucking penalised for trying tofucking help.” He snarls. “We'll deal with this at court and when she’s fucking proven innocent, we'lltalk then!”

“And until that happens, Heather will not be attending school.” Her mother says quietly yet firmly,but she can't look up to meet Alejandro’s gaze. Simply hugging her daughter and staring at theground.

"Or Miss Rossi should be suspended until proven innocent.” Magdalene says.

“Like fuck, my daughter's going to be removed!” Alejandro snarls, his aura raging around him.

He may be the king, but because of it, he’s being forced like this. The witch's words clearly makingjabs. I'm angry too. This entire thing was fucking unfair.

"You are the king, but we can’t compromise the safety of the students-" Magdalene begins.

"Yet you seem to be treating her worse simply because she is the daughter of a King. If Skyla Rossi isproven innocent, then Heather, who is, as you said,a prodigy should be punished for falseallegations.”

“Mr Arden!” Magdalene says sharply, but I'm not having it.

“Lady Magdalene. We are here talking laws, rules and equality, then as an outsider I can assure you,you are discriminating against a student who has done nothing wrong.” I say icily, my eyes flashing.“The King has always stood for the right thing, and now that he’s doing the same, just because sheis his daughter, you are almost forcing him to stand down.”

The woman clenches her jaw, and I can feel all eyes on me, but I really don't give a toss about it.“Now now, let's calm down. I don’t think Skyla Rossi needs to be removed from school, it is yourwish to keep Heather off and it is understandable and fair. To be fair, she must also be grieving.”Dad intervenes.

"Headmaster Rivers?” Magdalene says.

Rivers sighs and looks down at his hands. “I understand both parties... but... I think, I think it's betterfor Heather to take a break for now.” He says, smiling gently at the girl.

I clench my jaw; I can sense Alejandro’s anger, and I also want to go after Skyla.

“Fine.” Heather's dad says. “Let's go pack your things.”

"We will await the court date.” Magdalene says, looking at Alejandro.

I'm so fucking done.

“Excuse me.” I mutter, heading to the door, before Heather and her dad can move.

I'm absolutely done with this.

“Where are you going?’ Aleric asks sharply.

I simply ignore him, needing to replace her.

I leave the room, as they begin discussing the date, the sooner the better.

It's easy to sniff her out and I follow her scent. It leads me outside and soon I replace her beneath thebleachers. I can see her legs, her knees pulled up against her chest, and her head buried in her arms,resting on her knees.

“Leave me alone.” She says coldly.

My heart clenches and it's not because of her words, but the fact she’s hiding her pain.

l ignore her and make my way over to her before I drop down beside her.

"No."

“You're so annoying.” She mutters.

"And you're so perfect and beautiful.” I counter, making her growl.

I ignore it, and wrapping my arms around her, I pull her into my lap.

Her heart is thumping, and she's trembling slightly.

She's that girl who will hide a world of pain just, so she appears strong.

"Showing emotions is not a weakness.” I say softly, caressing her back comfortingly as I inhale herhair.

“Says the king of impassiveness.” She retorts.

I smile faintly, kissing her shoulder.

“Yes, but I am still right.” I reply.

She remains silent for a few moments.

“I didn't do it. I must be fucking awful in everyone's eyes if they think I'm capable of that shit.”“No. They're all just idiots.” I reply, “But this will all be proven soon enough.”

“I'm not sure Royce, I feel like something is wrong, there's something at work here... bigger thanus.... Or maybe I'm being paranoid.”

Malevolent purrs and I turn sharply as she climbs into Skyla's lap, not even having noticed herapproach.

Skyla hugs her as I frown slightly at her words.

She isn't wrong... this entire situation has made me uneasy.

Something is indeed amiss...

“Either way, Love, we're going to be ok.”