C11 CHAPTER11

Christian sat brooding in his throne room, his anger simmering. A full day had passed since his conversation with Devon, and yet there was only silence in return. Despite being aware that Liam had spoken to Devon, Christian couldn't shake the feeling that his stubbornness would prevent him from heeding his older brother's words.

A thunderous knock on the main door jolted him from his thoughts, a disruption he loathed to his core. With a scowl etched deep on his face, he bellowed, "Who dares?"

A brief hesitation followed, the intruder clearly intimidated by Christian's tone.

Impatience flared within the Royal Father. "Enter now, or I'll drag you in myself—do not test my patience!" he warned, his voice a menacing growl.

In the clan, Royal Father Christian's wrath was legendary; he governed with unyielding authority. To rouse him from his throne was to court death, a fate many had met.

As the door swung open, Christian's irritation was palpable. It was Everistus.

"Now? Of all times?" Christian's voice dripped with exasperation. "Couldn't you have picked a better moment to enter my throne room?" Though Everistus was the clan's chief security officer, and Christian was hardly in the mood for visitors, he knew the importance of what the man might say.

"My deepest apologies, Royal Father... but this matter requires your attention," Everistus said, advancing to stand before the throne.

"Speak, then. What's so urgent?" Christian prompted, his annoyance subsiding slightly.

"Royal Father, our borders have been secure against breaches for quite some time. However, we must remain vigilant against potential threats," Everistus started, pausing as Christian opened his mouth to interject.

"And why is that?" Christian inquired, massaging his temples with his large hands.

"This morning, about four hours ago, our surveillance system triggered an alert. It seems we may face an intrusion attempt soon. We must stay alert. I propose we reinforce our defenses, particularly at the borders. From now on, entry and exit from the clan will require express permission from you or one of the princes," Everistus detailed, laying out the situation and the necessary precautions.

"Excellent. You have my permission to take all necessary measures to ensure our safety," Christian affirmed with a decisive nod.

"Thank you, Royal Father," Everistus replied, bowing respectfully. He pivoted to leave, then hesitated. "Royal Father?" he called over his shoulder.

"What is it, Everistus?" inquired Royal Father Christian.

"I've just received a message from the border. It seems you have a visitor," Everistus informed him.

"Oh? Who might that be?" Christian asked with curiosity.

"The King of the Beetles," Everistus revealed.

Christian let out a deep sigh. He had anticipated this moment would arrive, yet found himself unprepared.

With a weary gesture, he directed that the King be admitted to the throne room. Once Everistus had departed, Christian summoned his three sons—Liam, Alexander, and Devon. They arrived promptly, taking their designated seats.

"Father, is something amiss? Why have you called us?" Liam inquired, his voice the epitome of calm.

"Liam, you ought to know why we've been summoned," Alexander interjected, glaring at Devon, who sat in silence. "It's undoubtedly because of this coward!" he accused sharply.

"Enough, Alexander!" their father commanded, and Alexander fell silent at once.

As the door swung open, the Beetle King entered, his unique scent preceding him—he smelled distinctly of beetles. Royal Father Christian cast a stern glance at his sons, silently admonishing them to maintain decorum in the presence of their guest.

Devon rose with his brothers to greet the father of his betrothed, striving to appear composed, though turmoil churned within. What in the world was happening? He had intended to visit Olivia's father later that day, yet here the man stood before him.

Damn it!

"Good morning, King Miller," Royal Father Christian greeted, remaining seated on his throne. It was a longstanding tradition among the Continent's monarchs never to rise for a visiting king. Instead, the guest would be offered a seat nearly as elevated as the host's, facilitating an almost eye-level conversation.

"Royal Father Christian, and a good morning to you as well," King Miller responded, taking his seat with ease. "I wish not to overstay my welcome, so I'll be as concise as possible."

"I truly value your presence, King Miller. You have my undivided attention," Royal Father Christian said.

"Very well. I'm here because your son, the third prince, has brought my daughter to tears. She's cried so much that her Beetle spirit is now severely weakened," the Beetle King declared, his anger evident as he fixed a stern gaze on Devon.

"I can only imagine your distress, King Miller, and I empathize deeply. Rest assured, I am fully addressing the situation..." Christian's words were abruptly cut off by his son, Alexander.

"Really, Dad? Devon's right here. Why not ask him directly if he's prepared to bring joy back to the Beetle Princess?" Alexander's voice dripped with sarcasm as he shot a piercing look at Devon.

Devon squirmed in his seat, remaining silent.

"Your response, third prince," King Miller demanded, turning to squarely confront Devon.

"It's okay, Devon... go ahead and inform him that you've consented to the marriage, just as we've discussed," Royal Father Christian urged his son, silently hoping and praying that his wayward son wouldn't create further trouble.