Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 23: The Royal Bargain

Chapter 23: The Royal Bargain

A marriage alliance. Nothing was surprising here.

"Is it because of Asvaldur?" Thorin asked bluntly.

King Valentin clearly hesitated to lay all his cards on the table this early in the negotiation. If Thorin knew his weakness from the get-go, who knew how it would influence the alliance.

Thorin continued, "Isn’t it strange that Asvaldur suddenly wants to expand its territory when it was the very empire that unified everyone in the first place?"

The king inhaled deeply. His eyes betrayed his reluctance to share more.

"Your Majesty, I believe I have a right to know," Thorin pressed. "If we’re to build an alliance—a marriage alliance, no less—shouldn’t we start with some mutual trust?"

King Valentin pondered for a moment, then glanced at his council members, who nodded in agreement.

Finally, he allowed one of his council members to speak. "The former Emperor has passed, and the new one, Emperor Kaan, is somewhat... eccentric. He is the sole heir to the throne, so there was no choice but to crown him."

Thorin leaned back, arms crossed. "Eccentric, you say? That sounds ominous. And how does this ’eccentric’ emperor factor into your sudden interest in a werewolf alliance?"

The council member hesitated, looking to King Valentin for approval. With a nod from the king, he continued, "Emperor Kaan’s ambitions are unpredictable. He’s determined to expand Asvaldur’s influence, but Eira desires to protect its independence."

"So, you need allies to hold your ground," Thorin surmised. "And you think having me married to one of your kin will do the trick?"

The king remained composed, his eyes narrowed slightly. "It is a strategic move, Thorin. One that could benefit both us."

Thorin smirked. "Strategic, indeed. But let’s get one thing straight—I’m not interested in being a pawn in your game. If this alliance is to happen, it will be on equal terms, with mutual respect."

Mutual respect between vampires and werewolves was like walking on thin ice—fragile and prone to cracking. This alliance could ease the tension, but it wouldn’t eliminate it entirely.

Still, it was better than nothing. For Thorin, this alliance was crucial to achieving his own goals. But for it to work, he needed to ensure that Wintertooth wasn’t seen as inferior in any way.

The king nodded. His expression was stern. "Agreed. Mutual respect and cooperation are paramount."

Thorin’s irritation lingered, but he kept it in check. "Good. Now, let’s talk specifics. Why don’t we begin with the bride?"

The council members visibly relaxed, and their faces showed relief.

One of them beamed as he announced, "As proof of our commitment to this alliance and respect to you, My Lord, we dare only to offer the best the Kingdom of Eira has: none other than our princess, Lisbeth Wagner."

Another member added cheerfully, "You will marry the symbol of this kingdom, Princess Lisbeth."

"Oh, really? I thought I was allowed to choose my bride." Thorin raised an eyebrow, his tone casual but his words carried weight.

The council members exchanged confused glances. One of them spoke, sounding baffled, "But, My Lord, there is no other young lady worthy of being your wife but Princess Lisbeth."

"Shouldn’t I be the judge of someone’s worth to be my wife?" Thorin replied with an edge of arrogance in his voice.

King Valentin, who had been silent, spoke through gritted teeth. "Are you insinuating that my daughter is lacking in some way to be your bride, Alpha?"

Thorin flashed a quick and playful smile. "Did I appear that way? Of course not, Your Majesty. I just know what I want. My taste is quite unique."

The members of King Valentin’s council, who were present for the negotiation, sensed the tension and held their breath.

King Valentin’s eyes narrowed slightly as he responded. "I assure you, my daughter lacks nothing. She can cater to your unique tastes without fail."

He took a sip of the blood from his glass and continued, "You’ll find her to be not only a beauty but also impeccably mannered. She’ll make a splendid and, might I add, indispensable companion."

Thorin paused, swirling his teaspoon in his cup. "Splendid and indispensable, huh? What an interesting choice of words."

The king’s demeanor towards his daughter irked Thorin.

Werewolves were protective of their pups, so Thorin couldn’t understand how King Valentin saw Princess Lisbeth as an object to be bartered and traded, rather than a cherished individual.

Above all else, it pained Thorin to witness a parent who failed to treasure his own children.

"I’ve heard werewolves are quite loyal when it comes to partners. It puts my mind at ease, knowing my daughter will be in capable paws," King Valentin continued, feigning fatherly concern.

Thorin chuckled, reclining in his chair. "How thoughtful! But what if I turn out to be a bit rough around the edges? Lisbeth might need to toughen up, don’t you think?"

"Lisbeth is more than capable of holding her own against werewolves," King Valentin declared confidently.

"You think? Pardon me, Your Majesty, but I have my doubts about your daughter’s prowess. She’s strong among her classmates, maybe. But let’s be honest, she’s not the strongest, is she?"

One of the council members quickly interjected, "W-what? That can’t be. Princess Lisbeth has been ranked number one throughout the academy, and her records have never been broken by anyone."

Thorin leaned back, a knowing grin on his face. "Yeah, but what about those who don’t go to school anymore? Like, Riona. Does that name ring a bell?"

The room fell silent. The council members exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsettled.

King Valentin’s expression tightened. "I must apologize for her behavior. However, her actions do not reflect our culture entirely."

Another council member chimed in, trying to defuse the tension. "It’s true, My Lord. She’s just a petty vampire who couldn’t accept a loss. We heard how she disrupted the sacred Nightwarden Trials. We’re sorry to have subjected you to such unpleasantness."

"Ah, yes, the Trials. How could I forget? But, did you know that this unpleasantness began with your beloved princess?"

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