Chapter 137: Chapter 137 Kneel Before Your Queen
Phoebe’s POV
Dread twisted in my stomach throughout this entire lunch. Every bite felt like swallowing rocks, my nerves making it nearly impossible to get the food down. Perry was scheming something - I could sense it in the air around him, though I couldn’t figure out exactly what.
The chatter around the table felt stiff and rehearsed. Like everyone was dancing around the real reason we were here, making pointless small talk to avoid the elephant in the room. That’s how it struck me, anyway.
These people barely acknowledged my existence, tossing a few polite questions my way. When Perry explained that I’d injured my tongue and needed to stay quiet for faster healing, they dropped their interest in me completely.
But I still felt their stares burning into me. Some didn’t even try to hide it, openly gawking in my direction. A few alphas whispered among themselves while shooting glances my way.
I wanted to bolt from this room. Right then and there, I made a mental note - never again would I accept another lunch invitation from Perry.
Lesson learned the hard way.
Meanwhile, Perry looked completely relaxed, piling more meat onto my plate. My taste buds remained dead to the world, and after what I’d done to myself, I doubted they’d ever come back.
Not that it mattered anymore.
Without warning, Perry shot to his feet and tapped his glass. The room went dead silent - so quiet you could’ve heard dust settling. The tension became suffocating.
"You all know the truth. Phoebe is my destined mate.
She’s going to be this kingdom’s queen."
No sugar-coating. No warm-up. Perry cut straight to the bone.
"Since I announced my intentions, I’ve been hearing complaints from some of you."
His gaze locked onto Elder Wesley and Elder Eden, seated side by side. "Let me be crystal clear - I’ll only say this once. Disrespect my mate, and you disrespect me. That’s treason."
Hushed whispers rippled around the table at his words. He set down his glass, and the murmurs instantly died.
"After we crush the rebel packs, I’ll hold the queen ceremony." Perry grabbed my hand firmly, nudging me to stand. All I wanted was to vanish into thin air.
The rejection from the elders’ section hit me like a physical smell - sharp and bitter.
But I couldn’t humiliate Perry, so I rose to my feet. What was I supposed to do now? Was he expecting some grand speech from me?
He knew I hadn’t spoken in ages.
Then Perry leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. Nothing heated or possessive - just a simple, claiming kiss while his hand settled on my back, keeping me upright.
When he pulled away and fixed his stare on his bannermen, his voice dropped into that commanding tone that made everyone’s spine straighten.
"Kneel before your future queen."
A direct order from their king.
Almost everyone rose from their chairs in perfect sync, then dropped to their knees before Perry and me. Alpha Phil and Elder Tricia included.
Now that I was announced as queen, my rank topped everyone else’s. Only the king stood above me.
But not everyone bought into this decision.
Seven of them - five elders and two alphas - stayed standing. They looked like I’d personally insulted their entire bloodline.
The awkwardness crushed down on me, especially with those seven pairs of disgusted eyes boring into me.
"My king, forgive my directness." Elder Wesley stepped forward first. "I speak for the elders who refuse to accept your choice. She’s not queen material. Have you forgotten she tried to murder you? She poisoned you!"
His voice cut through the room like a blade as he jabbed his finger at me.
"How can you crown a woman who tried to destroy you? I’m saying this because I care - about you, about this kingdom." Elder Wesley gestured to his four allies and the two alphas across from him. "This is wrong. She belongs in the dungeon with her father."
Cameron was still breathing. Perry hadn’t bothered visiting him since that last torture session. He could rot in there for all anyone cared.
"She’s unfit to rule this kingdom. She’s a rejected mate. Bad luck walking. You lost Royal Beta Flynn because of her. If not for her, Flynn would still be sitting at this table." Elder Wesley turned to Elder Tricia, still kneeling. "No disrespect to you, Elder Tricia. But the king lost his most trusted friend because of this woman."
Perry tilted his head, saying nothing. Like he was letting Elder Wesley dig his own grave. But his arm slipped around my waist, steady and reassuring.
"Are you finished, Elder Wesley?"
Perry stepped toward the elder, gesturing for me to sit back down. He knew I needed it.
"No, my king. I oppose this union completely. It won’t benefit the kingdom. This woman will bring you nothing but ruin and destruction."
"This woman?" Perry’s eyes turned to slits as he stopped directly in front of Elder Wesley. The elder instinctively backed up, crushed by the king’s overwhelming presence. "This woman is my mate."
The next second, Elder Wesley’s head hit the floor.
