Chapter 233: Chapter 233 Silent Authority
Phoebe’s POV
I understood the delicate political balance in the palace between the king and the elders well enough. If I refused this meeting, they’d use it against me just like before.
They wouldn’t accept my illness as an excuse anymore - too many days had passed, and they’d argue I’d had plenty of time to recover.
Elder Augustus especially. He was a viper, waiting for the perfect moment to strike when his prey showed weakness.
"I believe it would serve your best interests to meet with him," Marcela said clearly. She watched me, knowing how much I disliked the suggestion.
But as queen, I had to swallow my pride and face the harsh reality of my position.
"What would you like to do, My Queen?" Wallace’s voice was gentle. He was the youngest alpha present, though still older than me.
Still, protocol demanded his respect since I wore the crown.
After weighing my options, I nodded and told them to gather all the elders in the war room. I’d face them there.
Wallace’s expression tightened with disapproval, but he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. "I’ll bring them to the war room."
He left without another word.
I could hardly believe that just months ago, this same man had despised me so completely he’d risked his life joining other alphas in rebellion against me.
Now he showed me genuine respect as his queen. He’d truly changed.
"Are you okay?" Marcela’s concern was evident. "I’m sorry - did I overstep?"
I shook my head. ’I need this.’
And I did. Part of me knew Marcela was right. As queen, I couldn’t keep hiding while Perry shouldered all the backlash and protected me from every attack.
"I’m relieved you see it that way." Marcela visibly relaxed. "Should I come with you?"
The fact that I still couldn’t speak remained my greatest vulnerability. The elders would use it to question the king’s judgment, claiming how useless a queen was when she couldn’t even defend herself with words.
I knew this all too well. ’Elder Tricia,’ I mouthed. Elder Tricia would be there, so I’d manage.
"Oh, right!" Marcela’s face brightened as she remembered.
He’d be there to support me, so there was no need to worry. "Perfect."
After that, I headed to the war room with alpha Wallace as my escort, while Marcela went to check on Wade. The young warrior hadn’t regained consciousness yet.
"Thank you," Wallace said as we walked down the corridor.
I looked at him in confusion, tilting my head to ask what he meant.
"Thank you for saving my life the other day, my queen. What I did was unforgivable. I should never have let those alphas poison my mind against you."
Now I understood his sudden gratitude. I smiled warmly at him.
’Everyone makes mistakes. I’ve made plenty too!’
I spoke extra slowly so Wallace could read my lips - he was still getting used to communicating with me this way.
"Thank you so much. You’re exactly the queen this kingdom needs," he said with genuine conviction.
Those were the words I’d been desperate to hear. I’d craved acceptance from my people so badly that Wallace’s acknowledgment felt incredibly... fulfilling.
We reached the war room quickly, where Elder Tricia and Elder Augustus waited with two other elders.
"Greetings to Queen Phoebe," Elder Tricia said respectfully, bowing his head in proper formal greeting. The other elders followed suit, though their gestures lacked sincerity.
I nodded in acknowledgment and took my seat at the head of the table - a position that still amazed me.
I remembered being the forgotten member of my own family, yet here I was leading a meeting from the head chair.
But this power came with crushing responsibilities.
"We need answers to several questions," Elder Augustus began bluntly. He skipped all pleasantries and cut straight to his attack. "Where have you been, Queen Phoebe? In the king’s absence, you should have remained in the palace to maintain control."
"I’ve already explained..." Elder Tricia’s anger was building.
He looked thoroughly fed up with his fellow elders.
"I’m not asking you, Beta Tricia. I want the queen to answer for herself." Elder Augustus grew bolder with his challenge. "Stop speaking for the queen - she has her own voice."
I’d expected this exact strategy. Elder Augustus was using the same tactics he’d employed when he’d forced me to leave for the border battlefield not long ago.
But knowing his methods, I’d come prepared.
I took my time responding, deliberately slow, which only irritated the elder further. The other three elders looked equally unimpressed when they realized they’d have to read my written responses.
I spent several minutes writing in my notebook, filling multiple pages while they sat in uncomfortable silence for over ten minutes.
I was thoroughly enjoying this.
Elder Augustus tried to rush me, but Elder Tricia seized the opportunity to silence him. "You want the queen to speak? Then let her speak in her own way."
Elder Tricia looked smugly satisfied as he delivered that line.
