Chapter 6

Kristoff

"Why, father," I stammered, my heart heavy with a mix of anger and confusion. "Why did you do it? Why on the day of my union with my mate?"

There, I had finally said it. I was now confronting the Ironwolf, demanding an explanation for the events that had unfolded. My fists were clenched, and my breaths came out in labored bursts as I tried to control the overwhelming surge of emotions rising up inside me.

But instead of responding, he took a deep breath and implored, "Can you calm yourself first, son?"

"Calm myself?! After everything you've done?!” I had never raised my voice to my father, but I had reached the limits of my patience. “I want to see my bride, and NOTHING CAN STOP ME!"

I strode past my father, my determination unyielding. In that moment, I had shown a level of disrespect I had never displayed before. As I approached the door, my heart raced, each beat echoing the urgency of my desire to see my bride. However, before I could reach the door, a deep, visceral roar reverberated through the room. I turned to see my father, his face contorted into a mask of fury as he began to tear the room apart.

The Ironwolf had lost control, resembling a mad dog as he destroyed everything in his path. He shattered the giant bed with powerful kicks, flung objects onto the table beside the bed, and even punched the mirror in front of it. Wooden chairs were hurled at the windows, shattering the glass all over the room. My father's loud growls continued, rendering me unable to move from my position.

Then, he advanced toward me and grabbed my collar.

"Do you even know what her father did to me?! Eirik betrayed me! He even confessed his betrayal to my face! That person I treated as my own family chose power over our bond. He wanted my throne."

My eyes widened, and it took a moment to process everything my father had just revealed. I recalled the history and camaraderie between my father and Eirik, trying to remind him about how strong their bond was. 

"This is stupid! Everyone witnessed his loyalty to your throne!! His pack respected your power... as our vassal pack. That's impossible, father! That's absurd."

The Ironwolf released my collar and met my gaze with a sigh. "Betrayal never comes from our enemies but from the people we value the most."

I felt the weight of my father's words. I understood how deeply this betrayal had wounded him. As his son, I had witnessed the strength of the bond between my father and Eirik. I trusted Eirik's loyalty and couldn't fathom why he would conspire with our enemies to bring down the empire. It made no sense.

"The greatness you both shared on the battlefield, the tales of chivalry you once told me when I was a child,” I continued, attempting to reason with him. “Alpha Eirik was with you since the beginning. He was there for you! I can't believe he could do such a thing. It's out of character for him. He was an honorable man, and you know it."

The Ironwolf sighed, his voice calmer now.

"Not anymore, my son. Eirik chose to betray me in the end. He became a threat to the throne and had to pay with his life."

A more relaxed expression crossed his face, but it was tinged with profound sadness.

"He threw everything away when he conspired with our enemies behind my back to overthrow my throne. His betrayal hurts more than any wounds I've suffered on the battlefield."

“Why are you so certain that Alpha Eirik wronged you? Did you catch him in the act yourself?”

“No, son,” he replied. “But his wife and other daughter did. They were the ones who reported the matter to me."

I found myself unable to speak. The Ironwolf continued to recount the circumstances surrounding Eirik's supposed treachery. I remained speechless, struggling to believe that Alpha Eirik could commit such an act. The involvement of his own wife and daughter in his downfall was particularly surprising.

Then, I thought of my mate. I turned to my father, and he seemed to anticipate my unspoken question.

"I only killed Eirik. Those who died alongside him were the ones who remained loyal to Eirik and resorted to violence.” He walked to the nearby chair and sat. “I spared only those who assisted me in uncovering the betrayal, those who chose loyalty over their own blood. Such loyalty doesn't warrant death or exile.”

I was perplexed and sought clarification.

"What do you mean by that? Please tell me."

"If it weren't for Seraphina and her daughter Maddie, the throne might have been in jeopardy. I might have been in danger. So, I spared their lives and maintained their ranks and statuses while they were here.”

My thoughts turned to my beloved and her potential involvement in her father's alleged wrongdoing. The last time I saw her, Ari was attempting to protect her father from the Ironwolf. I remained silent, my heart heavy with concern for Ari's well-being.

“Do you want to know what happened to your mate?”

I swallowed hard and nodded. My father shook his head. “Your mate was nothing but a traitor. She chose to stand by her father instead of coming clean. It would be best if you start moving on with your life and forget about that woman. She doesn’t deserve you. The wedding is off.”

This devastated me. “No! You can’t do that!"

"Yes, I can!" he declared with unwavering resolve. "Remember, Kristoff, you are a Jarl, the heir to the greatest throne on the continent. Such a woman doesn't deserve to stand alongside you. Go find another woman who is better suited for you," he declared before storming out of the room, leaving me to bathe in my own misery.

The Ironwolf's words left me stunned and hurt. My only concern was for my bride, and I believed it was my duty to protect and stand by her side. I had done nothing to support her and had left her to face this ordeal alone. I couldn't help but imagine the devastation Ari might be experiencing, left to confront this tragedy on her own. Although I had known Ari for only a short time, I couldn't forgive myself for not fulfilling my role as her mate and protector.

"Forgive me, my love. Forgive my helplessness," I whispered to myself as I knelt in the middle of my room, shedding tears for my inability to protect and support Ari.