169

Ian’s POV

The room was cold, the kind of cold that settled into your bones, making you feel every inch of it. It wasn’t just the temperature, though. The council chamber always had this oppressive air about it, a tension that hung thick whenever we gathered. Today was no different, and I could feel it weighing heaving on my very old soul as I sat in the center, surrounded by the council members. Their eyes were fixed on me, sharp and expectant. I sighed. I knew what was coming. It was the same conversation we’d been having for weeks, but they weren’t going to back down anytime soon.

Viktor was the first to speak. His voice was as cold as the air. “We need to discuss this marriage again, Ian. It’s time.”

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “We’ve already talked about this. Sophia and I will get married when we’re ready, not when the council decides it’s convenient.”

A few murmurs of discontent rippled through the room, but Viktor pressed on. “It’s not just about convenience. It’s about the future of our realm. You’re the king, and your child will be the next in line. The people need to see stability, they need to see unity between you and your queen.”

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my voice steady. “Sophia and I are united. We don’t need a grand ceremony to prove that.”

Serena chimed in, her tone more conciliatory but no less insistent. “Ian, we’re not questioning your bond with Sophia. But the people are talking. Rumors are spreading. They know something is different, they can sense the change. You can’t keep her pregnancy a secret forever.”

“I’m not hiding anything,” I shot back, though I knew that wasn’t entirely true. “We’re protecting her. The realm is still rebuilding, there are threats from outside—werewolves, hunters. If we make her pregnancy public, she becomes a target.”

Viktor leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “She’s already a target, Ian. The secrecy is only making it worse. People fear what they don’t understand, and right now, they don’t understand what’s happening with you and Sophia. They need answers.”

I stood, unable to sit still any longer, the frustration boiling up inside me. “What they need is time. We are handling things the way we see fit. I’m not going to parade my pregnant fiancée in front of the realm to satisfy the council’s curiosity or to silence rumors.”

Viktor’s eyes flashed with irritation. “This isn’t about curiosity. It’s about security. The longer you wait, the more unstable things become.”

Serena’s voice cut through the tension, softer but firm. “Ian, no one is suggesting that you put Sophia at risk. But you have to consider the future. Your child will be born Into this realm, into this world of politics and power. The sooner you solidify your place, your family’s place, the safer they will be.”

I ran a hand through my hair, pacing in front of the table. “You don’t think I know that? You don’t think I’ve considered all of this? I’m trying to protect her, to protect our child. But right now, exposing her to the public, to everyone, it’s too dangerous.”

Viktor’s voice dropped, his words more calculated now. “You think you’re protecting her by keeping her hidden, but you’re only delaying the inevitable. The realm will know soon enough. And if they find out on their own, without your control, it could be disastrous.”

I stopped pacing, turning to face him. “And you think forcing us into a rushed wedding will fix everything? You think announcing her pregnancy to the world will suddenly make everything better? It’s not that simple.”

“No,” Viktor said, standing to meet my gaze, his eyes hard. “It’s not that simple. But it’s necessary. You can’t keep delaying this, Ian. The longer you wait, the more vulnerable you make her—and yourself.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick between us. I could feel the weight of the council’s eyes on me, waiting for my response. They wanted control, they always did. They wanted to steer this situation in a direction that suited their needs, not mine, not Sophia’s. And I wasn’t going to let that happen.

“I’m not going to be bullied into a decision,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Sophia and I will do things on our terms. When the time is right, we’ll marry, and when we’re ready, we’ll announce the pregnancy. Not before.”

Serena sighed, shaking her head slightly. “Ian, we’re not trying to bully you. We’re trying to guide you. You’re the king, yes, but you also have responsibilities to the realm. And like it or not, Sophia is part of that now.”

“I know she is,” I snapped, the frustration getting the better of me. “But she’s not just a pawn in your political games. She’s my fiancée, and the mother of my child. And I’ll protect her in whatever way I see fit.”

Viktor stepped closer, his voice lower now, almost a warning. “We’re not your enemies, Ian. We’re trying to secure the future. Your future, her future, and the future of this realm.”

I held his gaze, my fists clenched at my sides. “I’ll secure our future. In my own way.”

Serena rose from her seat, stepping between Viktor and me. “We’re not trying to take that from you. But you have to trust us. We’ve been in this position longer than you. We’ve seen what happens when secrets fester, when rumors spread unchecked.”

I shook my head, stepping back from them both. “I’m not keeping secrets. I’m being cautious.”

“There’s a difference between caution and avoidance,” Viktor said quietly. “And right now, you’re avoiding the inevitable. You need to face this head-on, Ian. Before it spirals out of your control.”

I turned away from them, my hands resting on the edge of the table, trying to gather my thoughts. They weren’t wrong. I knew that. But they didn’t understand. They didn’t know Sophia the way I did, didn’t understand the danger that hung over her like a shadow, growing darker with every passing day.

Sophia’s pregnancy wasn’t just a political move, it was something far deeper, far more personal than they could ever comprehend. And I wasn’t going to let them use it as a tool to manipulate the situation. Not now. Not ever.

“I’ll take your words into consideration,” I said finally, my voice calmer, more measured. “But the decision is mine. And Sophia’s. We will not be rushed.”

Viktor exchanged a glance with Serena, and I could see the frustration in his eyes. “Just remember, Ian, the longer you wait, the more complicated this becomes.”

“I’m well aware,” I said, my voice tight.

Serena stepped forward, her expression softer than Viktor’s. “We just want what’s best for the realm, and for you both. Don’t let your pride get in the way of that.”

I nodded, though her words stung. Pride wasn’t the issue here. It was protection. But there was no point in arguing further. The council had made their position clear, and I had made mine.

“We’ll see how things progress,” I said, moving toward the door. “But for now, nothing changes. Sophia stays out of the public eye until I decide otherwise.”

Viktor opened his mouth to respond, but Serena touched his arm, silencing him. “Very well,” she said quietly. “But don’t wait too long, Ian. Time is running out.”

With that, I turned and left the chamber, the door closing heavily behind me. They were right about one thing—time was running out. But I wasn’t going to be pressured into action.

Sophia’s safety came first, always. And if that meant defying the council, then so be it.