Stone Cold Satisfaction

Ajax sighed as he looked at the line of subjects looking to speak to him about all the chaos that was erupting in the caves. You see, there had been a leak to the upper classes on the plans the new party in power - and everyone wanted to come and beg, cry, or try to make deals about keeping their homes.

A lottery system was put in place to those who asked for a transfer to the top. That way, the home being vacated could be done so peacefully, and no one had to lose any valuable heirlooms or things that were sentimental. The last thing they needed was more bitterness on top of the relocation.

It was the only way to stop the lower tunnel populace from overrunning the upper levels to take what they wanted where they could, and that wasn't going to happen on his watch.

There were many whose requests were denied because of their behavior, but for the most part, Ajax felt he had been pretty fair. Only the families complicit with Harbinger, deniers of Metas' right to the throne, or those who were cruel and unkind had anything to fear. Everyone else was going to be given a choice to stay, or be given a stipend to move to a lower home until new ones could be carved and constructed to fit more of their population in the upper rungs of the mountain.

This had been the most boring thing ever in all the world to Ajax until the most beautiful moment (for now) of his life blossomed as Lara's parents approached him with eyes cast down, and a clear red smear across their cheeks as their embarrassment showed through.

"We're so sorry, Ajax. We had no idea of your birthright," Lara's father started humbly as he knelt before the Prince in shame.

Her mother on the other hand did not bow, but shook her head in embarrassment. "Stop it, Jhun."

"Yes, please stop...it's weird..." Ajax uttered out awkwardly.

"I apologize, my Alpha." Jhun apologized and stood up.

"Nope. Nuh-uh. Don't call me that. Metas is the Alpha. I'm just supporting him while he's napping."

"You really aren't going to covet the crown, are you?" The lovely female with matching white hair like Lara's spoke and watched the leader's face steadily.

"No, I'm really not. If that is going to be a problem, I can make it one." Ajax replied forcefully.

After all the work they did, he wasn't about to go run off with his tail between his legs - besides, he was still a little high off of his victory. As far as the newly minted Prince was concerned, he and Lara had earned their right to be together in luxury for the rest of their days.

"It isn't a problem, Prince Ajax. It never was," she answered for the couple and gave a very gentle bow.

"Yep. Sure. Well if you're here to grovel about your home, don't bother. You're keeping it due to nepotism.....and on top of that, you weren't complicit in anything. You just ignored it all to keep your status. Understandable considering who Harbinger was...and forgivable considering your daughter is one of the champions of the revolution. Her actions and your blood relation to Lara are what grant you the option to keep your home." The Prince stated and leaned forward to rest his elbows on the giant stone throne that Metas should have been in instead of himself. Even though it wasn't opulent, and it was literally a giant, stone, square-like 'chair'- it was still intimidating all the same, as its size could fit a massive werewolf sitting on all fours. His ass cheeks should have never pancaked on this sacred place, and he knew it.

...but he wasn't going to let them know that. Metas was his younger brother and the King - and his younger brother's best friend was his wife. He feared nothing from these two.

"Would you perhaps mind not mentioning this to Lara?" Jhun started.

"Pfft. Get out. As if her opinion ever mattered to you anyway, old-timer. If it only counts now, then you're a worse father and wolf than I thought you were. I'll pretend you didn't say that - and in return, you will leave immediately because I have many, many, many more citizens to meet with." Ajax sighed and looked annoyed, but on the inside he was smiling. He had daydreamed so often of telling these two off, and it was surreal he was even getting to have a taste of such sweet thoughts.

"How-" Jhun started, but was stopped by his wife who spoke over him and put her hands on his back to push him out of the royal throne room .

"Thank you for seeing us, Prince Ajax." She said humbly, and didn't give her mate another chance to speak.

As great as that felt, the feeling died down the moment he saw the long line of souls waiting outside of the throne room doors. It was going to be a wretchedly long day....