"I…" Leland hesitated and looked at Sophie.
He was so happy to have her as his wife and this conversation after breakfast proved to him that she was such a smart and wonderful woman who could hold her own before his cunning mother.
He also had just returned from a long trip. Right now, all he wanted to do was spend time with her and listen to what she had to say.
Didn't she tell him that she had a sweet surprise for him? He was curious to know because he could sense that it truly made his mate feel very happy.
He wanted to share whatever good news she had. So, now, Leland would have preferred to cherish his wife some more before going to battle again.
The crown prince was undoubtedly in a precarious position since his father died, so what difference would it be to wait for a little more?
Surely, this new king would eventually let his guard down if the coronation went well. Duke Romanov could just send a representative to attend the coronation on his behalf, to avoid suspicion.
He was not in the mood to attack. This was not a good time. Sophie was right. His mother was too rash and it was not good for the pack.
Sophie looked at Leland and gently squeezed his hand. She leaned up and whispered to his ear, "I believe that you will make the best decision for your pack, Leland. I have faith in you."
Leland felt his heart become at ease at his mate's words. The truth of the matter was that Blood River Pack had been eagerly waiting for the day when they'll conquer the kingdom of Riga.
This human kingdom was one out of the many kingdoms they had to conquer and all of this actually happened after several years of careful deliberation. Blood River Pack worked not only with the witches but other lycan packs as well.
Some would occupy the other kingdoms or attack the borders of Riga and keep the royal family on their toes. All of Leland's men were ready and actually anxious to fight.
If Leland chose to hesitate and wait for another opportunity, then he was only delaying the inevitable, but it was fine. A delayed attack to guarantee victory was better than a rushed attack. The Alpha glanced at his men who were standing around and were eavesdropping on the conversation.
Max and Duncan didn't seem nervous. They only focused on what The Alpha would answer to his mother or decide. Eventually, Leland glanced at Sophie once more and looked at his beautiful and wonderful mate.
Even though Sophie said it was better to wait, wasn't the reason why Leland chose to lead the attack himself was to avenge the deaths of Sophie's parents?
Would Sophie think he was a coward for not immediately choosing to attack the crown prince and the remaining members of the royal family? This was a risky attack but…
"Don't be a coward," Isolde chided him, suddenly disrupting this train of thoughts. "I know they will secure the capital, especially the royal palace during the coronation event, I am not dumb."
She added, with a very criticizing tone, "However, it is also the best time to attack because for once, the capital will be crowded with people. They will go out to the streets and celebrate the occasion, nobles would be invited to the palace. YOU and our people can be there without attracting much attention if everyone is smart enough to blend in. Can't you understand this simple logic??"
Her words, even though uttered in a soft voice, pierced Leland's heart and again, he felt like he was not good or smart enough in his mother's eyes.
"Sophia…" Leland tried not to focus on his mother, and instead directed all his attention on his mate.
Sophie smiled warmly at him and never let go of his hand. This beautiful and gentle woman was always understanding and welcoming of him… and she was also willing to trust his judgment. She said she had faith in him.
Leland felt at peace, and yet there was still a storm brewing within his heart. How could he forget what he came here for? Even though Sophie smiled at him, she was still hurt. She lost both her parents in such a cruel way and had been living such tough life before Leland found her.
This was all because of the royal family.
Leland wanted to avenge her parents by killing everyone responsible for Jack's and Anne's deaths. King William Hannenbergh was down, more to go. His son, the next king should be next.
"Fine, we will be attending the coronation," Leland said at last. "I expect to have the Blood River Pack's warriors prepared in the short amount of time we're given. We will storm the capital by ourselves."
The lycans who had been eavesdropping suddenly cheered at their Alpha's decisions. The day had finally come for the humans to receive retribution for all of the sins they have committed.
"Perfect." Isolde smiled.
***
Even though Sophie had told Leland that she trusted his judgment, she was actually surprised by the decision he came up with. She pursed her lips and sat in their chamber alone, sighing a little.
After the conversation, Leland immediately had to summon all of the Blood River Pack members in the grand hall to announce his decision to attack the royal family during the crown prince's coronation.
Sophie rubbed her belly gently and said, "I believe he may have decided a little differently if I told him that you're here. However, I have faith in him… that things will go smoothly after this."
Even though Sophie was really nervous and worried about what would happen once Leland and the Blood River Pack stormed Livstad, she wanted to put her confidence in him.
.
.
___________________
From Missrealitybites:
So... Leland decided to attack the new king during the coronation. That means.... he will finally meet Nic!