Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 175

175 /226

Phoebe’s POV

I was enveloped in a deep slumber when I felt a sudden jolt as hands shook me awake.

As I blinked through the remnants of sleep, my eyes fluttered open to find Samuel hovering at my bedside, his expression taut with concern. It was he who had intruded upon my peaceful rest.

“We need to move, my queen,” he urged, his voice laced with an unmistakable urgency. “You’re required in the war room.”

A frown creased my brow as I turned my gaze toward the window, where the night still clung to the world outside like a heavy shroud. My mind, still foggy from sleep, struggled to grasp the significance of his words.

“The enemy is advancing on the palace.”

Shock coursed through me, and my eyes widened in disbelief. I leapt from the bed, hastily pulling on my jacket, but then the weight of his earlier statement settled heavily on my shoulders.

Why do they need me in the war room? Confusion gnawed at my insides. I was all too aware that the war room was a place reserved for critical decisions and classified intelligence, not a space for someone like me.

“Because you’re the queen,” Samuel replied, a hint of guilt threading through his tone.

I needed no further explanation. I knew precisely who had issued that order. The elders, as always. Their relentless pursuit to undermine my confidence was exhausting.

They would find countless ways to make my life a living hell, all because they believed I was unworthy of Perry. I offered him nothing of value—no alliances, no advantages. And the fact that I had yet to bear his child only exacerbated their disdain.

Being wolfless and previously rejected remained their favorite ammunition against me, a constant reminder of my perceived inadequacies.

But this time, I was determined not to let them crush me.

Justin was waiting just outside my door, his face etched with regret. “I’m sorry for waking you, my queen,” he said softly. “I tried to reason with the elders. Even royal beta Tricia attempted to persuade them to leave you be, but they refused to relent. They insisted you attend.”

I nodded, waving my hand dismissively, trying to project an air of indifference. But deep down, I felt the sting of their intentions. They sought to humiliate me.

With all my other shortcomings, I was now grappling with the added anxiety of not being able to articulate my thoughts verbally. They would seize this opportunity to showcase my supposed incompetence to the other leaders, proving just how unfit I was to govern this kingdom.

Yet, despite my fears, I pressed on toward the war room. I had been here countless times before, often with Perry by my side, but today felt different.

When I finally pushed open the door, I was met not just by Perry, but by a dozen pairs of eyes—elders, including elder Tricia, and several senior warriors tasked with safeguarding the palace. Their collective scrutiny bore down on me, making me feel small and exposed.