Chapter 39: Bottom of everything

In the Royal Convention Hall, everyone had gathered, from high-ranking Alpha families to influential Beta families. The lively chatter filling the grand hall fell silent the moment the arrival of the Alpha King and Luna Queen was announced.

The gathered guests immediately bowed their heads as Davian and Seraphina entered. The royal couple made their way toward the stage, followed by the three Alpha Princes and the Alpha Princess.

"Why is Andrew not here yet?" Davian asked his wife in a low voice.

"He must be on his way, Your Majesty," Seraphina replied calmly. "Rest assured. You spoke to him yourself this time. I’m sure he won’t miss it."

"For the past two years, he has remained absent from every royal gathering," Davian replied, his expression showing his irritation as they finally settled on the bolstered sofa chairs comfortably.

Aldrick went towards the podium and spoke on the microphone. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Good evening, everyone! I am glad that all of you blessed this place once again while showing your interest in this humble charity event. As all of you know that this year’s theme is centered around strengthening the bonds between the packs and giving back to those who need our support."

He glanced toward the beautifully decorated hall before continuing, "A large portion of the funds raised tonight will go toward rebuilding territories affected by rogue attacks, supporting orphaned pups, and providing financial assistance to struggling families, especially omegas. Several Alpha families have also pledged donations for education, healthcare, and training facilities in less-developed territories."

Davian’s expression softened slightly.

"And the royal foundation will announce new grants for young wolves from poorer packs," Aldrick added. "They will be given opportunities to receive education and training that their families could never afford in best centers established in various territories of the country."

The flashes from the cameras continued to focus on Aldrick as reporters captured every moment of the royal family’s appearance.

Before he could say anything further, the large doors opened, and the hall fell silent once again.

"Forgive me for being late," Andrew’s voice echoed from the entrance. "But it seems my family has already started the event without my wife and me."

He stepped into the hall and turned slightly, extending one hand behind him while holding the other out.

Caroline placed her hand in his palm. Andrew gently drew her to his side, and the moment everyone saw her, a wave of gasps swept through the hall.

It was the first time anyone had dared to bring one into such a gathering. The Royal Convention Hall had always maintained strict rules for this particular event. Only Alphas and a select number of high-ranking Betas were permitted to attend, making Caroline’s presence an unprecedented sight.

Whispers immediately spread through the hall as every pair of eyes turned toward the newly married couple.

"Why has he brought his wife here?" Davian whispered.

"Wasn’t it evident for him to bring that omega? That’s why I was against calling him this year," Seraphina answered in a low voice.

Andrew, however, remained completely unfazed. He simply held Caroline’s hand and stood beside her, as though her presence there was the most natural thing in the world.

Caroline stood beside Andrew with confidence, already realizing what kind of place she had stepped into. The cameras that had previously been focused on the entire royal family quickly shifted toward them, capturing every movement.

Andrew kept hold of her hand as they walked toward the stage. Together, they first greeted the Alpha King and Luna Queen before turning toward the rest of the royal family.

"Only one seat is vacant here," Nina remarked with a grin, glancing at Caroline. "Caroline can wait in one of the rooms outside until the event is over. I’m sure she won’t mind."

Caroline and Andrew both looked toward the row of chairs. Only one seat remained vacant at the end.

"The royal charity event is always about helping those in need," Andrew said, his voice carrying through the hall. He didn’t lower his voice despite the presence of the media. "But when it comes to truly embracing those same people, all of you suddenly flinch away."

A few whispers rose among the guests.

"Andrew, all eyes are on you. Stay quiet," Davian warned him in a low voice.

He then immediately gestured toward the event manager, signaling him to arrange another chair.

Within moments, another chair was brought forward and placed beside the royal family’s row.

Andrew said nothing further. He simply guided Caroline toward it and took his place beside her, making it clear to everyone in the hall that she wasn’t going anywhere.

The event was officially inaugurated by the Alpha King and Luna Queen at the front.

"Isn’t this event boring?" Andrew finally spoke up, his gaze sweeping across the grand hall. "Don’t you people ever get tired of organizing the same event every year?"

"Andrew, the purpose is to uplift vulnerable communities and strengthen the bonds between the packs," Aldrick replied patiently.

"Really?" Andrew asked, keeping his gaze fixed ahead. "Then why are omegas still at the bottom of everything? They are still looked down upon and treated as though they are less important than the other ranks."

A brief silence followed.

"You have certainly changed the meaning of this event this year," Julian remarked, glancing at him.

Nina, however, turned her attention toward Caroline.

"Caroline was never supposed to be here tonight," she said coldly. "After all, she has committed a serious crime."

Caroline’s expression hardened, but she refused to lower her gaze.

"Pardon me, Princess Nina," she said calmly, finally speaking up. "But if saving my own life from a man who ordered my death, and protecting the life that was once growing inside me, are considered crimes, then I honestly don’t know what to say."

The surrounding conversations gradually faded as more guests turned toward her.

"I always believed the laws of our country were equal for everyone," Caroline continued, her voice steady despite the emotion building inside her. "Until I lost my entire family."