Chapter 10: Framed

Micaela awoke long before sunrise, her heart still racing from the strange dream. The image of the silver wolf lingered vividly in her mind, standing beneath a glowing full moon with those piercing sapphire eyes watching only her. The words it had spoken—Come home—echoed through her thoughts, leaving behind a feeling she couldn't explain. It wasn't fear exactly. It felt... familiar.

She quickly pushed the strange dream aside. Dreams meant nothing. In the world she lived in, reality was frightening enough.

By the time she reached the servants' hall, everyone was already busy preparing breakfast for the royal family and the visiting Alphas. Lady Eleanor wasted no time assigning duties.

"The Southern Alpha Pack departs this afternoon," she announced. "Every servant will remain at their assigned station. There will be absolutely no mistakes today."

"Yes, my lady," everyone replied.

Micaela was handed a list of duties that included delivering fresh towels to the royal bathhouse, arranging flowers in the Queen Mother's gallery, and finally delivering several ancient documents to the royal archives.

Nothing unusual.

Or so she believed.

As she crossed one of the eastern corridors carrying the sealed documents, she noticed Princess Anastasia speaking quietly with two noblewomen. The Princess smiled warmly the moment their eyes met.

"Good morning, Micaela," Anastasia greeted.

"Your Highness," Micaela bowed respectfully.

"Busy as always?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Such a hardworking girl."

Her kindness felt... unnatural.

The Princess had never addressed her so warmly before.

"Enjoy your day," Anastasia said sweetly.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Micaela continued walking, completely unaware that Anastasia watched her leave with a calculating smile.

"Everything is ready," Cedric whispered beside her.

"Excellent," Anastasia replied.

"She won't suspect anything."

"She doesn't have to."

"Once the evidence is discovered..."

"The King himself will have no choice."

Meanwhile, Micaela reached the royal archives and carefully placed the sealed documents on the librarian's desk.

"You're early today," the elderly archivist commented.

"Lady Eleanor wanted everything finished before noon."

"A wise woman."

The old man accepted the documents before handing her another small wooden box.

"Please return this to Chamberlain Aldric."

"Of course."

The box looked ordinary enough.

Polished oak.

Simple brass lock.

Nothing unusual.

She thanked him before making her way toward the administrative wing.

Halfway there...

"Stop!"

Several royal guards suddenly surrounded her.

"What's happening?" she asked nervously.

"Place the box on the floor," the captain ordered.

"Why?"

"Now."

Confused, Micaela obeyed.

One guard immediately opened the wooden box.

Inside...

Rested the Royal Moonstone.

The kingdom's most sacred ceremonial jewel.

Silence.

Every guard stared at the glowing crystal.

"Impossible..." Micaela whispered.

"You stole the Moonstone," the captain declared.

"No! I've never even seen it before!"

"It was found in your possession."

"Someone gave me the box!"

"Who?"

"The archivist!"

Two guards immediately rushed toward the archives.

Minutes later...

They returned.

"No one is there," one reported.

"The archives are completely empty."

Micaela's blood turned cold.

"That's impossible."

"Take her into custody."

"Please! I didn't steal anything!"

"You'll explain yourself before the King."

Word spread throughout the palace within minutes.

A human servant had stolen the Royal Moonstone.

Inside the council chamber, Chamberlain Aldric hurried toward the Alpha King.

"Your Majesty."

"What happened?"

"The Royal Moonstone has been recovered."

"Recovered?"

"From Micaela Whitlock."

The King's eyes narrowed instantly.

"Impossible."

"Several guards witnessed it themselves."

Without another word, the King stood.

"Bring her to the throne room."

"Immediately, Your Majesty."

An hour later...

The enormous throne room stood completely silent.

Council members.

Visiting Alphas.

Royal guards.

Princess Anastasia.

Everyone had gathered.

Micaela stood alone in the center of the room, her wrists bound by silver restraints.

She had never felt so small.

The massive doors opened.

The Alpha King entered.

Every person bowed.

"Rise," he commanded.

His sapphire eyes immediately found Micaela.

She looked terrified.

His wolf snarled.

"She is innocent."

"Quiet," he answered internally.

"She needs us."

"I know."

The King sat upon the throne.

"Explain."

The captain stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, the Royal Moonstone was discovered inside a wooden box being carried by the human servant."

"Where did you obtain the box?" the King asked.

"From the royal archivist," Micaela answered immediately.

"There was no archivist present," another guard interrupted.

"There was! He handed it to me himself!"

"Enough."

The King's voice silenced the room.

"Micaela."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Did you steal the Moonstone?"

She looked directly into his eyes.

For the first time since entering the palace...

She refused to lower her gaze.

"No."

"Did anyone instruct you to carry that box?"

"Yes."

"Can you prove it?"

Her silence answered everything.

She couldn't.

Princess Anastasia stepped forward gracefully.

"Your Majesty."

"Speak."

"This is unfortunate."

She sighed softly.

"But sacred laws apply equally to everyone."

Several council members nodded in agreement.

"The punishment for stealing the Royal Moonstone has always been death," one elder stated.

"Even for humans," another added.

The King's expression remained unreadable.

"Leave us," he suddenly ordered.

The room froze.

"Your Majesty?" Aldric questioned.

"Everyone."

"Including the prisoner?"

"No."

Within moments, every person reluctantly left the throne room.

Only the King and Micaela remained.

Silence filled the enormous chamber.

"Look at me," he said quietly.

She obeyed.

"Did you do it?"

"No."

"Then why do I believe you when every piece of evidence says otherwise?"

Tears welled inside her eyes.

"Because I'm telling the truth."

He slowly descended the throne steps.

"My wolf has never once sensed deceit from you."

"I don't know what that means."

"Neither do I."

He stopped directly in front of her.

"But I intend to find out."

At that exact moment...

Marcus burst through the throne room doors.

"Your Majesty!"

"What is it?"

"The real Royal Archivist has been found..."

Everyone turned.

"Dead."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Marcus's face was grim.

"And before he died..."

He looked directly at Micaela.

"He left behind one final message."