The sun had barely begun its descent when Rox found me, in the study I was assigned where I conducted the day's business of the kingdom. My desk was laden with documents detailing pack infrastructures, resources, and the ever-important political alliances. She entered with a determined stride, her expression one of resolve mixed with hesitation.

"Amy texted me," she began without preamble. "She wants to meet at a club. I need to find out what’s going on with her."

I looked up from my work, my brow furrowing. Rox’s loyalty to her team was commendable, but her safety was non-negotiable.

"Absolutely not," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument and continuing my work. "A club is not a suitable place for this conversation. Especially not with Amy."

Her hands went to her hips, defiance flashing in her eyes. "Cassian, I understand your concern, but I need to handle this my way. She's part of my team, and if something’s wrong, I want to help her. She’s been absent from work, and now she’s finally reached out. She asked me to meet her, and I think I should go."

I looked up to face her, my arms crossed over my broad chest, my eyes narrowing. “At a club? Of all places? That doesn’t sound right.”

Rox sighed, “Maybe she just wants privacy. I won’t know until I meet her.”

“And you think the best place for a private conversation is a crowded club full of strangers?” My voice was calm but firm, the weight of my authority evident. “Rox, that doesn’t make sense.”

She straightened, with a pointed look. “Not everything has to make sense to you, Cassian. She’s my friend. I want to make sure she’s okay.”

“And I want to make sure you’re okay,” I countered, my tone hardening. “This feels off, and I’m not comfortable with you going, the fact you can’t see that is quite concerning.”

Rox’s jaw tightened, her hands balling into fists at her sides. “You’re overreacting. I can handle myself.”

I stood, my towering frame radiating authority. 

“It’s not about whether you can handle yourself. It’s about the situation being suspicious. If Amy needed you, she could’ve chosen somewhere safer to meet.”

Rox let out a frustrated breath, her voice rising. “She’s my friend. If she needs help, I’m not going to ignore her just because you don’t like the location.”

“And I’m saying no,” My voice dropping an octave. “You’re not going.”

Rox stared at him, her lips parting in disbelief. “You’re forbidding me?”

“I’m protecting you,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “There’s a difference.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “You’re being ridiculous, Cassian. This isn’t about protection; it’s about control.”

“Call it whatever you want,” he said, his voice sharp. “But I’m the king, and my decision is final.”

Rox’s eyes burned with anger, her cheeks flushing. For a moment, she looked like she might argue further, but then she drew in a deep breath and forced a tight smile.

“Fine,” she said, her voice clipped. “As you wish, your majesty.”

The mocking tone in her words cut through me, but I stood firm, my face unreadable.

Her jaw clenched as my alpha aura filled the room, bearing down on her. She managed to hold her ground longer than most would dare. Without another word, Rox turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind her.

I stayed rooted in place, my hands clenching into fists at his sides. I stared at the door for a long moment, my jaw tightening.

“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair.

Despite her compliance, I knew Rox. Stubbornness was her defining trait so far, and if she believed meeting Amy was necessary, she'd find a way.