Attend the meeting as a guard

Ali chose to spend one more day pretending to be someone else, so he can see what his father looks like to an ordinary guy. Furthermore, he chose to attend the mandatory meeting, he so urgently called for all the royal guards to be present. He didn't need to identify himself at the castle's door, the Doberman vouched for him, and even pushed him in himself. Ali alongside all the other royal guards, gathered in the throne room, where his father was yet to show up. The room was almost full of canines, all of them seemed way bigger and stronger than Ali. Somehow most of them didn't notice him, and he ended up squished between two naked chests of a Labrador and a Husky. Both of them talked quite loudly and uncaring of all the others around them, especially Ali who had his head lodged between their ample chests, slightly getting squeezed when one of them talked.

After a few minutes, the room officially got filled to the brim, with the entire ensemble of guards of the kingdom. Dogs, foxes, coyotes, even some hyaenas were part of the guards, strangely no wolves. Ali couldn't even remember the last time he saw a wolf, besides his mother who he hadn't seen for almost ten years.

„Welcome everyone.” A loud voice, that Ali recognised as his father's spoke, making everyone instantly quiet. Everyone looked at the throne, where Ali's father, the king stood with a serious gaze. „What I will say today won't leave this room, those who speak of what I spoke will severely be punished.”

Ali's father was a pure Yakutian Laika, a completely white canine that almost resemblanced a wolf, he was tall, very tall, while all stood at a measly 5 feet tall, and most guards around 6 and a half, his father was almost 8 feet, if not more. Each part of his body was tender taken care of, muscles filling each inch of his body. He wore his usual dress, a black costume made of pure silk with red on his chest resembling a flame, and the kingdom's flag, pure gold crown on his head, worn just to show status, as Ali knows how much his father hated jelewery. The king, his father, looked around the room, looking at each and single one of them, right in the eyes, showing his seriousness, and dominance. Eventually, it reached Ali's gaze, and for the first time in his life, his father made his tremble in fear.

„I assume you're all aware of the prince's absence.” The king finally continued. „It had became a liability, and a weakness to our kingdom.”

Ali watched his father talk, his heart sank, eyes almost dropped a tear. He was ready to reveal himself right there and then, to stop his father from worrying any longer, and be by his side once again.

„That's why he must be removed. Permanently.” The king said without remorse. Ali stopped, he looked at his father confused. „Who knows who he talked to by now, who he told the secrets of our kingdom, who has him captured and ready to sell for profit.” No, it was not true, none of it is. His son is there, right in front him, he didn't do any of those things, but Ali didn't said anything. His shocked as he listened to his father words. „The prince is now a threat to our kingdom, and once found, he'll be removed by all means. Eat him, crush him, stab him, turn him into your own jizz. I do not care, as long as he perishes and our kingdom remains safe.”

His father got off the throne, and looked out the window. „He's still alive, somewhere, I know he is.” He looked back at the crowd of canines, that either looked at him in shook or eager to have their bellies filled with their own prince. „Those who succeed will get a mighty reward. They will, take his duties, and will sit by my side. Now, leave and don't come back until he's gone. All but the three that saw him last.” He didn't looked back, he continued to stare into the window as the guards left with their new mission.

Ali was trying to leave as well, his heart beating too fast for his comfort, his mind racing at the fact that his own father, his own family member wants him dead at all cost. But, he was unable to leave the room, Spike, his fost Labrador guard grabbed him by the hand and pulled him back in.

„He means us dude.” The Labrador whispered, his tail slightly wagged, he seemed unbothered by the fact that the person he watched over the years is now hunted down by the kingdom, and is just happy to find Ali in the crowd.

The wide doors of the room closed, leaving only the king, Ali who was barely able to stay on his feet, Spike that was quite unfazed, and the German Shepherd that watched Ali when he slept, he remembered his name, Liam.

„Explain to me how he managed to escape.” The king said, his gaze finally turning to look at the three.

„Yes, sir.” Spike said almost excited. „I was guarding the outside door of the library. Woof here, came to check on the prince, as per requested, then we both left once I learned that the prince was sleeping.”

Liam sighed loudly before speaking. „When I came to start my shift, his majesty was nowhere to be found. One of the broom closets was wide open, I suspect that he disguised himself before leaving.” Ali's legs started to trembled once he heard how close Liam was to the truth.

„Understood.” The king groaned annoyed. „You two may leave, there's still business to take care of in the dungeon. Little one, please stay. I still have a few questions to ask you.”

Liam and Spike silently bowed before turning around, and leaving the room, letting Ali completely alone with his father that wanted him dead. Ali's heart began to beat even faster, even louder, to the point that it almost deafened him. Sweat building on his body, legs trembling in fear, eyes focused dead on his father angry stare.

„You were the last one to actually see my son.” The king said, Ali nodded without saying anything, body completely shaking. „You, smell like him, that means you touched him, you, interacted with him. Correct?" Again, Ali nodded scared. „So, please tell me. What was he doing?”