<i>Zephyrine </i>
Finished
I stepped into the long hall and a wave of feeling descended on me. Staring at the dais, I couldn’t help but surrender to the memories pulling me into the past.
There my father would have stood,manding with words and orders. He had been my mentor, giving me everything.
He was a man who never spared the rod, but he never once forgot how to spoil me too.
I shifted my gaze to the other side, to my mother’s favorite spot. She had been Luna, a true leader, a faithful wife, and the best mother. She was my first tutor in grace, teaching me patience and calm, teaching me to sit properly, to keep my thighs closed, and to stay pure until the right man came.
Goosebumps prickled along my skin as I turned toward the wall where Varyn would lean. My brother, my guardian, my closest ally. Adored by his army, respected by the people. He had promised to return with another medal after the battle but… I swallowed hard and stepped back.<fn939d> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? find~novel</fn939d>
Then I felt it. The shift in the air. Someone else was in the hall. I turned and found Princess Mearez at the entrance. Just like that, my worries faded.
“You okay?” she asked, walking toward me.
“I am, now that you’re here.” I smiled softly, ncing past her to the entrance. “Where have you been?”
She searched my eyes and grinned sheepishly, color rising in her cheeks.
“Your beta showed me around Ash Pack. I must say, you were born with the purest golden spoon.”
I gave her a yful nce, and she smacked my shoulder.
“You’re even blushing,” I teased, giggling. “You like Jurrek that much? Just one nce and you’re already gone for him?”
“Says the woman who caught a cursed king obsessed at first sight,” she shot back.
I grinned wider, surrendering defeat, and weughed together. Gradually, theughter ebbed, and I noticed the panic rising in her eyes.
After she healed me, I had begged her to stay for the ceremony. There was no need for her to return to the Lycan Kingdom when the entire Blood family had been invited and she had agreed.
Last night, after visiting Luna Tahlia, I returned to dine privately with the Dusk household and Princess Mearez. Jurrek had joined as well, and I caught him stealing nces at her again and again. He couldn’t help himself and truthfully, I was happy to see it.
“Zephyrine?” she called softly, pulling me from my thoughts. “I don’t… I’ve never felt this way before. I don’t know if Jurrek would ever… what do you think he feels about me?”
Silence fell between us. I could see how much my answer meant.
22%
Finished
“Jurrek once asked Blue if you had a lover or were betrothed,” I said atst. “He wouldn’t have asked that if he felt nothing. He’s no wayward man. He’s had mistresses, yes, but none in the past five years.”
“You know his type then?” she asked again, her voice trembling. “Not someone who’s been raped multiple times, right?”
The words froze me cold. Goosebumps rose on my arms.
“W…what?”
She lowered her gaze, shrugging faintly, though the pain lingered.
“Raped many times, Zephyrine. He wouldn’t turn away from that, would he?”
I choked on my breath. I had heard whispers of the former king’s abuse but never imagined this.
“Princess Mearez…” I began, but the words faltered. Where could I even start? No wonder Lycannar had always been so protective. What sort of horrors had the former king inflicted on his children?
“Zephyr? Zephyr?” Dessyn’s voice broke through the tension, and I turned to see her enter the hall with Moon, Blue, and Isolde, who had been helping with preparations.
“Yes?”
“Everything is ready. How do you see the settings?” she asked.
I looked around, then toward the first row of tables. That row belonged to the Lycans, set slightly apart from the others, just as I had ordered. I had forbidden guests from entering the pack with holy relics. I knew they weakened the Lycan King. Without that safeguard, he would never step into my hall.
“It’s lovely,” I said atst.
Dessyn sighed.
“We’ve got a problem though.”
“What?”
“The guests are too many for the hall. I don’t know which pack to seat at the back.”
“Any pack but the Lycans,” I replied at once. “The Imperium Council’s table should also be front row. White Pack as well. Horn Pack too.”
Their eyes turned toward me, and I raised a brow.
“What?”
“Why do I feel like you’re arranging this just to call out the Lycan King?” Moon asked.
“It feels that way,” Dessyn muttered. “Like you’re just looking for an excuse to see Apex.”
I turned sharply to her.
“We’re doing this to stop the elders from growing suspicious. What are you both talking about?” My voice
wavered despite myself, and inwardly I wondered.
Was I truly doing this only to quiet gossip?
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Finished
“Mydy doesn’t care what people think,” Blue said carefully. “I’m sorry, but I agree with Miss Dessyn this time.<b>” </b>
My eyes widened.
“My gods. Well, fine. Whatever you all think.”
“So where do we seat Hue Pack? And ckbridge?” Dessyn pressed.
“Anywhere you see fit,” I sighed. Then I turned back to Princess Mearez, who had been watching me with quiet marvel. “Come. Let’s go shop for dresses. Ash Pack has the best.”
“Really?”
“Come see for yourself.” I entwined my fingers with hers, offering warmth and support, and together we left the hall.
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