The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"Aria, did you send someone to attack on Zenna?" Leon confronted his younger sister directly. He had a paper clenched in his fist, which mentioned how Aria wanted Zenna to be dead.

"How can the Crown Prince accuse me like that in the morning?" Aria shouted in fury. Her eyes gleamed blue because that omega couldn’t accomplish his task.

"I have evidence against you, Aria. How could a royal princess do this? What if the others find out about it? The witness claims that they have seen you having a conversation with an omega from the palace. And now, he wants to testify it before Father," Leon affirmed, his voice rising with each word he said.

Aria’s heart thundered to hear that. ’How did a witness appear suddenly?’

"Brother, I never sent anyone to kill Zenna. Whoever is that is trying to malign my image. Also, if I have to kill Zenna, then I would have sent someone stronger. Don’t you think?" Aria retorted with some strong points.

"Aria, don’t lie to me. I know how deep-rooted your hatred is for Zenna. Whoever has sent this claims to have strong evidence against you. So, you better admit it before me," Leon said, his eyes turning golden.

"What’s going on here? I heard you two shouting at each other," Loretta interrupted their conversation. They both greeted their mother and lowered their heads.

"Nothing, Mother. We were having a sibling fight," Leon lied. He felt Loretta might try saving Aria, but he had other plans. He wanted Aria to be punished for even thinking about harming Zenna. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"You two are grown-ups, especially, Crown Prince Leon. I want you to choose a dress and jewelry for Miss Harbinger for the Moon Festival," Loretta stated.

"Mother, why should I do that?" Leon asked, peering into his mother’s eyes.

"Because the Crown Prince is going to marry her soon," Loretta stated. "Your father and I have waited enough for your mate to come. Since there is no one, so it’s better for you to marry Nina Harbinger, who has the Alpha blood running in her veins."

Loretta noticed the shift in her son’s demeanor, so she approached him and placed her hands on his arms. "You will be the next Alpha King. You need to have a strong Luna by your side. Think of it like that, Leon."

"I understand, Mother," Leon said, not able to refuse her. He glanced at Aria and walked away while Loretta followed him.

"Who is the witness? What if Brother Leon tells Father? Will he punish me? No, he has never done that before. But I heard Radulf used his wish in Zenna’s favor. I need to convince my brother not to do that and forgive me for one last time," Aria murmured to herself.

~~~~~

Zenna hummed softly as she carefully arranged fresh flowers in a crystal vase.

"Luna, we’ve finished changing the curtains and bedsheets, as well as the rugs," one of the servants informed her with a respectful bow.

Zenna turned to them with a warm smile. "That’s wonderful. Thank you all for your hard work." She paused for a moment before adding, "Since it’s the Moon Festival, you may all take the day off and enjoy yourselves outside."

The servants exchanged delighted glances before bowing deeply. "Thank you, Luna! Your kindness means so much to us," one of them said gratefully.

Zenna simply nodded, watching as they left with bright smiles. "It’s my first time attending the Moon Festival with my husband. I hope everything goes well," she said.

Zenna heard faint footsteps approaching, and just as she was about to turn, a pair of warm hands gently covered her eyes.

"Radulf, what are you doing?" she murmured, instinctively reaching up to touch his hands, attempting to lower them.

"Keep your eyes closed," Radulf whispered against her ear in a teasing tone. "If you open them, I’ll be upset."

A soft sigh escaped her lips. "Alright, I won’t open them," she promised, containing her curiosity.

Satisfied, Radulf slowly lowered his hands, resting them lightly on her shoulders. Turning her around with careful ease, he finally said, "Now, open your eyes."

Zenna blinked as she slowly lifted her gaze, and the moment her vision cleared, her breath hitched.

Before her lay an exquisite white gown, its fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the morning rays of sun. Beside it sat a matching set of delicate jewelry, each piece intricately designed, and a pair of elegant heels that perfectly complemented the dress.

Her lips parted slightly in surprise. "Radulf... this is—"

"You’re wearing this tonight," he interrupted.

Zenna swallowed, her heart fluttering at the unexpected gesture.

"It’s so beautiful... all of it," Zenna murmured, her fingers grazing the delicate fabric of the gown. She glanced at Radulf with a hint of hesitation. "Don’t you think I might stand out too much?"

Radulf’s lips curved into a smirk. "That’s exactly what I want," he said. "You should stand out from the crowd. You aren’t an ordinary woman, Princess. People should know this is your first Moon Festival with me."

A soft blush crept up Zenna’s cheeks at his words. Without a second thought, she turned and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his warmth.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet emotion. "I’m excited for tonight. I know it will be a night to remember for both of us."

The servants, standing nearby, lowered their gazes, silently retreating to give their Luna and Alpha their private moment.

Zenna was the first to pull away, but she didn’t let go of him. Her arms remained wrapped around his waist as she leaned in, brushing her lips lightly against his before pulling back with a soft smile.

Radulf exhaled, his hands tightening on her waist. "At least kiss me with more passion," he muttered. "I can’t take the lead, or you’ll get upset again."

A flicker of guilt crossed Zenna’s face. "I’m sorry for overreacting," she admitted softly.

Before he could respond, she slid her hand up to the nape of his neck, fingers threading through his hair, and this time, she kissed him—fiercely, without hesitation. Her lips moved against his with fervor.

Radulf stilled for a moment before groaning low in his throat, pulling her even closer as he deepened the kiss.