The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Leon set his glass down, his piercing gaze never leaving Nina. "Miss Harbinger, are you truly interested in marrying me? I thought you had a different interest."

Nina swirled the wine in her glass before taking a slow sip. Lowering it, she arched a brow. "And what makes the Crown Prince believe that?"

Leon smirked. "Everyone knows you were once considered a suitable match for Radulf when he first brought you here." His fingers tapped lightly against the table. "I assumed your affections lay elsewhere."

Nina chuckled, shaking her head. "It is strange that it’s coming from you, Your Grace. Your dear sister is Radulf’s wife." Her eyes locked onto his, as if trying to decipher his true intentions.

"I’m well aware," Leon replied smoothly. "That’s why I find it curious how quickly your focus has shifted. I’ve heard troubling things—that you schemed against my sister, even attempted to seduce her husband." This time, his approach was more direct.

Nina’s expression darkened. "Your mother is the one who wanted me to drug Zenna," she revealed to him. "Didn’t she tell you that, Crown Prince Leon?" She leaned forward slightly, her glare unwavering. "And I never troubled Zenna. If anything, I was merely stating the truth—Zenna was bullied and tormented by her own family. Do you truly consider her your sister?" She tilted her head mockingly. "She’s the daughter of an omega servant—someone your family despises."

Leon observed her carefully, his fingers curling slightly around his glass. "It seems Zenna has confided in you quite a bit," he remarked.

Nina offered a small smile. "She is my friend."

Leon frowned inwardly. ’Zenna chose Nina as her friend? She always acts so foolishly.’

Nina sighed, setting her glass aside. "Radulf loves Zenna. That’s why I stepped back. It would be unwise to chase after a married man."

Leon studied her for a moment before nodding. "I see." He picked up his glass once more, finishing the remaining wine in one fluid motion.

’Zenna loves Radulf too, then. I thought intercepting those letters and making sure they never reached him would drive them apart forever.’ He clenched his jaw slightly. ’And yet, despite everything, they still found their way to each other.’

Nina observed Leon carefully, a knowing glint in her eyes. She tilted her head slightly before speaking in a calm, measured tone.

"Your Grace, if there is already someone in your heart, you should tell me beforehand. It seems to me that you struggle to voice your true feelings in front of your mother. I understand," she said with a soft smile. "When our elders command us, we are often bound to comply, even against our own desires."

Leon’s expression remained impassive as he met her gaze. "I have no one in my heart," he stated firmly. "If there were someone, I wouldn’t be sitting here in front of you, discussing marriage."

Nina held his gaze for a moment longer before exhaling softly. "I see," she murmured. She finished the wine soon and rose to her feet. "I’ll take my leave now, Your Grace. Have a nice day ahead."

Aria stormed into the chamber just as Leon was about to retire for some rest. Her face was flushed with anger, and her eyes burned with fury.

"Brother! Who sent you that message? Was it Radulf?" she demanded, her voice sharp with suspicion.

Leon turned to face her, his expression calm yet firm. "No," he replied evenly. "If Radulf intended to present any evidence, he would have taken it directly to the Alpha King."

Aria clenched her fists, frustration evident in every fiber of her being. "So, you did send someone to harm Zenna? Have you lost your mind?" Leon’s voice rose, his usual composure cracking as realization struck.

"Because of her, I lost my chance to marry Gregor!" Aria snapped, her voice laced with bitterness. "I was angry... and in a moment of rage, I thought eliminating her would solve everything." Her tone faltered, and she took a step closer, desperation creeping into her eyes. "Brother, you cannot let Father find out. Please, save me this once. I swear on my life, I will never do anything like this again."

Leon let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening as he regarded his sister. His fury simmered beneath the surface, but he kept his emotions in check.

"The witness who sent this message has made it clear—if you do not confess to Father yourself, he will reveal everything tonight," he stated coldly. "You have a choice, Aria. Go to Father and come clean before it’s too late."

Aria’s breath hitched, fear flashing across her face. "Father will punish me," she whispered in a trembling voice.

Leon met her gaze. "He may. But your punishment will be far worse if he hears the truth from someone else." His tone softened slightly. "This is your only chance to take responsibility for your actions."

He took a step toward the door but paused. Without turning back, he added in a low, firm voice, "And one more thing, Aria. From this day forward, you will show Zenna the respect she deserves. She is older than you, and your reckless behavior ends now."

With that, he walked away, leaving Aria standing there.

Aria murmured to herself, "I must go to Mother and ask her to save me this time."

With hurried steps, she made her way to her mother’s manor, her heart pounding in her chest. As she reached the grand entrance and stepped inside, she halted abruptly at the sight before her—Nina was already there, seated comfortably beside Loretta.

Taking a deep breath, Aria spoke finally. "Mother, may we speak in private?" she urged.

Loretta’s sharp gaze flickered over her daughter, sensing something amiss. "Say it here," she said.

Aria gazed at Nina, who understood and lifted from her place. "Your Majesty, I’ll leave you both for the conversation." With that, she walked out.

Aria, after making sure that Nina had left, began, "Mother, please save me. I sent someone to kill Zenna. The witness has threatened me, saying he will expose me to Father if I do not confess my crime myself," she stated with a worried gaze.