The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Zenna stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression dull despite the flawless work Pia had done to make her look presentable. There was no excitement in her heart, no anticipation for the palace visit.

"Why didn’t you eat?"

Radulf’s voice reached her ears. She turned her head slightly to see him leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms.

Pia bowed quietly and excused herself, leaving them alone in the dressing room.

Zenna let out a soft sigh before rising to her feet. "Are you still upset with me?" she asked. "The thought of marking you never crossed my mind," she admitted honestly.

Radulf’s jaw tensed, but he said nothing.

She took a hesitant step toward him. "Also... I felt that after my awakening, I should mark you." Her fingers curled slightly at her sides. "I wanted it to be at the right time when I truly felt ready to claim you as mine. That’s what I thought not long ago."

Radulf lowered his arms and stepped closer to her. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders with a firm grip.

"I think you aren’t possessive enough for me," he admitted.

Zenna’s gaze flickered to his reflection in the mirror. "That’s not true," she countered. "Did you forget how upset I was when you kissed Nina just to make me jealous? It still hurts that you chose her to be your first kiss."

Radulf let out a slow exhale, his fingers lightly pressing into her shoulders. "She initiated the kiss," he clarified. "And I let it happen because I wanted to make you jealous. I wanted you to leave me." His nose brushed against the back of her head as he inhaled the lingering scent of her shampoo.

Zenna remained silent.

"But," Radulf continued, "she wasn’t my first kiss."

Zenna blinked, her brows drawing together in confusion. "Hmm?" She met his gaze through the mirror with bewilderment.

Radulf’s lips curled slightly. "You were my first kiss," he murmured. "How could you forget our wedding day?" He rested his chin on her shoulder. "It was brief, but I kissed you on the lips."

Zenna’s breath hitched as the memory surfaced. It had happened—so quick, so fleeting that she never even processed it as a real kiss. Just a brush of his lips, nothing more.

’But I never even considered that a kiss,’ she thought, suddenly unsure of how to respond.

"But I did," Radulf replied. He turned her around as he gazed into her eyes.

His golden eyes swept over her delicate features, taking in every detail. "Let’s have a light meal first. Then we can head to the palace. We’re both hungry," he said.

Zenna hesitated. "We might get late," she pointed out.

Radulf smirked. "Let them wait for us," he stated without a care.

Turning slightly, he called out in a commanding voice, "Pia!"

Within seconds, Pia stepped inside and bowed. "Yes, Alpha?"

"We’d like a light meal. Set the table in the dining hall," he instructed.

"Right away, Alpha!" Pia responded promptly before hurrying off to fulfill the order.

Radulf’s gaze returned to Zenna, lingering on her as if memorizing the way she looked in that moment. His lips curved into a small smile. "Did I tell you how pretty you look?" he murmured. "This golden gown was made for you."

Zenna felt warmth creep up her neck at the unexpected compliment, her heart skipping a beat from the way he looked at her.

"Thank you. Shouldn’t you get ready?" Zenna asked.

"I think this black outfit suits me," Radulf answered. "I’ll just wear a shoulder cape after having the meal with you." He held her hand and took her to the dining hall.

~~~~

Aster gazed down at her flowy blue gown, running her hands over the smooth fabric, feeling its softness against her fingertips. A wistful smile touched her lips as she whispered, "After so many months, I finally get to wear a dress made from such fine fabric."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. With a deep breath, she clasped her hands together, closing her eyes in silent gratitude.

"Thank you, Moon Goddess, for bringing Gregor into my life."

As Gregor stepped into the room, drawn by the sound of her voice, he paused near the doorway. The door had been slightly ajar, allowing him to overhear her prayer.

Aster, standing before the mirror, sensed his presence even before she saw him. Upon opening her eyes, she caught his reflection in the glass and turned to face him. Slowly, she lowered her hands, clasping them behind her back in a subtle display of restraint.

"I was just thinking about you," she murmured softly.

"I heard," Gregor replied, his gaze lingering on her. In the simplicity of her dress—devoid of elaborate embroidery or embellishments—she appeared even more captivating. His eyes met hers once more.

"Your scent is like—"

"Your scent is like—"

They spoke in unison, the unexpected synchronicity making them pause. A brief silence stretched between them before Gregor, ever the gentleman, gestured for her to continue.

"Ladies first," he said with a faint smirk.

Aster took a step closer, the faint shimmer of blue flickering in her irises before fading. "Your scent is like smoked cedarwood... and vanilla," she murmured, the words slipping from her lips like a confession.

Gregor watched her intently, drawn in by the way she observed him. Taking a step toward her, he tilted his head slightly and responded, "And yours... yours is like sandalwood and honey."

Aster smiled and quickly took off a bracelet made of pearls. "This is what my mother made for me when I turned eighteen. This was her last present to me and I want you to wear it from now on. I have nothing else to offer you at this moment, but this... this is the most precious thing I own," she asserted and grabbed his hand.

"It’s of your mother, Aster. Shouldn’t you keep it with you?" Gregor asked.

"But we are mates. I want it to be in the wrist of my mate," Aster said with a smile.