The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf and Zenna arrived at the palace a little later than expected. A servant led them through the grand corridors toward the hall, but before they reached their destination, they encountered the Crown Prince.

Both Zenna and Radulf greeted Leon with a respectful nod. He responded with a polite smile, his gaze lingering on Zenna.

"You look beautiful, Zenna," Leon said.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied with a graceful bow.

Radulf’s jaw tightened as he caught the unmistakable gleam in Leon’s eyes—one that made his blood boil. His fists clenched at his sides, itching to rip that smug expression off the prince’s face by pulling those eyes off.

"Let’s go then," Leon said, turning away and walking ahead.

Zenna and Radulf followed in silence. As they entered the grand hall, they were met with the sight of the entire royal family already assembled. Radulf’s eyes immediately landed on Markal, who was seated close to the Alpha King.

Both he and Zenna bowed in respect to King Phillipe, who acknowledged them with a nod. "Please, take your seats," the Alpha King instructed.

From across the room, Loretta shot them a cold glare as she was displeased to see them. Though she remained silent out of deference to her husband, her eyes burned with resentment. She despised how Phillipe continuously involved Zenna and Radulf in matters of the royal family.

"Radulf, I didn’t expect to see you here," Markal remarked, his expression laced with surprise.

Phillipe’s voice carried through the hall. "Radulf is my son-in-law, Markal."

"That’s amazing to know! I didn’t know Radulf was married," Markal said with a surprising look. "Did he marry your daughter recently?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

"No," Radulf replied in a humble tone. "Zenna and I have been married for four years."

"I see," Markal nodded. His expression softened as he turned to Radulf. "Thank you for taking good care of my daughter." A warm smile touched his lips before he shifted his gaze toward Phillipe and Loretta. "I am truly honored that the royal family seeks my daughter’s hand in marriage."

Loretta spoke with a graceful smile, "Your daughter is a considerate and thoughtful woman. We believe she is a suitable match for our son, Leon."

"And that’s why we think both Leon and Nina shall get engaged in the presence of the entire family," Phillipe asserted.

Radulf leaned toward Zenna and whispered in her ear, "What do you think is happening?"

Zenna tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze. "An engagement," she replied.

Radulf’s brows furrowed. "I think there’s more to it," he murmured before straightening in his seat.

Just then, Loretta signaled for the rings to be brought in. Everyone rose from their seats. Nina stepped forward beside her father, who gently placed a hand on her head. A small, pleased smile graced her lips.

Radulf sighed and reluctantly stood, reaching for Zenna’s hand. "Let’s go to your place," he muttered.

Zenna frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

He leaned in again, his voice lower this time. "The cold palace," he whispered.

Zenna tensed. "We’re here to attend their engagement. Stay quiet," she reminded him, though her pulse quickened when his lips barely brushed her ear. *What is he doing in front of so many people?*

As she instinctively tried to put some space between them, Radulf pulled her closer, his hand slipping to the small of her back. The possessiveness in his touch sent a shiver through her, leaving her both flustered and confused.

"Pardon me, but my wife isn’t feeling well, Your Majesty," Radulf suddenly announced, drawing everyone’s attention to them.

Phillipe’s gaze immediately shifted to Zenna, noticing the pale look on her face. "What happened to her?" he asked with concern.

"She feels lightheaded. I’ll take her to a chamber here, so she can rest. Please continue with the ceremony," Radulf stated calmly.

Phillipe nodded. "Of course."

Zenna barely had time to process what was happening before Radulf took her hand and swiftly led her out of the hall. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Once they were outside, away from the prying eyes of nobles and servants alike, Radulf finally released her hand and smirked.

Zenna turned to him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What was that? Why did you lie to my father?" Her face flushed with a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

Radulf leaned slightly toward her, his expression unwavering. "I didn’t think we needed to sit through their engagement. Instead, show me the cold palace. I’m more interested in seeing where you grew up."

Zenna blinked in confusion. "Huh? But why?" She glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

Radulf’s smirk deepened. "I don’t like that Gregor knows more about you than I do."

"Seriously, Radulf? He has a mate, and you know he never had feelings for me," Zenna said with exasperation.

"I know," Radulf admitted. "But it still doesn’t sit right with me."

Zenna sighed, glancing back toward the hall. "My father will send someone to look for us as soon as the engagement ceremony is over. The cold palace is far from here," she warned, worried about what Phillipe would do if he discovered Radulf had lied.

Radulf took a step closer. "Look at me," he said.

Zenna hesitated before meeting his intense green gaze. The moment their eyes locked, she found herself unable to blink.

"I’ll handle your father," Radulf assured her. His voice softened slightly as he added, "Just take me to the cold palace."

This time, it wasn’t a demand—it was a request.

"I cannot," Zenna refused firmly. "You may take my father lightly, but I cannot."

She wasn’t concerned about Radulf being upset—what truly worried her was his safety.

Turning her back to him, she gazed outside at the neatly trimmed trees, her expression unreadable. "I will take you there once we return from our trip. But tonight, it’s not possible," she stated. "If anyone sees us slipping away from an event we were invited to, it could cause problems for you later, and I don’t want it to happen."