The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"WELCOME TO HERAH!"

Zenna’s gaze flickered toward the large wooden board at the entrance as she peered through the carriage window. Excitement bubbled within her as they passed through the bustling main market.

The evening streets were alive with vibrant chatter, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with that of exotic spices.

She observed the people, men and women alike, dressed in comfortable, modest clothing, moving through the lively marketplace.

Her brows furrowed slightly. All this time, she had believed that women were meant to wear gowns—nothing else. It was what she had been taught, what she had always known. But here... her illusion shattered in an instant.

"Radulf, the women here don’t wear gowns," Zenna remarked, turning to him in curiosity. "You never told me that."

Radulf, who had been resting his head lazily against the carriage window, which he had drawn a curtain over, let out an amused sigh. "I thought you knew. You read so many books every day."

Zenna huffed, crossing her arms. "No, I didn’t." A sudden spark lit up in her eyes. "I will also wear pants and a shirt. I think they’ll look good on me." She tilted her head toward him, her gaze gleaming with anticipation. "What do you think?"

Radulf studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "We’ll find out after buying some for you." His expression softened slightly before he added, "Aren’t you tired? I haven’t seen you rest since the afternoon."

Zenna shook her head, her excitement unwavering. "I wanted to watch everything outside during this journey. I was too excited about this trip."

Radulf hummed in response, not pressing her further. Instead, he closed his eyes, waiting patiently for their arrival.

Finally, the carriage slowed before coming to a halt outside a luxurious guesthouse situated at the heart of the market. The glow of lanterns flickered against the walls, illuminating the intricate carvings on the wooden doors.

Radulf stepped out first, turning back to extend his hand toward Zenna. Without hesitation, she placed hers in his, allowing him to assist her down from the carriage. As her feet touched the ground, she lifted her head, taking in the sight before her.

Victor, their driver, descended from his seat and strode over to Radulf. Leaning in, he whispered something in his ear. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

She didn’t dwell on it, though. Instead, her attention drifted to the servants busily lighting the lanterns outside, their faces focused on their work. The entire scene felt surreal, as if she had stepped into a different world.

They stayed there for a while until Victor was back after placing the carriage to a spot dedicated for the carriages at the backside.

"Let’s go inside," Radulf said suddenly, placing a firm yet gentle hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the entrance.

Radulf booked two rooms under an alias, his movements swift and practiced. One was for him and Zenna, while the other was for Victor. Zenna stood beside him, keenly observing as he handed over a fake identification card. Her brows furrowed slightly, but she chose to remain silent.

"Thank you," Radulf said smoothly as the lady at the counter handed him two sets of keys.

At that moment, a young man approached, carrying two heavy trunks. "Sir, I’ve brought your luggage," he announced, his voice slightly strained from the weight.

"Take them upstairs to the third floor and show them their rooms," another employee instructed, gesturing toward the staircase.

As they ascended the stairs, she noticed just how packed the guesthouse was. Murmurs of conversation filled the hallways, and the warm glow of lanterns illuminated the intricate carvings on the wooden railings. The place held a charm of its own, bustling with travelers and merchants alike.

At the third floor, Radulf handed the second key to Victor, who accepted it with a nod before heading to his assigned room just a door ahead.

Radulf then unlocked their room, pushing the door open for Zenna to step inside. The space was modest yet comfortable—a four-poster bed draped in deep violet fabric sat in the center, a small writing desk positioned near the window, and a fireplace along the far wall, its embers glowing faintly.

A young servant boy followed them inside, politely detailing the room service and other amenities. Zenna only half-listened, still preoccupied with her thoughts.

Before the boy could leave with the second trunk, Radulf reached into his coat pocket and discreetly handed him a few coins. The young man’s eyes lit up in gratitude. "Thank you, sir," he said with a small bow before hurrying toward the adjacent room, where Victor would be staying.

As the door closed behind them, Zenna finally turned to Radulf, arms crossed. "Are you going to tell me why you’re using a false identity?"

Radulf smirked, unbuttoning his coat. "Would you rather I use my real name and invite unnecessary trouble?"

Zenna pressed her lips into a thin line, her voice laced with concern. "Do you think people know us here? That they could inform Father?"

Radulf leaned back slightly, exuding quiet confidence. "Everyone knows me."

Zenna scoffed, folding her arms. "Ru doesn’t suit you," she muttered, implying he shouldn’t have used that name.

Radulf’s expression remained unreadable, but his voice softened. "My mother used to call me Ru."

At that, Zenna’s smile wavered, replaced by a flicker of guilt. "I’m sorry," she said quickly.

Radulf said nothing, merely moving to sit on the bed. He reached for the buttons of his shirt, undoing them halfway before letting out a quiet sigh.

"I’ll use the washroom first," Zenna said, her tone lighter as if trying to shake off the moment.

Radulf hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze following her as she disappeared into the adjoining room.

As Zenna closed the door behind her, she lightly hit her head. "How could you say that? His mother gave him such a beautiful name," she mumbled and shook her head in embarrassment.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to properly apologize to him later.