The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"I don’t have much to say, but don’t ignore me. Try to understand me. It won’t cost you anything. And if there’s someone else in your heart, tell me now. I don’t want to learn about it later and end up hurt," Nina said, trying to find out what Leon exactly desired.

"There’s no one in my heart," Leon replied firmly.

Nina held his gaze, searching for the truth in his eyes. "You do have someone. A woman’s intuition is stronger than you think. Be honest with me, because after marriage, I won’t tolerate the presence of another woman," she stated with quiet resolve.

"There is no other woman," Leon said, his tone unwavering. "When I give you my word, you should believe it. But if you don’t, I won’t force you to." With that, he turned on his heel.

"Leon," Nina called after him. "I’m not against you finding love. If there is someone you truly want to be with, just say the word—I’ll help you."

He stopped but didn’t turn back. "Why would you help me? Isn’t becoming the next queen what you want?"

"What I want is something you refuse to understand," Nina said, stepping closer to him. "It’s not about becoming Queen. What I want is a husband and a mate, someone who will stand by me, not just out of duty, but out of love. If you can’t be that person, just say so. I’ll walk away without a word. I’m done trying to please everyone. I’ve done it for too long, and I’m exhausted."

Leon furrowed his brows, her words striking a nerve. He had spent his entire life trying to earn his father’s approval, bending to his expectations, yet it was never enough. He, too, had been a people pleaser, trapped in a cycle of proving himself, only to be met with disappointment.

After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Let’s have dinner together tonight."

Nina blinked, slightly taken aback. "Dinner? With you?"

"Hmm," Leon nodded. "I’ll see you at dinner." Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away.

Nina watched him go, suspicion creeping into her mind. ’Something is definitely off with Leon. I should have asked Zenna about him sooner,’ she thought. Determined, she decided to visit Zenna today.

Informing her lady-in-waiting about her outing, Nina left the Shadow Hunter Pack’s estate and made her way to Zenna’s residence.

As soon as Nina stepped inside, a voice emerged from the shadows.

"Miss, what brings you here?"

She turned sharply, her gaze landing on Savio, whose piercing eyes studied her intently.

"Hello, Savio. I came to see Zenna," she replied calmly.

Savio inclined his head slightly. "I’m afraid you just missed her. Radulf and Zenna left for a trip a few days ago. They aren’t in the capital."

Nina’s brows furrowed. "Oh. I wasn’t aware. When did they leave?"

"Yesterday," Savio answered.

"I see."

"They informed the Alpha King about their trip. Did you not hear of it?" he asked, watching her carefully.

"No," Nina admitted. She took a step back. "I should take my leave then."

Just as she turned, Savio’s voice stopped her.

"Is something troubling you, Miss Nina?" His tone was casual, but his sharp eyes betrayed his curiosity. "You haven’t come here since settling in the palace, so I assume this must be something important."

Nina hesitated briefly before replying, "I wanted to ask Zenna about Crown Prince Leon. Since they are siblings, I thought she might help me understand him better."

Savio’s gaze darkened slightly. ’So, she doesn’t know yet,’ he mused. ’Leon has always had Zenna in his mind, but Nina is unaware that they aren’t even half-siblings.’

He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, before speaking again. "I had the impression that Miss Nina was more interested in my friend. Your initial attempts to get close to Radulf made it seem that way." A slight smirk played on his lips. "Forgive my curiosity, but I can’t help but wonder—how did you move on so suddenly?"

Nina met his gaze without hesitation. "Move on? I never had deep feelings for Radulf, just a fleeting attraction. But tell me, why would I chase after a man who showed no interest in me? He was only using me to make Zenna jealous."

She then sighed while shaking her head slightly. "I suppose you and Radulf think I have some grand scheme, but that’s far from the truth. I don’t have a place to call home in my father’s house, so I’m simply trying to build one for myself."

Savio studied her carefully, as if weighing her words. She wasn’t defensive, nor was she trying to prove herself. She was telling the truth about how women were traded after the war would be over.

"And you think the palace will become your home?" Savio arched a brow, his tone laced with skepticism.

"Yes," Nina replied without hesitation. "I am engaged to Leon. He will be my mate soon."

Savio let out a low chuckle. "That’s wonderful to know. Good luck finding your home in the palace," he said smoothly, but the underlying mockery in his voice was impossible to ignore.

Nina’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I know you don’t mean a word of that," she muttered. "It would be better if you kept your false well-wishes to yourself instead of hiding them behind sarcasm."

"Nina, if you truly seek happiness, the palace is not the place to find it," Savio stated firmly. "You must have heard from Zenna what kind of people reside there. They care only for their own interests. If happiness is what you desire, find a better man than the Crown Prince. That’s the least advice I can offer you."

Nina held his gaze, studying him. "Zenna was treated badly because she is the daughter of an omega servant," she pointed out.

"Yes," Savio agreed. "But their cruelty isn’t limited to her. Did you not witness how Zenna was punished in the past? Not a single soul in that palace came to her aid. They only act when it serves their own interests." He let out a dry chuckle. "However, I doubt they will treat you the same way. But if you expect warmth or a sense of home from them, you will only be setting yourself up for disappointment."