The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"That’s good to hear, Princess," Radulf said. Without sparing her another glance, he turned and strode out of the hall, leaving her standing there, alone amidst the silence.

Radulf’s footsteps echoed through the corridors as he made his way to the study. Upon entering, he found Savio waiting for him, holding a scroll sealed with the royal insignia.

"Alpha Leon, Luna Zenna’s brother, has extended an invitation for you and Luna Zenna to attend the kingdom’s annual ball," Savio announced, his voice laced with nostalgia. A smile curved his lips as he continued, "Do you remember the last time you received such an invitation? It was your coming-of-age ball, and every girl in the hall wished to be your partner."

Radulf slumped into the chair behind his desk with a groan. "Decline it. I have no interest in attending that absurd gathering," he muttered, his fingers drumming against the stack of files piled before him.

Savio’s brows shot up in disbelief. "You can’t be serious! This will be your first ball as Luna Zenna’s husband," he countered.

Radulf leaned back in his chair. "A ball is meant for those who share a bond, a relationship worth showcasing. Zenna and I don’t share such a connection. And I don’t even like her brother. It would be pointless for us to attend."

Savio sighed deeply, shaking his head. "Alpha, events like this aren’t just about romance. They’re crucial for building alliances and strengthening political ties with the other packs. Ignoring this invitation is a mistake. And if you’re denying your attraction to the Luna because of what happened four years ago, you’re only fooling yourself. Prepare for the ball—I will not decline this invitation on your behalf," he stated firmly before he left.

Radulf’s jaw tightened as he watched Savio exit. His fingers clenched into fists as he murmured to himself, "She’s an illegitimate princess... no wonder the Luna Queen despises her. Could she be the one who harmed Zenna?" A surge of fury coursed through him at the thought.

Abandoning the files on his desk, Radulf stood abruptly. Determined to uncover the truth, he strode purposefully towards the entrance of the estate. Outside, his carriage waited, the horses pawing impatiently at the ground.

As he approached, his gaze flicked to another carriage parked nearby. Though it seemed unusual, he dismissed it with a shrug. Moments later, the wheels of his carriage rumbled to life, carrying him toward the palace.

~~~~~

"Radulf wants to see me?" Loretta asked, lowering the delicate necklace she had been about to clasp around her neck. Her gaze flicked toward her lady-in-waiting, a hint of curiosity glinting in her eyes.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the lady-in-waiting replied hesitantly. "Shall I inform him that you are unavailable?"

Loretta paused, her fingers brushing over the intricate design of the necklace before setting it back on its velvet stand. "No. Have him wait in the reception room. I’ll see him shortly."

The lady-in-waiting nodded, curtsied, and left to relay the message. Loretta smoothed the fabric of her gown and headed to see Radulf.

As Loretta entered the room, Radulf immediately stood and greeted her with a respectful bow.

"You sought me out rather than the Alpha King," Loretta began. She moved gracefully to the sofa and seated herself, gesturing for him to do the same. "I’m curious to know what matter warrants such a visit."

Radulf hesitated briefly before speaking, his voice firm. "Did Your Majesty lay a hand on Zenna yesterday?"

Loretta’s eyes snapped to him, her expression hardening slowly as her brows furrowed. "And if I did?" she arched her eyebrow. "A mother has the right to discipline her child." Her tone hardened as she continued, "I can’t believe you came all the way here with such defiance in your eyes, Radulf. Have you forgotten your place?"

Radulf let out a small smile, but his gaze never wavered. "I have not forgotten my place, Your Majesty," he said, his voice low but laced with anger. "However, you have no right to discipline my wife. Zenna is not a child; she is the Luna of the Shadow Hunter Pack. No one, not even the Luna Queen, has the authority to raise a hand against her."

"Also," Radulf paused for a brief moment, "you shouldn’t have sent that drug to Nina to keep Zenna away from me."

Loretta’s fists tightened, her nails digging into her palms as she glared at Radulf. How had he discovered her involvement in drugging Melissa? She masked her unease with a composed yet icy expression.

"I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Radulf," she replied, trying to feign ignorance. "You’re being reckless, accusing the Luna Queen so boldly. Do you understand the punishment for such insolence?"

Radulf’s lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes glinted. "I doubt any of your wolves could even challenge me, let alone enforce your so-called punishment. And while I don’t enjoy boasting, Your Majesty, I’m stronger than even your beloved husband. I don’t fear your threats."

Loretta’s composure wavered for the briefest moment, her eyes narrowing as he continued.

"If you value your reputation and position, you’ll apologize to Zenna. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to expose your truth at the upcoming ball." It was his warning to the Luna Queen.

With a slight bow, Radulf turned and strode out of the waiting room, leaving Loretta frozen in disbelief.

As Radulf made his way back to the palace grounds where his carriage awaited, his path was suddenly blocked by a young woman. She stood confidently, her elegant gown swaying slightly in the breeze.

"Radulf, welcome to Nalveri," the woman said.

Radulf raised an eyebrow, studying her carefully as she continued, "You’ve grown into such a fine man. I can hardly believe you’re the same Radulf I saw four years ago."

"Forgive me," he replied with polite indifference, "but I don’t seem to recall you."

She smiled faintly, as though amused. "I am Aria Rosette, the Princess of Nalveri Kingdom," she announced, her tone brimming with pride.

Radulf inclined his head slightly in greeting. "Your Highness," he said curtly. "I am pressed for time, so if you’ll excuse me, I must take my leave." He stepped to the side, intending to bypass her.

But Aria’s next words stopped him cold. "How is Zenna?" she asked, her voice dripping with mock concern. "I heard she failed to win your heart. I suppose it’s no surprise, considering she’s the daughter of a whore who dared set her sights on my father. Is that why you could not love her either, Radulf?"

Radulf froze, her words igniting a sudden surge of rage. His eyes darkened, and his jaw tightened as he took a menacing step toward her. "Who are you calling that, Your Highness?" he growled. Just in one single day he found out what kind of people was Zenna surrounded from.

"Easy, Radulf. You are acting as if you don’t know her origin," Aria said with a chuckle. "I wish you could be with a better woman who would have helped you increase your rank than Zenna," she remarked and walked away.