The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf immediately noticed the change in Zenna’s expression, a flicker of fear crossed her face.

"Tell her we’re occupied," Radulf said firmly, directing his words to Pia without breaking eye contact with Zenna.

"We can’t do that," Zenna interjected.

"And why not? It’s the truth—we are busy. You can leave, Pia," Radulf instructed as his piercing gaze bore into Zenna.

Pia, sensing the intensity between them, gave a quick nod and hurried out to carry out the command.

"What if the Princess has something urgent to discuss with me?" Zenna pressed.

Radulf leaned closer. "If it’s truly urgent, she’ll find another time to address it. Right now, I’m busy—and my focus is on this conversation with you."

"I suppose our conversation has already ended," Zenna said curtly.

Radulf shook her head. "No, it hasn’t." His sharp gaze held hers, a flicker of curiosity beneath the intensity. "How did you learn, Zenna? You weren’t in the royal school. Did someone teach you in the palace?"

"Why should I tell you?" Zenna countered, her tone edged with defiance as she tilted her chin upward.

Radulf’s expression darkened slightly. "I thought we were trying to understand one another. Just answer me—nicely—before I have to force the truth from you."

He leaned to her ear and whispered, "I don’t wish to use my power on you, Zenna. But don’t mistake that for a lack of ability."

"Gregor taught me," Zenna replied calmly.

Radulf’s eyes narrowed slightly. "How did you two meet?" he pressed. "You seem... quite close to him." His voice betrayed a flicker of tension, one that stemmed from a possessive unease he couldn’t suppress. The thought of Gregor having such a long-standing role in Zenna’s life gnawed at him.

"I met him when I was six. We became friends then. That’s why you should respect him. Gregor is very special to me, and I owe him so much. But you..." Her voice sharpened as her anger broke through. "You love to ruin everything good, don’t you?"

"I have never treated him with disrespect," he said, his gaze fixed on her. "But I can’t ignore the fact that he knows you better than I do. That bothers me, Zenna. It’s not disrespect—it’s frustration."

Zenna scoffed, clearly exasperated. "Seriously? Savio is your friend, and yet I’ve never been jealous of your bond with him. Do you see me acting possessive about it?" She shook her head, her voice dropping to a mutter. "You don’t understand relationships, Radulf. Not the way you think you do."

"But Savio is a man. What if my best friend were a woman? Would you have not felt possessive or angry?" Radulf asked.

"No, I’m not like you," Zenna shot back in her sharp tone as she pushed him away and straightened her posture. Her gaze hardened as she added, "I need to leave. You’re clearly not letting me get any work done, so I’d rather focus on something productive."

Radulf’s eyes followed her, a flicker of amusement mixed with frustration in his expression. "In the evening, let’s go out," he said abruptly.

Zenna paused, glancing over her shoulder. "What kind of work?" she asked.

"You don’t need to know right now," Radulf replied, his tone firm but cryptic.

Zenna raised an eyebrow but chose not to press further. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room. As she crossed the hallway, she ran into Pia.

"Princess Aria hasn’t left yet," Pia informed her in a low voice.

"Let’s go," Zenna said, her voice steady as she headed toward the living hall.

Upon entering, her gaze landed on Nina, who appeared engaged in a conversation with Princess Aria. Zenna took a calming breath, smoothing her expression before greeting Aria. The princess turned her sharp gaze at Zenna.

"Did you finally finish your work? You’ve never defied my orders before, Zenna," Aria said, her tone laced with mockery.

Zenna lowered her head slightly in deference. "Forgive me, Princess Aria. I was occupied with important tasks," she replied politely.

Aria gestured to the couch, a faint smirk on her lips. "Have a seat."

Without hesitation, Zenna obeyed, sitting gracefully on the edge of the couch. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Nina observing her with a hint of amusement, as if entertained by Zenna’s dutiful compliance.

"I want you to join the tea session at the palace tomorrow. Bring Miss Nina as well," Aria said.

Zenna shifted uncomfortably. "A tea session?" she echoed, her voice betraying her unease.

"Yes," Aria confirmed. "It’s been far too long since our last one. Now that your husband is back, I’m sure he can handle the pack’s matters. You have no excuse to refuse," she added firmly.

Zenna nodded hesitantly, though her mind wandered to the last tea session she attended. Memories of Aria and her friends mocking her surfaced, their taunts still vivid in her mind. Back then, she had no choice but to endure in silence.

Nina, sensing Zenna’s discomfort, interjected with a sly smile. "I suppose Princess Aria is older than Zenna?" She glanced between the two, her question laced with subtle provocation.

Aria’s expression didn’t falter. "That’s not true. I’m two years younger than Zenna," she said, her smile holding an air of smugness.

"Yet the princess doesn’t respect her elder sister," Radulf’s deep voice interrupted. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

The room fell silent as Radulf’s presence filled the space. His voice carried authority, and his sharp gaze was locked on Aria. She immediately rose from her seat, and the others followed suit, standing in quiet deference.

"Zenna won’t be attending tomorrow’s tea session, Your Highness," Radulf declared. "She and I already have plans. We were apart for four years, and I intend to make up for that time. I trust you understand what I mean."

His words were direct, but his gaze bore into Aria, making it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate further objections.

Aria’s confident demeanor wavered as she dipped her head slightly in acknowledgment. "I understand, Radulf," she stated, hiding her anger.