The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"I understand your concern, Radulf," Aria said and mocked him further. "But I am a royal princess, and my decisions are not up for debate. Besides, everyone is well aware of your so-called ’relationship’ with my sister. It’s no secret that the two of you lack genuine affection for each other."

Zenna, sensing the tension in the air and unwilling to let Aria’s words escalate into conflict, decided to step in before the situation spiraled further.

Radulf, however, remained unfazed. Fixing Aria with a steady gaze, he responded, "Princess Aria, has Zenna or I ever made such claims to the public? Love is not something to be judged by baseless rumors. Zenna and I are mates, and that bond is sacred. It would be highly inappropriate for anyone, even a royal, to interfere with the time we choose to spend together."

"We can go later, Radulf, after I attend the tea session organized by Princess Aria," Zenna finally intervened, her tone calm yet resolute.

Radulf’s frown deepened, his displeasure evident, but he remained silent for the moment.

Aria, however, clasped her hands together in feigned delight, her lips curving into a triumphant smile. She already considered the matter settled. Zenna would never dare disobey her command, even when it meant choosing Aria over her own husband.

"Wonderful," Aria said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I shall take my leave then. And do ensure that Miss Nina joins tomorrow as well. I’ll be waiting for you, Zenna." With that, she turned on her heel, her demeanor brimming with superiority.

On the other hand, Radulf turned to Zenna, his gaze burning with disbelief and frustration. Zenna did not respect his choice and decided to attend a tea session, where Aria would humiliate her.

"Radulf didn’t wish you to go tomorrow. You should not have agreed to the princess," Nina told Zenna. She glanced at Radulf, who had a lot of questions in his mind but he remained quiet.

’Don’t start arguing with her,’ Black told him.

’I have no intention to do that,’ Radulf muttered and left. Why should he even care when Zenna liked to suffer in the hands of those, who troubled her all her life?

Sitting in his chair, Radulf attempted to focus on the pile of documents in front of him. But no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept drifting to Zenna.

With a deep breath, he forced his mind back to the task at hand, meticulously reading and signing the necessary documents.

Despite the lingering distraction, he couldn’t help but admire Zenna’s efforts in everything she undertook in his absence.

"She didn’t have the opportunities others had," he murmured to himself. "No formal education like the rest, yet she’s brilliant. If only she weren’t born an omega and the illegitimate daughter of the Alpha King... things would’ve been so different."

Just as he sealed a document, the office door opened with a loud creak, and Savio, his beta, strode in briskly.

"Alpha, I’ve gathered some details about the letters Luna Zenna sent to you," Savio announced.

Radulf looked up. "What did you find out?" he asked, setting aside the document.

"The letters were sent regularly," Savio began. "But it’s still unclear why they never reached you. The messenger who delivered them to the Western Frontier is no longer alive."

Radulf’s brow furrowed. "If he’s dead, how did you confirm the letters were sent?"

Savio nodded, anticipating the question. "Luna Zenna purchased a distinct type of envelope for her messages from a local shop. I spoke with the shopkeeper, and they confirmed she placed a bulk order for those envelopes every three to four months."

Radulf leaned back, processing the information. "And the messenger? What do you know about his death?"

"The messenger died on the very day of your return," Savio said with a grim look. "His family claims it was a heart attack, though the timing feels... strange."

Radulf tapped his fingers against the desk. "If he’s dead, there’s no way to uncover the truth behind this."

"Unfortunately, no, Alpha," Savio sighed. "But it’s clear those letters meant a lot to Luna Zenna. She tried hard to reach you, even if fate intervened."

Radulf nodded slowly. "Thank you for your efforts, Savio. You can leave now."

Savio hesitated briefly, then reached into his pocket and produced a small card. "Before I go, there’s something else. A few pack alphas want to meet with you this evening. Alpha Rowan of the Blood Silver Pack has organized a gathering—an exclusive event for men. He’s sent a personal invitation for you."

Placing the card on Radulf’s desk, Savio added, "I advise you not to decline. It could prove useful to attend."

Radulf picked up the card, glancing at it briefly before setting it down again. "Alright. I’ll go," he said, though his tone was reluctant.

As Savio exited the room, Radulf leaned back in his chair, recalling the past. The prospect of facing Alpha Rowan and the other alphas unsettled him.

Once, Rowan had been a friend—not a close one, but a trusted ally. That friendship had fractured when Radulf’s father was accused of treason against the Alpha King.

"Does he think our friendship still exist?" Radulf chuckled and resumed his work.

By the afternoon, Radulf had finished going through a lot of files and documents. He retired for his chamber to rest, but on his way, he thought to see Zenna.

Entering Zenna’s chamber, he found her lying on the chaise with her back toward him.

"Luna, you should meet the pack women and children. As their luna, they will listen to you and follow the training pattern you have formulated," Pia advised.

He gestured to Pia to leave, who promptly followed the command.

"I tried to approach them. However, they think I’m weak. I need the training first before planning such things for them. Moreover, Radulf, too, sees me as a weakling. Sometimes alphas can truly be jerks. They treat omega pretty badly," Zenna said, feeling suddenly low. "I wish the omegas were not solely chosen as the servants in the houses," she murmured.

"I think you are fierce," Radulf said, jolting her up from her place.