The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf came to the dressing chamber to find out if Zenna was ready or would she take more time? He stepped inside and heard Zenna complaining.

"I think I should stitch this slit. My leg and thigh is visible. I never wore such a dress before."

"But Luna that’s the beauty of this dress. You don’t have to look at it that way. You look gorgeous in this dress," Pia told her, looking at Zenna’s reflection in the tall mirror. The servants agreed with Pia when Radulf cleared his throat.

"Give us some privacy," Radulf told them. Pia led the servants outside promptly on their Alpha’s command while Zenna stayed glued to her place.

Radulf approached her slowly, and she got his view in the mirror. He was in a black outfit from top to bottom. He noticed there were some changes made to the dress. He stopped right behind her and looked at her reflection fully.

"You made some changes in the dress," Radulf mused.

"Doesn’t it look good?" Zenna asked, meeting his gaze from the mirror.

"It looks better," Radulf replied, unaware her dress was destroyed by someone. His hand rested on her lower back, particularly near her right hip, which made her body tense.

She blinked rapidly, and her lips quivered when he moved his hand to the center of her back. He traced it upward, his tips finding her cold skin as the neck of this dress was deep. "You need to be confident in this dress. Carry it with grace and confidence, Princess."

Zenna hummed and tried to move away. However, he circled his arm around her waist and drew her close. "It’s time for us to leave. All eyes should be on you this evening," he whispered near her ear.

Radulf then again moved behind her and took out something from his pocket. She heard him opening a box and tilted her head over her shoulder.

He made her wear a pendant with a chain and fixed it behind her neck. Zenna looked into the mirror and saw it was a diamond pendant. *Did he purchase it for me?*

"Now, you look complete," Radulf said, placing his hands on her shoulders. He couldn’t resist himself and kissed the top of her left shoulder. "Shall we leave?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Zenna nodded at him, and the two made their way out. Once she settled well inside the carriage, Radulf stepped in, sitting across from her. His eyes noticed the nervousness that had taken over her body and mind. She was fidgeting with her fingers and biting her lip.

"What’s making you nervous?" Radulf asked.

"It’s my first time at a ball with you. I think I got ready in an extravagant manner," Zenna said.

Radulf had found out from Pia that Zenna usually stayed in the corners if she was invited to such balls. People would gossip about how she came without her husband just to talk with some pack Alphas to gather their attention. They would mock her for looking helpless, and Aria would add fuel to the fire.

"You got ready in a way every Luna should. The ball should be about us tonight. Everyone gossiped about us and our strained relationship. But they will get their answers tonight. Also, you are a princess. It’s crucial for you to look the best among the commoners," Radulf pronounced.

Zenna felt a little better hearing his words. "I am not a princess. Why do you even call me that?" she huffed and sighed.

"You are Phillipe’s daughter, and that’s why you are a princess too," Radulf stated. "If you don’t like me calling you a ’princess,’ then I won’t do it anymore," he affirmed.

"You can call me whatever you want," Zenna said, lowering her eyes immediately.

Radulf smiled a little and turned his head toward the window. "You look breathtaking and unimaginably pretty," he complimented her in better words, thus making her blush.

"Thank you," Zenna replied. She was calmed now and was ready to conquer the ball tonight.

~~~~~

Reaching the grand premises of the palace, Radulf and Zenna made their first appearance at the ball together as their names were announced.

The giant doors opened, and most people’s eyes were fixed on the door, including Crown Prince Leon.

Radulf held Zenna’s hand, and the two walked in. No one could tear their gazes away from them, especially Zenna. Everything about her was breathtaking, and it left the ladies envious, especially Aria. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

*Why is she wearing that dress? I thought it was destroyed! Did she lie to me? And why is everyone praising Zenna suddenly?* Aria thought in her mind, clearly displeased by Zenna’s presence.

Radulf and Zenna stopped at the bottom of the stairs when Leon approached them.

"Welcome to the annual ball, Alpha Radulf and Zenna," he said, smiling. However, inside, he was burning with jealousy and anger. "Please enjoy the evening," he said.

"Thank you for inviting us, Your Grace," Radulf replied humbly.

The others started surrounding them, asking Radulf about the war and related matters. He answered them one by one. "I wouldn’t have made it this far if Zenna wasn’t giving her full assistance to me. She looked after my fallen pack, so I must credit her too," he pronounced, looking at Zenna with an affectionate gaze.

"Radulf, you forget to include that your Luna used to beg the other packs for their help," Aria intervened in their conversation. "You look beautiful in this dress, Zenna. Finally, you attended your first ball with your husband," she mocked.

"Princess Aria shouldn’t be envious of her older sister. Now, please excuse us, we need to meet many more tonight," Radulf said and walked away with Zenna.

However, they didn’t walk much distance when the ball officially started. Everyone gathered with their mates or partners for the dance.

Radulf and Zenna also took their positions on the dance floor, standing so close that their breaths brushed each other’s noses and chins.

"I want you to look at me throughout the dance," Radulf said, and their eyes locked.