Chapter 9

Chapter 9

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Like what Niana said, the sitting room looked crowded when we got in.

They looked like they were in the middle of having tea when we burst in. The Alpha King, a formidable figure, reclined comfortably on the extended sofa, his imposing presence casting a shadow. Beside him sat Philip. Across them is Yvette and at the head of the table, where my Father used to sit is Myrna, looking at me with those scrutinizing eyes, studying what I was wearing and my and Andreas’ intertwined hands.

“In my childhood, Myrna’s piercing gaze could send shivers down my spine. I vividly recall the way her eyes scrutinized me, making me uneasy. Yet, she mastered the art of feigned kindness so well that over time, the initial fear ebbed away.

Their surprised expressions fueled a sense of satisfaction within me, but I refrained from uttering a word. I welcomed the ambiguity, allowing them to form their own conclusions.

“Myrna delicately set her tea on the table, a serene smile gracing her lips as she lifted her gaze from our

intertwined hands.

I turned to the Alpha King and bowed my head. “Greetings, Alpha King,” I brazenly said, doing my most gracious curtsy. “Please forgive me for being late. I was not made aware of your visit.”

The Alpha King’s eyes were fixed on my and Andreas’ intertwined hands. I know my hands are cold. So in contrast with Andreas’ warmth. I felt him squeeze my hand slightly as though he knew what was going on inside

my

head and that I was nervous.

A hushed silence enveloped the room, amplifying the anticipation that hung in the air. Every gaze was fixed on the Alpha King, awaiting what he was going to say.

Finally, he said, “No apologies needed, Lady Henrietta. My visit was sudden. You are not to be blamed. My son, however…” he trailed as his eyes met Andreas. “I believe I told you I would be coming here? You did not tell your

fiance?”

I fought against the involuntary flinch that threatened to surface at the mention of ‘fiance. Maintaining a neutral expression, I concealed any trace of emotion from my features. I could feel Yvette and Philip stare at me and at our hands. Myrna, on the other hand, looked inscrutable.

“I did not think it was important. Apologies, father.”

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I swallowed at his response. Yvette and Philip gave the Alpha King a nervous glance while Myrna’s eyes met

mine.

“It’s inappropriate for you to be going to a man’s house unchaperoned, Henrietta.”

“I am aware,” I answered curtly and she raised her brows, not quite believing my response.

“And you went anyway.”

“That’s right. We’re getting married soon, anyway. I don’t think I need a chaperone to see my future husband.”

I heard Yvette gasp and Philip cleared his throat. “Henrietta, I think it is still proper to follow the customs even as you are soon to be wedded.”

“I agree. Don’t you think you should have informed me first that you were going to marry Yvette instead of me? Isn’t that proper custom?”

Philip’s mouth hung open and Yvette’s glare could have pierced through my skin but I met her glare. No one is intimidating me today.

“Oh please,” Myrna stood from her seat. That practiced gracefulness was sickening to watch. “It just happens that His Highness is more fond of Yvette than he was of you. It’s about time to accept that truth, Henrietta.”

I might have clenched my hands while holding Andreas’ that I felt him squeeze back. As if telling me to calm down. Suddenly, the words he told me that night of the engagement party rang back in my ears.

Don’t cry.

Stare them down.

Smile.

And so I did. I did all of them. I swallowed the lump in my throat and met Myrna’s gaze before smiling so wide.

“Oh, I have already accepted that fact, Myrna.” My gaze went to Philip and Yvette. “I hope you two have a wonderful marriage. As I am going to have mine.”

Yvette scoffed. “There is no happy bride for a warrior husband.”

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“About that,” Andreas said and everyone’s attention was on him. “Reports of rogues swarming the capital. reached me. I’d like to have your permission so I can stay in the capital.”

“What? What about the borders?” Philip stood. “You can’t leave the borders when there are a bunch of them out

there.”

“While I appreciate you acknowledging my ability to stop those rogues in the borders, I believe the soldiers I’ve trained can manage the borders while I am away. In the meantime, I want to stay in the capital, take care of the rogues here, and at the same time…” Andreas pulled his hand away and much to my surprise, placed it on my waist before pulling me closer to him.

“… I wish to be with my fiance.”

All of their eyes are on Andreas’ hand as though they too, could not believe what they were seeing,

The Alpha King cleared his throat. “It is true that there have been reports of rogues causing trouble in the capital and the guards have not been able to take care of them.”

“But father-”

“Quiet, Philip.”

Philip blinked and closed his mouth before sitting back down.

“I give you my permission to stay in the capital until the rogues are taken care of. It would be reasonable since the Ritual is coming up.”

My heart skip ped a beat after hearing the Ritual.

“About the Ritual, Your Majesty. I don’t think it is a good idea for the two pairs to have it at the same time–”

“Nonsense,” the Alpha King waved his hand lazily and Myrna looked down. “It’s reasonable to have them do the Ritual together. After all, this is a ceremony to strengthen both our families with Yvette and Philip

and Andreas.”

o and Henrietta

Myrna looked like she still had a lot to say but chose to close her mouth. The Alpha King’s gaze went back to me

and Andreas.

“I am glad to see you’re getting along well. Truth be told, I was not certain of this arrangement.”

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I was about to answer him when Andreas beat me to it. “Why wouldn’t we get along?” He looked at me and smiled. The kind of smile I did not expect to see from him. His blue eyes seemed to glow and he looked… less scary. “Lady Henrietta is a very attractive woman. She finds me attractive as well.”

I almost coughed at his last sentence but I gathered myself together..

Philip let out a sarcastic laugh. “That’s impossible. Henrietta has always been in love with me ever since we were

kids.”

I froze.

Philip knew me all too well and I hate it. I hate that he uses it against me. I hate that he gets so much satisfaction

for it.

I swore not to get intimated today. Philip is not winning today.

“You’re wrong, Your Highness,” I muttered, lies already at the tip of my tongue. Philip looked at me, almost offended but I could not care less. I went on, “Ever since we were kids, I have always had my eyes on Sir Andreas. When we were kids, we were already set to marry and that’s why it’s always us two playing together. But you’re wrong. I wasn’t always in love with you. At some point, I’ve liked your brother as well.”

I could feel Andreas staring at me. What I said were lies. He should be able to tell they were lies. The people in front of us seemed surprised to hear those words from me as well.

Before they could ask further questions, a man who looked like one of the King’s men came in, panting. He looked like he came running from somewhere.

“Your Majesty,” he panted. “There’s been a dead woman’s body found at the back of the palace.”

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Chapter 10