Chapter 26
Catching my look, Scarlett’s cheeks flushed pink. She knew exactly what I was thinking.
“Thank you for the warning and information,” I said to Ruby, genuinely grateful.
We began eating, but my mind whirled with thoughts about this strange palace and its dynamics. What kind of Alpha kept women as trophies but didn’t touch them? The Alpha King of Clifflands was nothing like I expected.
“He’s interesting,” Seraphine whispered in my mind. “Not like other Alphas we’ve known.”
I silently agreed, wondering what else would surprise me about this supposedly ruthless ruler.
My thoughts were interrupted when three servants hurried toward our table. I recognized one as the maid who had brought me to the harem.
She bowed nervously. Lady Jung, I apologize for bringing you here. It was a mistake.”
Eliza inmediately cut in from a nearby table. “I knew it,” she crowed triumphantly. “Used goods don’t belong in the harem after all.” Several women around her tittered in response.
The servant’s face paled. “No, that’s not–Alpha King requests your presence at his private table for breakfast.”
The entire hall fell silent. Every woman stared at us, eyes wide with shock.
I realized the other two servants had come for Scarlett and Freya. We were all being summoned to dine with Alpha King, Beta, and
Gamma.
I looked at Ruby, whose expression mirrored the astonishment around us. I smiled at her, appreciating the genuine kindness she’d
shown.
“Ruby should come with us,” I said.
The servant’s face creased with worry. “I… that wasn’t part of the invitation, Lady Juno.”
“Then make it part of it,” I insisted.
The servant glanced anxiously at her colleagues. “The Alpha King of Clifflands doesn’t issue invitations lightly. This is unprecedented. To bring someone not invited might… anger him.”
Ruby touched my arm. “It’s okay, I’ll stay. This is a rare honor–you shouldn’t risk offending him.”
I reluctantly agreed. “Just this once. Next time, you’ll eat with us.” I gave her arm a gentle squeeze.
The other women no longer looked at us with contempt but with fear and concern. Eliza had encouraged their disrespect, and now they worried we might report them.
Treleased a calming scent, letting them know I wouldn’t reveal their earlier behavior. Relief and gratitude fla
Only Eliza’s face burned with fury and jealousy.
“It was nice meeting all of you,” I said before leaving. “I hope we can be friends rather than enemies.”
n their eyes.
We were led to a beautifully decorated small dining room. The moment we entered, all eyes at the table turned to us.
1/2
Chapter 26
Alpha King’s gaze caught mine appreciation evident in his expression. Beta Immediately beckoned to Scarlett, who quickly moved
toward him.
Freya and I followed more slow to our assigned seats. I politely greeted everyone at the table!
“Good morning, Alpha King,” I said first to Augustin.
“Beta,” I nodded to Bryloch, then turned to the third man. “Gamma.
As I took my seat beside Augustin, he leaned close. “Call me Augustin,” he murmured, his breath warm against my neck. “Not Alpha King.”
I swallowed hard, nervous at his proximity. Strangely, Seraphine didn’t feel afraid of this Alpha–she felt oddly at ease.
Augustin gently lifted my deep red hair, examining my neck, His fingers were surprisingly gentle as they traced the outline of Matthew’s mark, still clearly visible on my skin.
A low growl rumbled in his chest. “Your husband seems unwilling to let go,” he observed, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“He’s grieving,” I said quickly. “He needs time to accept what’s happened.”
The last thing I wanted was for my sacrifice to be in vain. If Augustin went after Matthew, with his superior strength and resources, he could easily kill him.
“Please,” I added softly, “give him time.”
Augustin studied me for a long moment, his eyes unreadable. Finally, he nodded, though reluctance colored his voice. “For you, I’ll ignore it… for now.”
He personally poured me a glass of blackcurrant juice, the gesture displaying unusual kindness and care. The others at the table exchanged surprised glances.
I watched him, confused by his friendly attitude. Why does he look so nice?
