Mated to the Pack's Biggest Liar

Two

MORGANA'S POV

The Crestwood courtyard was unnaturally quiet that evening.

Golden sunlight filtered through the towering blackwood trees surrounding the Beta estate, casting long shadows across the stone pathways.

Somewhere beyond the courtyard walls, wolves howled faintly in the distance as patrol warriors changed shifts before nightfall.

I sat across from Father beneath the silver-leaf gazebo reserved for the Beta family. A cup of untouched moon-tea rested between us. The steam rising from it had long disappeared.

Father rarely invited me to sit with him alone unless something troubled him. Even now, his brows remained tightly furrowed, fingers drumming slowly against the armrest of his chair as though he was struggling to find the right words. Or perhaps the least shameful ones.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched thin. Then Father finally sighed heavily.

“Morgana…” His deep voice carried exhaustion. “The Thirteenth Prince, Prince Mark, wishes to take Eve as his mate.”

There it was. I lowered my gaze politely, hiding the mocking smile threatening to rise on my lips.

Of course. I already knew. The entire palace had been buzzing with whispers ever since Prince Mark arrived in Crestwood territory three days ago. Servants practically floated through the halls speaking of nothing except Eve's future as a prince's Luna.

Father wasn't telling me because he wanted me to celebrate with my sister. No. What he truly meant was–Your younger sister is ready for marriage. Stop being an obstacle. Find a mate quickly and disappear from the way.

“The mating ceremony can only be delayed until the beginning of next year. It isn't right for Eve to mate before her older sister,” Father added quietly.

I almost laughed.

Princess Diana was truly becoming impatient. Of course she was behind father coercing me to find a mate.

In werewolf society, it was considered improper, almost disgraceful for a younger daughter to complete her mating ceremony while the elder sister remained unmated. Noble families cared deeply about appearances and traditions.

And unfortunately for them…I existed.

The guilt on his face was almost convincing. Almost. I lowered my head immediately, forcing softness into my expression.

“Father,” I murmured gently, “it's my fault for making you worry. I'm sorry.”

The moment the words left my mouth, guilt flashed stronger across his face. Inside, I smiled coldly.

Father always looked at me that way, as though he owed me something he could never repay. And every time he showed guilt, I deliberately became more obedient, more understanding, more pitiful. I wanted his conscience to rot slowly inside him. He abandoned my mother till death. He allowed Princess Diana to erase us from his life. If guilt was the only punishment he suffered, then I intended to sharpen it whenever possible.

Father avoided my eyes.

“Morgana…” He hesitated. “Is there anyone you admire?”

I blinked slowly.

“If there is, tell me. I will handle it as your father.”

For a brief second, I imagined telling him the truth. That I admired freedom. That I wanted to leave Crestwood. That I wanted nothing from him. Instead, I smiled softly like the perfect daughter everyone believed me to be.

“There is no one in my heart,” I replied calmly. “I will leave everything to Father's arrangements.”

On the surface, I sounded obedient. Filial. Trusting. But inwardly, I knew better than anyone that Father did not truly care whether my future mate suited me. He only needed me married off quickly enough to clear the path for Eve. And honestly? I didn't care enough to fight him.

What alternative did I have? March to Prince Mark himself and complain that my father neglected me?

The thought was ridiculous.

Even if Father forced some prominent wolf to accept me as a mate, the outcome would remain the same–a political arrangement between strangers pretending destiny had chosen them.

Some unlucky warrior would be pressured into claiming me. And I would be expected to smile gratefully for the rest of my life.

“Morgana.” Father's voice interrupted my thoughts again. “Tomorrow night, the palace will host a banquet in honor of Prince Mark.”

I looked up quietly.

“You will attend as well.”

The words instantly explained everything. Of course I would attend..They planned to display me like leftover merchandise at a market before Eve's engagement became official.

“If you meet anyone you like,” Father said carefully, “tell me.” His tone softened further. “I promise, I won't let princess Diana and Princess Eve find you an unsuitable mate to marry you off. If you dislike the man, I will reject him too.”

I nearly admired how naturally the lie left his mouth. Father looked at me as though expecting gratitude. I merely lowered my eyes again.

“Yes, Father.”

Silence settled between us once more.

Then slowly, Father rose from his chair. For a moment, he looked as though he wanted to say something else, but the words never came. He simply sighed and walked away.

I watched his figure disappear beyond the courtyard archway before finally lifting my head.

A quiet laugh escaped me. Bitter. Mocking.

If I somehow got attracted a man powerful enough to stand beside the royal bloodlines, would Father truly lower his pride and beg the Alpha to command the prominent man to marry me?

No.

Father valued dignity and status too much. That was the same reason he betrayed Mother years ago. It was laughable that he thought he could make everything flow smoothly by voicing a promise he couldn't keep.

Why did he think that i could still believe his words were true?

Once upon a time, he had promised mother–"In this life, I only need you."

Yet when power called his name, he chose ambition instead. And Mother died alone.

—---------

The next morning, pale sunlight spilled through the tall arched windows of my chamber.

I sat before my vanity brushing out my long dark hair while servants hurried through the palace corridors outside preparing for tonight's banquet.

The entire Beta estate smelled of perfume, polished marble, and excitement. Everyone was eager to witness Prince Mark. One of the contestants for the the position of the future Alpha King of the Northern Kingdom. A man rumored to possess one of the strongest wolves in the realm.

I had just finished braiding part of my hair when my chamber door swung open without warning.

A strong floral perfume immediately flooded the room. Sweet and expensive.

I didn't need to turn around to know who had just entered.

Eve.

My younger sister was only sixteen, yet already carried herself like a future queen. And truthfully… She was beautiful enough to become one. Even I could admit that.

Her skin was flawless like fresh snow beneath moonlight. Her waist was delicate, her legs long and elegant, and her golden-brown curls framed a face so stunning that most wolves forgot how arrogant she was the moment they looked at her.

Unlike me, Eve had been raised among nobles. She knew how to move gracefully, how to smile charmingly, how to use cosmetics made from rare moon herbs that enhanced her beauty further.

The first time I met her, I had immediately understood something. Women like Eve were born to be worshipped. And men like Prince Mark were born to possess women like her.

Their mating would strengthen both bloodlines.

Secure political alliances and even Increase royal influence. The Moon Goddess herself could not have designed a more beneficial union. But there was one small inconvenience holding them back. Me.

I smiled grudgingly while Eve walked toward to me

“Morgana,” Eve called impatiently. “Can you hurry up? I've been waiting for ages,” she complained, folding her arms.

I turned slowly.

She stood behind me wearing a breathtaking crimson silk gown embroidered with silver threads that shimmered like moonlight. Ruby earrings dangled from her ears while two maids hovered nervously behind her.

Her chin remained slightly raised, the posture of someone accustomed to superiority.

“Little sister,” I replied softly, “has waiting been difficult for you?”

Eve narrowed her eyes slightly at my tone.

The heavens knew how badly she wished I did not exist. If I disappeared, there would be no obstacle delaying her grand mating ceremony with Prince Mark.

Her gaze drifted toward the simple blue cotton dress lying on my bed. Disgust immediately crossed her beautiful face.

“Morgana…” she said slowly, lifting the dress between two fingers as though touching something filthy. “Surely you aren't planning to wear this disgusting piece of trash to tonight's event?” She looked horrified. “Aren't you scared of being embarrassed?”

I remained silent.

Truthfully, the dress was plain. Faded blue fabric. No jewels. No silver stitching. No scent of luxury. Compared to the gowns noblewomen wore at royal banquets, mine resembled servant clothing.

Eve clicked her tongue before suddenly snatching a garment from her maid.

“Wear this instead. It's new. I haven't worn it before.” She shoved the dress toward me.

The fabric alone revealed its value immediately. Soft ivory silk woven with threads that shimmered faintly beneath the light. Tiny moonstones decorated the sleeves while the neckline was elegantly embroidered with silver vines. It was far too beautiful.

I accepted it carefully.

“Thank you, little sister,” I said with a gentle smile.

Eve sneered.

The expression on her face made her intentions obvious.

If she truly believed I looked ugly and insignificant, she would never give me something capable of attracting attention tonight.

No.

Eve wanted the men at the banquet to notice me. Just enough for someone, anyone, to finally take me away before the date of her mating ceremony with Prince Mark.

Without another word, she turned and swept out of my chamber, leaving only the lingering scent of her perfume behind.