Episode 10
1146 Words
"Where's the Luna?" Zenya asked firmly, approaching the first soldier he saw on the second floor. The soldier gave a quick bow before answering.
"He's in the room with the new young lady, Prince Zenya," the soldier replied immediately.
Zenya walked towards the young lady's room and was about to open the door when she heard her mother's voice coming from inside.
"Whatever complicated things happened to you before, let me help you forget them, Hadley. You can trust me," her mother said gently.
Zenya stood outside the door, eavesdropping. A few more seconds passed before she heard her mother call the young lady's name. She waited for about a minute until she heard the woman's voice.
"If that's what you want, Queen, I'll do as you say," Hadley replied, her voice tinged with resignation. That was Zenya's cue to enter.
His eyes immediately searched for the queen, who was sitting on the bed opposite Hadley.
"Mother, come downstairs. Dinner is ready, and the Alpha is on his way," Zenya said, then looked at the young woman. It was evident she had just woken up; her cheeks were still wet. Had she been crying?
"Alright, we'll be right down," the queen responded. But Zenya continued to look at Hadley, who bowed her head, seemingly afraid. Zenya nodded to her mother before leaving the room.
Why was Hadley so afraid?
As Zenya walked towards the dining room, he encountered Matt and April in the hallway.
"We're heading out now," Matt said with a grin.
"Don't come back," Zenya replied firmly, but Matt just chuckled.
"Don't worry, man. I'll bring back some girls for you," Matt said, laughing.
"Matt," April interjected, giving him a stern look.
"Just kidding, April," Matt said, patting his girlfriend's shoulder, but April ignored his gesture.
"We've already said goodbye to Alpha, Prince Zenya. He gave us some instructions. Do you have any orders for us?" April asked politely.
Matt was really a pain, always a scoundrel. But April was different—polite, well-mannered, and had the qualities of a beta female. Zenya often wondered how she put up with Matt, but frankly, he didn’t care. Tch.
"No, nothing," Zenya replied curtly and continued walking. Four officers trailed behind him, but he ignored their attempts to get his attention.
When Zenya reached the dining room, the others were already seated, including the Alpha. He took his usual seat next to the Alpha. The king sat at the head of the table, looking regal and authoritative, while his Beta sat at the opposite end.
"Where is your mother?" the Alpha asked.
"She's on her way down, Father," Zenya replied. The Alpha nodded in acknowledgment.
Everyone was already seated, and only the Queen was missing. After a few minutes, she entered with her attendants.
But with them was the girl...
Zenya stared at her, thinking about the orders he had received. She looked much better now than when they had first seen her. Earlier, she had been wrapped in a blanket, hiding her face, but now he could see her clearly.
"She's human. I can smell her," one of the officials remarked telepathically.
"What is she doing here?" another questioned.
The werewolves communicated through telepathy, their thoughts intertwining effortlessly.
The queen took her seat across from Zenya. Her attendants were about to escort the girl away, but the queen stopped them.
"Hadley, sit here by my side," the Queen instructed.
"Luna, a servant has no right to sit at the table," Maria objected, her voice carrying a palpable tension.
"Don't tell me what to do, Maria. Come here, Hadley," the Queen insisted, silencing any further objections as the girl took her seat.
Zenya picked up his drink and was about to take a sip when the Queen's words stopped him.
"Before we start eating, I want to introduce you all to Hadley, my new lady-in-waiting," the Queen announced.
What?! Zenya thought, taken aback by this sudden declaration.
"Luna, you know she's not like us. She's human," Mike immediately objected, sensing the tension. Zenya glanced at the Alpha, but he remained impassive.
"Watch your words, Mike. I'm warning all of you, don't you dare hurt Hadley," the Queen threatened.
"Luna, she's human!"
"What if she discovers our secrets?"
"Our pack could be in danger."
"She doesn't belong here," various members at the dining table lamented telepathically. Zenya stayed silent, observing the reactions.
"I can assure you she's no threat," the Queen insisted.
"We can discuss this further tomorrow," the King interjected using telepathy.
"We should get rid of her," another voice suggested. Zenya clenched his fist in agreement. "I agree."
A sudden thud silenced everyone. Zenya noticed the Queen holding Hadley's trembling hand. Was she afraid?
"Let's eat," the King said, his tone leaving no room for further discussion.
As they ate in silence, Zenya watched Hadley. She barely touched her food, a detail the Queen noticed. She quietly instructed Hadley to eat, and Hadley immediately complied.
Is she normal? Zenya wondered.
After the meal, it was time to toast with wine, a tradition to show respect to their Alpha.
They all raised their glasses and drank.
"Look at the human," the beta female remarked, prompting everyone to turn their eyes to Hadley.
Zenya found her name pleasing.
Hadley was drinking from her glass, and Zenya smirked.
"Is your new lady-in-waiting a bit of a drinker, Luna?" Mike asked with a chuckle. Zenya noticed Hadley lowering her head, possibly feeling embarrassed.
"Are you that interested in her, Mike?" Zenya communicated telepathically.
"Just a bit, Prince," Mike responded. Tch.
"Dinner is over. You may all rest now," the King declared, and everyone stood to leave.
When the King rose, Zenya did the same, following him to the second floor.
"Alpha," Zenya called out. The King halted and turned to face him.
"What is it, Zenya?" the King inquired.
"Why did you agree to Mother's request?" Zenya asked bluntly, knowing the King appreciated directness.
"Your mother and I discussed it," the King replied.
"We don't know anything about her origins, Father. She won over Mother so easily. What if she's using some kind of magic?" Zenya pressed.
"Don't worry, Zenya. HAdley has been thoroughly vetted by Ludy," the King reassured him.
"But that doesn't mean we can fully trust her," Zenya insisted, and the King nodded.
Yes, she's my mate. But we know nothing about her besides her name. I have this strong urge to keep her close, to dominate her, but...
Even if she is my mate, I can't just trust her and make her Luna.
What if Jun is using her against us?
"In that case, I want you to find out everything about her. Can I rely on you, Zenya?" The King's authoritative tone was unmistakable.
"You can count on me," Zenya replied.
The King then left, likely heading to his office.
Zenya smirked to himself.
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