The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 17

A New Distraction

Lyra POV

I had stayed in the guest room throughout most of the day.

Aria wasn't there, which was honestly a relief. I didn't want her seeing me like this.

I changed into a soft pink gown and let my hair fall freely down my back before stepping onto the terrace for some fresh air.

I'm letting my guard down.

I sighed.

I had promised myself I would remain formal around Lucien. I wasn't supposed to care about him.

Yet somehow, everything had become complicated.

My thoughts were interrupted when I noticed something below.

A group of young vampires and werewolves were playing together in the courtyard.

I smiled.

Seeing them together like that was strange.

Not long ago, our people could barely stand being in the same room.

Maybe things really were changing.

I watched them for a while until I felt someone's gaze on me.

I slowly looked across the courtyard.

There he was.

A young man I hadn't seen before.

Good-looking?

Definitely.

He was staring directly at me with an amused smile.

When he realized I'd noticed him, his smile widened.

I couldn't help but smile back.

Then he walked away.

Strange.

I hadn't seen him before, and yet he'd been watching me.

I blinked.

Focus, Lyra.

I lightly tapped my cheeks.

"Get yourself together."

---

Later, I was completely bored of the guest room.

Aria had returned and was currently soaking in the bathtub. I had helped her choose an outfit and left it on the bed before deciding to go out.

I grabbed my favorite book.

The garden sounded perfect.

I think I saw a bench nearby.

Just as I reached the door, I felt that same presence behind me.

I turned around.

It was him.

The stranger from the terrace.

Up close, I noticed his eyes immediately.

They were the most beautiful shade of green I'd ever seen.

He was also taller than I'd expected.

We stared at each other for a few seconds before he finally smiled.

"Hello, Princess Lyra."

He extended his hand.

"I'm Prince Adrien."

I placed my hand in his, and he gave it a brief, polite kiss.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

I smiled.

"The pleasure is mine."

"I don't think we've met before."

"We haven't."

He smiled.

"But I've seen you around."

"Oh?"

"You're rather difficult to miss."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Absolutely."

His smile became slightly more playful.

"And I meant it as one."

I tried not to laugh.

"If I may ask, where are you heading?"

"The garden."

"Then perhaps I could accompany you."

He tilted his head.

"Unless you'd rather walk alone."

I hesitated.

He's definitely a flirt.

Still...

"Sure."

We started walking toward the garden.

Adrien was surprisingly easy to talk to.

He was funny, confident, and had a habit of making little teasing comments that constantly caught me off guard.

I learned that he belonged to the Blackthorn family and had recently been crowned king.

"King already?" I asked.

"Unfortunately."

I laughed.

"Unfortunately?"

"Being king sounds impressive until you realize everyone suddenly has an opinion about everything you do."

"Sounds exhausting."

"You have no idea."

He glanced at me.

"Although I suppose having a beautiful princess beside you would make it easier."

I immediately looked away.

"You're very bold."

"I've been told."

He chuckled.

"But I'm only being honest."

I shook my head, trying to hide my smile.

We continued talking until the sky slowly darkened.

Eventually, we stopped near the garden entrance.

"I suppose we should head back," I said.

"Unfortunately."

I laughed.

Adrien reached toward one of the blue roses and carefully plucked one.

"It was nice meeting you, Princess."

Before I could respond, he gently placed the rose behind my ear.

"There."

I felt my cheeks warm.

"You look even better with it."

I looked away, trying not to blush.

"Thank you."

Adrien took my hand and gave it a quick kiss.

"Until next time, Princess."

Then he walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

I stood there for a moment.

My heart was beating faster than usual.

I touched the rose behind my ear and smiled.

Then I quietly squealed.

"Oh my goddess..."

---

By the time I reached the palace, I was still holding the rose and smiling like an i***t.

I was so distracted that I accidentally bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry."

I looked up.

Lucien.

My smile disappeared instantly.

I quickly hid the rose behind my back.

"Umm... hey."

"Hmm."

His eyes narrowed slightly.

He looked at me as if he were trying to figure out what I was hiding.

Neither of us spoke.

Finally, I forced a smile.

"Okay... goodnight."

I walked away before he could say anything.

I practically hurried all the way back to my room.

Once inside, I placed the rose carefully on my bedside table.

"Why do I feel like I cheated on him?"

I groaned.

We're not even together.

I glanced at the rose again.

Maybe...

Just maybe...

Adrien could be the distraction I needed.

Lucien was married.

And I couldn't keep falling for a man who already belonged to someone else.

So maybe it was time to let someone else occupy my thoughts.

I looked at the rose.

"Maybe this could work."

But deep down...

I wasn't completely convinced.