“Ivy’s pov”
The day started quietly, but there was a heaviness in the air from the moment I woke up.
I had barely touched my breakfast when a knock came on the chamber door.
It was one of the maids. She bowed her head and said, “The Alpha wants you ready for the diplomatic banquet this evening.”
I looked up slowly. “Why?”
“He said you’re to be seated beside him.”
Of course. Another event. Another dress. Another night of pretending everything was fine.
I got up and walked to the wardrobe without saying anything. The maid followed behind me, pulling out a dark green gown with gold threading.
“He picked this,” she said.
Of course he did.
As I stood in front of the mirror hours later, letting the maids pin my hair back and add the earrings he liked, I felt more like a statue than a p
