“We don’t know for sure that he doesn’t,” I replied, trying to sound unconcerned. “He might have gotten one from somewhere else, or maybe he’s planning to wear something with sentimental value. I don’t know.” “That’s not out of the question, I guess,” Elizabeth said, though she sounded doubtful. “
Ella POV Alexander turned toward the doorway, his expression brightening as he saw me. “Here she is,” he said warmly. The man beside him turned as well, his sharp gaze sweeping over me in a way that felt both calculating and appraising. Then his lips curved into a charming smile as he approached
Known to the public simply as the Castle, it was a legendary estate—larger and more opulent than any other property in the kingdom. Its historical significance was unparalleled, rumored to have once been the Alpha King’s residence before the capital was relocated. It had fallen into direpair over
Ella POV Alexander smirked slightly. “You’ve been trying so hard these past few months to present yourself as a mature, grown-up woman. It’s nice to see that childlike excitement on your face again.” “I’m not being childish,” I said defensively, crossing my arms. “I didn’t say you were,” Alexa
Alexander looked momentarily surprised by the question but recovered quickly. “No, I haven’t put much thought into it yet,” he admitted. “As I’ve said before, I want your input. I think it would be best if we chose your dress first, and then I can find a suit to complement it.” “I suppose that mak
Ella POV I stepped out of the car, and the expression on my mother’s face hardened instantly. She looked angry—furious, even—and I couldn’t imagine what I’d done to deserve it. My mind raced as I walked toward her, trying to figure out the reason for her mood. Then it struck me. My stomach dropp
"It does seem like you’ve been busy every minute of the day," she said, a hint of sadness in her tone. "We’ve hardly had a chance to talk." "Oh, that reminds me," I said, seizing the moment. "As long as we have a chance now, I wanted to ask you about dress shopping." "Oh?" she said, raising an e
Ella POV Alexander continued lifting weights, but every time I glanced his way, I found him looking at me. I couldn’t exactly complain, considering I was staring at him just as much. Still, it made me uneasy. We were supposed to be keeping our distance, not giving in to our mutual attraction. It
Ella POVThe night we had been working towards for so long was finally here. It didn’t seem real, but it was finally happening.It was election night.All day Alexander and I had been answering questions from reporters and making phonecalls to voters, hoping to get as many people as possible to show
He glanced at me, a knowing look passing between us. We would face whatever came next together.After dinner, Sabrina and Alexander took Lexie up to get ready for bed. She wanted a bedtime story from Alexander and he seemed happy to do it.Once we were alone in the living room, my mother pulled me t
Ella POVAlexander and I spent the day in my family’s packlands with Lexie, a rare moment of peace before the election.The official statement revealing Lexie’s identity had been carefully crafted—Alexander had asked for privacy for her sake.The response had been mixed, but most people saw it as a
“It does,” Elizabeth said. “But people also fear what they don’t understand. Alexander has spent years in the shadows. Half of what he’s done is still a secret. People don’t know that he’s…” she hesitated, looking away for a moment. “Now, they’re being asked to trust him with the kingdom.” She sighe
Ella POVI sat across from Elizabeth at a quiet restaurant, a half-empty glass of wine in front of me. The air between us was lighter than it had been in months, but there was still an unspoken tension—a lingering wound that was still healing.Elizabeth had taken the revelations about Alexander, Dav
Ella POVThe news of Ironfang’s arrest tore through the kingdom like wildfire. Fear gripped the people as they learned the horrifying truth—powerful figures within their own government had been working with the North.For years, the enemy had been closer than anyone had realized, pulling strings in
Alexander POVI stood before the King, my body still weak from the poison, but my mind sharp and steady. Ella stood at my side, her presence grounding me, a silent promise that we would face whatever came next together.I could feel the weight of her gaze on me, the quiet strength she offered just b
Ella POVIt took several days before Alexander could stay awake for more than a few minutes at a time.Those days felt like an eternity to me, sitting at his bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest, hoping for any sign of improvement. The doctors assured me that the worst had passed, b
The King’s orders were not something you ignored. And though I had no desire to leave Alexander’s side, I couldn’t risk further angering the King—especially when I had no idea what he would do with the information I had.Still, my resolve weakened as she glanced at Alexander one last time. “He’ll be