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A Royal Outing
Last Updated:
2024-11-03 04:26:16
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Lucas’s POVThe sun was high in the sky, casting a golden light through the tall windows of my office. Papers lay spread across my desk—border patrol reports, supply chain summaries, plans for expanding guard rotations along the kingdom’s northern edge. Each document felt heavier than the last, the weight of responsibility settling like an anchor in my chest. Strengthening our borders had been the main point of discussion in the last council meeting, and with the Alpha summit fast approaching, the pressure to finalize these plans was relentless.Across from me, Derek was buried in a stack of papers, his brows furrowed in concentration as he skimmed through a particularly dense report. Loyal to a fault and as sharp as they come, he’d been my right hand since we were boys. Soon, he’d be my Beta, and there was no one I trusted more with that role.“Derek,” I said, breaking the silence, “what do you think about adding a few more patrols around the eastern border? The neighboring pack ther
Last Updated : 2024-11-05Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Heartfelt Conversation
The echo of Ms. Gentle’s lecture on royal etiquette still rang in my ears as I returned to my chambers, grateful for the silence. I shut the door behind me, slipping off my shoes and settling onto the edge of my bed. The day had been exhausting, a swirl of rules and expectations to remember, all leading up to the Alpha meeting in just under two weeks. But in this quiet moment, I allowed myself a sigh of relief, knowing I’d handled today without incident.My eyes drifted around the room, half expecting Lucas to be there, but of course, he wasn’t. He’d been increasingly busy lately, the weight of his responsibilities pulling him away, and I was…well, thankful for it, in a way. Time apart gave me a chance to gather my thoughts, to remind myself of what I wanted from this arrangement. Though the brief encounters we did have kept replaying in my mind.A buzz from my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I picked it up and blinked at the name on the screen, a smile tugging at my lips. Ivy. My b
Last Updated : 2024-11-06Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Preparation and Unexpected Moments
Amelia’s POVThe days before the Alpha meeting blurred together in a whirlwind of training and meticulous instruction. Lena and Cassidy had taken their roles as my guides with relentless energy, filling every spare moment with lessons. Lena, with her fierce determination, drilled me on the histories and alliances between packs, her tone often blunt as she warned me which Alphas might test me. Cassidy, on the other hand, brought a lightheartedness to our sessions, her laughter and encouragement softening the tension that sometimes felt overwhelming.“Remember, stand tall, shoulders back,” Lena instructed as I practiced my formal bow. “The moment you show doubt, they’ll seize on it. Confidence is everything.”Cassidy shot Lena an amused look. “We’re not sending her into battle, Lena.”Lena’s lips quirked up. “Aren’t we?” she replied, her tone deadpan, and we all laughed, breaking the seriousness of the moment.As intense as their lessons were, I could feel my confidence growing. Each da
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Shadows of Last Night
Amelia’s POVThe first rays of dawn slipped through the curtains, and I opened my eyes to the faint light. My body felt like it hadn’t rested at all—maybe because it hadn’t. I’d tossed and turned through the night, flashes of Lucas leaning in, his warmth so close, replaying in my mind on a loop. It was ridiculous. One nearly-shared kiss, and here I was, wide awake, haunted by the memory of it.I groaned and threw an arm over my face, trying to shake off the sleepiness. The Alpha meeting was today, and this was my chance to prove I belonged at Lucas’s side. I’d spent days preparing with Lena, Cassidy, and Ms. Gentle, filling my mind with every rule and protocol I might need. Yet, here I was, on barely a few hours of sleep and with nothing on my mind but Lucas. He hadn’t returned last night, and a part of me—against my better judgment—wondered why. Did Queen Larissa keep him that long? Or was he as thrown off as I was by our almost-kiss?You’re thinking about it again, Snow’s voice chim
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The grand chamber was already filling with Alphas and Lunas, their voices mingling into a low hum of conversation. My eyes darted across the room, catching sight of Lucas near the throne, standing tall among his council. But as our eyes met, he looked away almost immediately, his expression unreadable. A strange pang of disappointment hit me, sharp and unexpected, and I found myself longing to understand what he was thinking. Last night had left so many questions unanswered, and now…he was avoiding me?Determined to break the distance, I took a step toward him. But before I could get far, someone stepped into my path.I looked up to find a woman standing before me, her gaze both assessing and serene. She had a quiet strength about her, the kind of presence that filled the room without demanding attention. Her dark hair was pulled back into an intricate braid that framed her face elegantly, and she wore a gown of deep emerald green, fitted yet flowing, with delicate silver accents glin
Last Updated : 2024-11-11Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Can we talk?
Amelia’s POVThe hall buzzed with low voices, each Alpha and Luna seated around the grand table. I tried to stay calm, even as my thoughts kept drifting back to last night. The almost-kiss with Lucas haunted me, making it nearly impossible to focus. I hadn’t slept much; the memory kept replaying in my mind, clouding my thoughts even now. I caught myself glancing across the room, but Lucas wouldn’t meet my eyes. His focus was everywhere but on me, his face a stoic mask that only deepened my confusion.I shook off the distraction, reminding myself of the importance of today. This wasn’t just any gathering—it was the annual meeting where regional matters were debated by the most powerful Alphas and Lunas. My mind raced through the names and packs I’d memorized with Cassidy and Lena. I was here to represent Lucas’s pack, and I needed to keep my composure. Yet, my heart wouldn’t stop its restless beating.I was pulled from my thoughts as the council doors swung open. In walked Ethan, the o
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Unbroken Resolve
Amelia’s POVI stood rooted in place, every nerve in my body pulled taut. Ethan’s gaze was steady, a mix of questions and unspoken words in his eyes. There was a part of me that wanted to turn and walk away, to close the chapter he’d ripped apart without a second thought. But the years between us, the hurt and unresolved feelings, kept me grounded to the spot.Across the room, I could feel Lucas watching. His intense gaze reached me even through the chatter and movements of the other Alphas and Lunas mingling around us. His eyes were unreadable, his expression giving away nothing, but I could feel the weight of his attention. It was like a thread, tugging at me to remember where I belonged now and who I was here to support.Ethan cleared his throat softly, his expression tense but open. “Amelia,” he repeated, his tone almost gentle. “Can we talk? Just for a moment?”The way he said it, like we were nothing more than old friends catching up, stirred a mix of anger and something deeper
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride An Unexpected Scene
I paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind racing over everything that had happened today. Every detail replayed in my head, refusing to settle. I’d managed to connect with some of the Lunas—Luna Lara especially. I hadn’t expected to find such easy conversation with anyone, let alone a council member, but she’d been kind, even encouraging me.Still, Luna Margot’s cold stares and cutting remarks lingered, and I could feel her disdain like a chill in the air every time I crossed her line of sight. It was clear she had something against me, though I couldn’t quite understand why. Just when I thought I’d handled myself well enough in the meeting, the topic of the territory dispute came up again. I thought I’d said my piece on it earlier, but King Luther had praised my perspective and put me in charge of drafting an agreement. I still couldn’t believe it.“You did well today,” Snow murmured, her voice warm and steady in my mind. “You’ll find a solution for this. You’re smart and capabl
Last Updated : 2024-11-15
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Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride The Alpha Ball
Amelia’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, my fingers lightly tracing the delicate embroidery along the bodice of my gown. The emerald-green fabric shimmered like the leaves of the palace gardens after a rainstorm, and it fit me perfectly—a stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside me. The stylist had insisted this color would bring out my eyes. I stared at my reflection and had to admit, she was right.Not that it mattered. The gown, the jewels, even the flawless braids in my hair—they were all just a mask. Tonight wasn’t about beauty or elegance. It was about survival.The Alpha Ball. Just the thought of it sent my pulse racing. Everyone who mattered in our world would be here tonight—the alphas, the lunas, the councils, the powerful families. Every handshake and glance would carry hidden meanings. And then there was me: Amelia, Lucas’s wife in name only. A contract. A secret.I smoothed the gown over my hips, trying to steady my nerves. Tonight, I had to be perfect. Polished.
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Ethan’s Ambition
Ethan’s POVThe conference room was stuffy, the hum of voices blending into a dull roar around Ethan as his pack discussed the logistics of their upcoming strategies. Ethan sat at the head of the table, his gaze locked on Mark, his beta, who was going over final preparations for the Alpha Ball and pack affairs during his absence.But Ethan wasn’t paying attention. His mind had drifted far from the table and the mundane discussions about patrol schedules or supply runs. He couldn’t stop thinking about the Alpha Ball, couldn’t stop imagining the scene that awaited him when he arrived.Amelia.Her name burned in his mind like a brand. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t suppress the image of her standing beside Lucas, her head held high, the picture of grace and strength. It made his blood boil, the muscles in his jaw tightening until it ached.“You’ve no one to blame but yourself,” Magnus growled in his mind, his wolf’s voice a sharp jab against his already frayed composure.“She’s
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Amelia’s POVThe palace garden stretched before me, a quiet oasis where I could breathe, though my thoughts were anything but tranquil. The sun was soft this morning, filtering through the leaves and casting shifting patterns on the cobblestone path. It should’ve been peaceful, but my mind felt like a restless storm.I walked without direction, brushing my fingers against the cool leaves and blossoms that lined the garden paths. Despite the beauty surrounding me, my thoughts kept pulling me back to yesterday—to the boutique and the moment Luna Lara revealed Sabrina’s schemes.I could still hear her calm, confident voice as she exposed the truth. My chest tightened at the memory. The gratitude I’d felt in that moment had been overwhelming. Sabrina’s plan to humiliate me could have succeeded if not for Luna Lara stepping in.I’d thanked her before leaving the boutique, my words barely scratching the surface of how much her intervention had meant to me. But the aftermath of it all still
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride The Weight of Suspicion
Lucas POV The trial had been over for days, but I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling it left behind. Something was off—both Kurt and Maxwell were too calm, too assured of their positions. Amelia had noticed it too, pointing out the glances they exchanged during the proceedings. She was right; I’d seen it myself. They weren’t just accused—they were calculated, like men with a hidden plan.I sat at my desk, leaning back in my chair as I tapped my fingers on the armrest. My gut churned with suspicion, my mind replaying every moment from the trial. Every word. Every look. Every lie. Maxwell and Kurt weren’t just covering for each other; they were playing a larger game, and I needed to figure out what that game was before it cost us more than we could afford.Amelia’s voice echoed in my mind, her concerns still fresh. She had seen it in them—something cold, something dangerous. The fact that she noticed it before I did gnawed at me. She wasn’t just observant; she had a sharpness to her tha
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride A Tangled Web
Amelia’s POV The Alpha Ball was approaching quickly, but my mind was still occupied with far more pressing concerns. Kurt. His name lingered in my thoughts like a persistent shadow, creeping into every moment of peace I tried to snatch. I couldn’t shake the memory of Maxwell glancing at him during the trial, as if he held the answers to unspoken questions. I hadn’t brought it up with Lucas again, but I wondered how his investigation was progressing. Would he find anything? Or was it all just my paranoia playing tricks on me?And then there was my mysterious ally. Their sudden silence gnawed at my nerves. I had sent a message after the trial, wanting answers—needing answers—but there had been no response. Who were they? Why had they chosen to help me? And why did they vanish now, when I had so many questions to ask? The absence of clarity was maddening.Pushing those thoughts aside, I joined Lena for our morning training session after breakfast. The familiar routine helped settle my r
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Seeds of Malice
Sabrina’s POVThe audacity.Sabrina stormed down the corridor, her fists clenched at her sides. The nerve of that pathetic peasant to stand there, smug and self-assured, calling herself the crown princess as if the title truly belonged to her. Sabrina’s face burned with fury, the memory of Amelia’s condescending smile replaying in her mind like a festering wound.“How dare she?” Sabrina hissed under her breath, her nails digging into her palms.Her long, dark hair swayed behind her as she moved, her sharp heels echoing through the halls. Every step fueled her anger, every thought stoked the fire in her chest. Amelia shouldn’t even be here. That title—her title—had been stolen, handed to some nobody who had stumbled her way into Lucas’s life.The memory of Lucas once looking at her with admiration filled her mind, a bitter pang twisting her gut. He had been hers, or so she thought. Sabrina shook her head violently. No. He still could be. Amelia was the obstacle, and obstacles could be
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride The Crown’s Grace
Amelia’s POVI never thought etiquette class would be where my thoughts kept wandering back to Maxwell’s trial. Yet here I was, my quill idly tapping against the desk, my mind replaying every moment. Maxwell’s furtive glances toward Kurt… his rehearsed answers… Lucas’s firm resolve to investigate further. All of it swirled in my head like an unsolved puzzle.“Amelia,” Ms. Gentle’s clipped tone pulled me back to the present.I straightened in my seat, startled.“As I was saying,” she continued, her sharp gaze sweeping the room, “the annual Alphas’ Ball is approaching. This will be the perfect opportunity to put your etiquette training to the test. I hope none of you will disappoint—especially the crown princess.”Her gaze lingered on me a moment too long, and I felt a twinge of embarrassment mixed with irritation.The Alphas’ Ball. I’d completely forgotten about it.I’d heard about the ball for years—an extravagant spectacle where Alphas and their packs gathered to build alliances, for
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride Whispers and Warmth
Amelia’s POVI couldn’t stop replaying the trial in my head, even as the heavy doors slammed shut behind me. The sound echoed down the stone corridor like a final judgment, leaving me with this strange mix of satisfaction and unease. Maxwell’s sentencing was swift—death for his crimes. It should have been enough.But it wasn’t.Lucas had pulled me aside after the trial, his expression serious. I followed him into one of the quieter hallways, away from the lingering crowd. His steps were measured, his jaw tight. He didn’t speak until we were completely alone.“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice low.The question caught me off guard. Lucas rarely asked about my well-being unless it was strictly necessary. But today, there was something different in his tone—something softer.I hesitated, my fingers brushing against the fabric of my gown. “I’m fine,” I said, though my voice didn’t quite convince me.He nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on me, as if he didn’t believe me either. “Th
Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride The Trial
Amelia’s POVThe grand hall hummed with tension as I stepped inside, Lena close beside me. The air felt heavy, each whispered murmur from the council members sinking into my skin like pinpricks. Sunlight filtered in through the high, arched windows, illuminating the ornate carvings on the walls, but the light felt cold, distant.The weight of what was about to unfold pressed on my chest. This wasn’t just about Maxwell’s crimes—this was about me, my position, and my life hanging in the balance.Lena’s voice broke through my thoughts, soft but firm. “You alright?”I nodded stiffly, my gaze fixed on the council table at the far end of the room. King Luther and Queen Narissa sat side by side, their regal presence commanding the space. Lucas stood slightly behind his father, his posture tense but controlled. His expression was unreadable, as always, but I caught the slight clench of his jaw.I tore my gaze away, forcing my feet to move. I couldn’t afford to let my emotions show—not here.“
