April's POV Suddenly, he took my hand and fell to one knee. I looked at him, stunned and shaking. What was he doing? What was all of this?He pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket, and my fears intensified. Was it a..."I know we haven't known each other for very long, but I feel connected with you, April. I want you to be with me and rule by my side as my queen. I had everything that a prince could ask for except for true love. I'm asking you for myself now. April, would you be my bride?"I felt the world spin, but I was still in the same place. I felt faint and weak, and I could feel myself gasping for breath. The world around me was blacking out, and my lips became parched and crusty.No. This had to be a joke. This wasn't real. Please, someone, tell me that this isn't true. The thought of it all being a facade brought air back to my lungs, and I stared at Conrad intensively, trying to discern the joke in his stare. "Are you playing a prank on me?–"I tried to sound ligh
April's POV I turned, and Ivar and Jacob walked towards us, their expressions cold and stern. They stole an icy glance at me and then turned to Conrad, who snarled at them angrily."How dare you interrupt me? This is none of your business, and I suggest that you step down for your good. I was busy here before you two brats showed up."Ivar scoffed and rolled his eyes defiantly.I didn't think that you would expect me to hush up about something as disgraceful as this. If anything, you should be the one who is careful about who you're talking to.In an instant, Conrad's aide, who had been standing behind him the entire time, stepped forward. He looked nervous but tried his best to speak confidently to Ivar, who was trying his best not to flare up."How dare you talk to the Crown Prince of the Royal Empire in such a manner? Your insolence against his Majesty is a grave crime punishable by even death. I felt my hands and legs jitter with worry. I didn't want to be a reason for Ivar and
Dorian's POV I was lying in the snow. I was alone and cold, and my fingers ached as the blustery wind gnawed at them.Suddenly, I felt a warm, soft pillow under my head. I felt it, but it was not fluffy, but it was soft nonetheless.I looked up and saw a pair of blue eyes looking at me and hair that whipped elegantly despite the cold, bitter winds."April?"I reached out to caress her face, but she was fading, and my fingers went right through her like she was a ghost."April? Where are you going?"She was barely visible, and her smile was nowhere to be seen. She vanished, and I curled myself in the cold snow."Princess, don't go. It's cold. It's..."I opened my eyes and squinted as I felt the sun's rays on my face. Was it morning? Where was the snow? The wind? April? I looked around for her figure, but I was alone in the strange room. What was going on? Where was I? Was this another dream?I heard a click and turned to the door to see a man looking at me in surprise."Dorian?"I wa
Chapter 114April's POVStand-in Alpha? No. We couldn't have one. I turned to look at Ivar, and he was just as shocked as I was. There was no way we could accept someone else as the Alpha of the pack.The looking Ivar's eyes showed that he shared the same idea as me. We had to stop Conrad before he pushed it too far. "Conrad, I don't think that it is a good idea to bring in someone else to be the Alpha of this pack."He looked at me with one of his eyebrows raised."And why is that not a good idea? According to you, your alpha has been missing for days, and you have refused to take up the job as Luna of your pack, though you are the legitimate heir to the throne. What else would you have me do? Someone needs to lead the pack."I took a deep breath and faced Conrad squarely. I wasn't going to allow him to assign the duty of protecting this pack to someone else."Conrad, this pack has been ruled by my ancestors since its inception. It was this way long before we pledged loyalty to th
April's POV"What if your Alpha never comes back?"His question sent ripples down my spine, and my heart beat rapidly. My hands were shaking slightly, but I hid them behind my back before he could see them.No. I couldn't let him know that Dorian was back and he was safe. Ivar was right. We couldn't trust him for now. There was clearly still some enmity between him and Dorian. I had to be careful around him, just like I was with Susan. I had to trust my instincts. "Please, just reconsider." I continued to plead with him. The stakes were high. We couldn't let the Royal City get involved in this. We can have a meeting with the pack and let them decide what they want. It is best that we get their take on the matter."My hands had stopped shaking, and I crossed them behind my back, praying that the goddess would change his decision."I understand that you want peace, April. Outside leadership, the natural harmony of the pack is vital."I continued staring at him, my eyes moist as I begge
April's POV"April!"Ivar and Jacob lunged after me as I tried to run to Jacob's place. I had only one thing in mind. I needed to see Dorian"April! April, calm down! Get a hold of yourself!"I was struggling and kicking, but finally, I quieted down and looked at Ivar. The beautiful gold of his eyes was back, and they filled my soul with warmth and calmness."April, listen to me. I understand that you are excited and a little emotional. I know you really want to see Dorian, but we can't risk it right now. Conrad just spoke to us and for all we know, he could be tracking you. I suggest that you go home and rest and you can come and see Jacob in the evening. Seeing the three of us together is a little suspicious. Dorian isn't going anywhere. Please just listen to me.I looked at him and felt tears fill my eyes again. My heart wanted to see Dorian. I wasn't sure how he was going to treat me, but I wanted to see him all the same. "Ivar's right," added Jacob. The three of us can't afford
April's POVHis lips warmed mine, and he pulled me to himself. I was confused by the feeling. I had pinched myself, but this couldn't be real. Maybe it was the cedarwood. Was it an aphrodisiac as well?My body was a raging fire, and I could feel myself slipping further into his grasp. No. I couldn't continue like this.I pulled away and stared at him in his beautiful green eyes. I was already out of breath, and my body was itching for him to kiss me again. My emotions were haywire; something was wrong with me."Why are you acting like you didn't enjoy it? You have always wanted this, haven't you? You've always craved his attention. You've always wanted to be his little princess again. And now that you are, you doubt yourself."The voice in my head tried to justify this crazy swirl of emotions. I had always wanted him to love me and care about me, but now that it seemed like he was doing that, it all felt unreal. I had lost hope for so long that it all seemed impossible. "You are righ
Dorian's POV I was finally holding her in my arms. Her body was soft, and her blue eyes sparkled. The enchanting smell of the cedarwood encircled us. Her scent, mixed with its fragrance, filled my lungs.There was no better time to talk to her. I was going to tell her. "Thank you for the care, but I want to talk about us..."I could feel my passion oozing out as I stared into the beautiful face of the person who had saved me. I didn't deserve this kindness, but it was probably the Moon Goddess who thought I deserved another chance to make this right.Suddenly, I felt her hands on my arms, but they weren't endearing. She pried my hands off herself and took a step away from me. "I'm sorry, Dorian, but there is no 'us'. This... This is wrong."My heart retched in pain. No. Was I... Was I really too late?I watched her as she left and closed the door behind her. I fell to my bed and held my head in my hands. The April I held wasn't the April I knew. I had tried to ignore it before, bu