All Chapters of Crown of Deception: Alpha's Contracted Bride: Chapter 11 - Chapter 16

Amelia’s POVThe council chamber felt colder, heavier, after Queen Larissa’s abrupt exit. Her biting words still echoed in my mind, each one carving a deeper hole in my self-worth. A rejected she-wolf... That’s what she saw in me—someone who wasn’t worthy of her son or this kingdom. The weight of the council’s gaze pressed down on me like a physical force, and I fought to keep my expression calm, even as my heart raced with uncertainty.Lucas, ever composed, stepped forward and addressed the council. “This marriage is not just a personal union, but one that benefits us all. Amelia will be a strong Luna, and together, we will secure the future of this kingdom.”His words were confident, meant to reassure the council, but I could see the flickers of doubt on some of their faces. A few exchanged wary glances, clearly unsettled by Larissa’s outburst. King Luther, however, stood firmly by his son’s side, his eyes scanning the room as he gave a slight nod of approval. “This union has my ful

Amelia’s POVThe door clicked shut, and I immediately let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding. Relief washed over me like a cool breeze, though my heart still raced in my chest. The look in Lucas’s eyes before he left—the heat, the hunger—it sent shivers down my spine, and I wasn’t sure whether it was from fear or something else entirely.I wrapped the towel tighter around me, and I look at the bundle in my hand, I mentally cursed myself for forgetting to take them into the bathroom. Idiot, I scolded myself. Now, I’d basically paraded half-naked in front of him. I could still feel the weight of his gaze on me, the way his eyes had lingered just a little too long.Snow, my wolf, stirred lazily in my mind, clearly amused. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you. And you noticed it too.”“Shut up,” I muttered back, feeling the blush rise on my cheeks as I grabbed my underwear from the drawer. Snow’s teasing was the last thing I needed right now.” It’s a contract marriage, nothing

Amelia POVCassidy and I finished our late dinner and lingered a little longer in the kitchen, her chatter filling the warm space. She was kind, and despite the weight of everything happening around me, it was easy to relax in her company.After a while, she offered to show me more of the castle, which I gladly accepted. I needed to get familiar with this place, or I’d probably end up lost again.As we strolled through the castle halls, Cassidy pointed out rooms, making casual conversation. The enormity of the place still stunned me. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Back home, everything was smaller, simpler. This castle was like a maze—elegant and grand, every floor more impressive than the last. We made our way outside into the garden, and the view took my breath away.The garden stretched on forever, with manicured hedges, fountains, and bursts of colorful flowers. The air smelled sweet, and I found myself lost in it for a moment. But then… I saw her. Queen Larissa.She wa