Chapter 36
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(Zion’s POV)
The hall still echoed with pleasantries as Lucien walked in, his golden hair slightly tousled, eyes glinting with that ever- familiar confidence. The maids trailed behind him with his bags as though he belonged here.
I tensed.
Not because he was here, but because I knew what his presence truly meant. He was a threat, not just to the throne, but to Lily. To us.
“If you can’t control your beast, I will have no choice but to name Lucien heir. This kingdom cannot afford a reckless king.”
My father’s words echoed in my head, spoken a year ago after I lost control during training. I knew he said out of rage because my beast and I had wrecked a huge part of the palace’s buildings before my father was able to tame us… but he had said it regardles. And the moment the words left his mouth, I realized that no matter how royal my blood was, the throne wasn’t guaranteed.
Anyone would think it was my birthright but my father is so principled and selfless- all he thinks or does is for the good of the kingdom… thus, his perfect nephew, Lucien stood as an alternative.
“Lucien! Welcome!” my mother exclaimed, rising from her seat with pure delight. She beamed as he crossed the room with a graceful bow. My father, the King, nodded approvingly, and Zelda squealed, waving like a child reunited with a favorite
toy.
But Lucien’s eyes weren’t on them, they were locked on Lily.
He strode toward her with that infuriating poise, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Hello, girlfriend,” he greeted with a smirk that made my blood boil.
Lily blinked, visibly startled. She opened her mouth, but no words came.
Girlfriend.
Lucien’s girlfriend.
The word slapped me across the face like a gust of cold wind.
“What?” my mother gasped, nearly knocking over her glass. “Lily, you didn’t tell us you and Lucien were an item! Oh my goodness, are you both mates?”
Lily looked down, clearly shaken, her lips parting and closing again like she couldn’t breathe.
My father’s brows lifted, but it was my mother who kept going. “That’s so adorable! The two of you look so good together. And Lucien is such a gentleman, and you’re so precious, my Lily. I can just imagine how cute your children will be!”
She clasped her hands. “And you know how important it is to end up with your mate. The Moon Goddess’s bond is sacred. You two must’ve known from the start.”
Celeste chuckled softly, sipping from her glass like she was enjoying the drama. Her eyes flicked to me, unreadable.
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Chapter 36
Lily’s hands trembled in her lap. Lucien, ever the charmer, pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. He was already serving himself like this was his home, chatting with Zelda and the Queen like he hadn’t just declared war on my sanity.
“So, Lucien,” my father said, picking up his goblet, “how’s your health? Still keeping up with training?”
“I’m good, sir,” Lucien answered with a respectful nod. “Training’s been rigorous but rewarding. I feel stronger than ever.”
“Amazing! You’ve always been so disciplined,” the Queen chimed in, resting her hand on his shoulder. “Such a strong young man.”
Celeste smiled sweetly, brushing her fingers along the rim of her cup. “He’s also quite the artist, isn’t he? Just like Zion.”
“Oh yes!” my mother gasped. “You two used to paint together as kids. I still have that painting of the twin wolves you did.”
Lucien laughed modestly. “Zion did most of the work. I just followed his lead.”
“Modest,” my father murmured. “But skilled.”
And there it was again- the subtle comparison. Like Lucien had always been the golden boy hiding in my shadow, only to now slowly eclipse me.
I clenched my jaw.
Lucien turned to Lily, brushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “You’ve inspired a lot of my recent pieces,” he said warmly. “I have a complete collection of you.”
She gave him a nervous smile, her cheeks flushing faintly.
Snap! My fork snapped in my hand, and everyone turned.
“Apologies,” I muttered, setting the broken utensil aside. “It just slipped.”
The Queen blinked. “Maybe you need some rest, sweetheart. You seemed tensed lately.”
Celeste reached out to pat my hand, but I pulled away before she could.
Dinner continued with light chatter, but every word felt heavy, all my smiles were forced.
After the plates were cleared and the wine was poured, my mother leaned across the table, still glowing with excitement. “Lucien, dear, so when are you both going to claim each other formally and have your happily–ever story?”
Lucien hesitated for the first time… Lily didn’t answer either.
Zelda pouted, “Mama, that’s enough.”
The Queen giggled but finally quieted down.
I excused myself before dessert was served as I couldn’t take it anymore.
I needed to paint. I needed to do something before I exploded. Then I walked briskly to my studio. The smell of oil and canvas enveloping me like an old friend. I grabbed a brush before I could talk myself out of it and began painting.
Lily’s face appeared on the canvas… Her eyes, mouth, the curve of her smile, every stroke screamed of longing.
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Wed,
Chapter 36
“You’re mine,” I whispered to the canvas.
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But saying it wasn’t enough. I needed to see her. To remind her. To claim what was mine.
I walked like a man possessed. When I reached her hallway, my steps faltered.
Lily wasn’t alone… Lucien was standing close, too close. His arm was around her waist, but she didn’t push him away.
He leaned in and she looked up at him with a soft smile that shattered something in me.
Then he hugged her tightly, like she belonged to him.
My heart slammed against my ribs, and my vision blurred.
I took a step forward.
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