Chapter 59
The ballroom shimmered with light.
Soft gold chandeliers floated above the crowd, bathing everyone in a warm, almost magical glow.
Music played faintly in the background, delicate strings weaving through the air. I had spent days preparing for this working with the decorators, overseeing every flower, ribbon, and candle that now made the grand hall look like something out of a dream.
But I didn’t feel like I belonged in it.
I stood near the top of the steps, watching nobles laugh and dance, their elegant gowns swaying with each turn. I had chosen my dress carefully–a deep crimson gown that clung to my waist and spilled into a soft trail behind me, embroidered with black vines at the hem. My hair was braided tightly with gold clasps woven in.
I looked like a Luna.
I didn’t feel like one.
I searched the crowd, and there he was.
Alaric.
He stood at the far end of the room, tall and regal, dressed in black and silver. A king. My king. His posture was straight, his expression unreadable, and the moment his name was announced, the crowd fell silent in reverence.
I expected him to look at me.
He didn’t.
Not once.
He walked right past me without a single glance, taking his place at the head of the room like I wasn’t even there.
Cecelia’s voice echoed in my head: “Be strong. This night is yours.”
I held my head high, swallowing the lump in my throat.
“Your Majesty,” one of the stewards bowed as he approached me. “Shall we announce you as well?”
I hesitated.
Normally, we were announced together. But he had walked alone.
I forced a smile. “No need. Let them enjoy their evening.”
The steward frowned but nodded, stepping away.
Knox appeared beside me a moment later, offering a glass of wine. “You’re hiding.”
“I’m observing,” I corrected.
“You’re hiding.” he repeated, smirking.
I took the wine and sipped. “He didn’t even look at me.”
Knox’s smirk faded slightly. “He’s not himself.”
“He never is,” I muttered.
*Diana-
“He made me feel like I mattered,” I said quietly. “And now it’s like I disgust him.”
“You don’t
I gave him a look
1/4
8:32 PM
Chapter 59
“You don’t,” he repeated firmly. “He’s scared.”
I raised a brow. “Of what? Me?”
Knox shrugged. “Of everything.”
I didn’t respond. I watched as Alaric laughed at something one of the nobles said. It was polite. Cold. Nothing real.
He hadn’t even acknowledged the work I put into this night.
“Dance with me,” Knox said suddenly.
“What?”
He took the glass from my hand and set it aside. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t think-”
“You’ve worked your ass off for this,” he said, tugging me forward. “You’re going to enjoy it.”
I let him lead me onto the floor.
0
At first, I was stiff. My body too aware of every step, every turn. But Knox was good. Gentle. He kept his hand light on my waist and his voice light in my ear.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly.
I smiled, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Thank you.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.”
“And he knows it too.”
I swallowed.
Knox spun me once, drawing a laugh out of me despite the ache in my chest.
We twirled, the music picking up. And just as I started to lose myself in it, I felt it.
A gaze.
My eyes drifted toward the raised platform.
Alaric was watching me.
Expressionless.
I faltered slightly, my foot catching the hem of my dress, but Knox steadied me quickly.
“Don’t give him that satisfaction,” Knox whispered.
1 straightened.
But Alaric had already looked away.
+15
By the time the dance ended, I excused myself with a polite nod and slipped out onto the balcony, the night air sharp against my skin.
I gripped the railing, breathing hard.
He didn’t even speak to me.
Did I do something wrong?
You ran off quick”
I turned Cecelia stood there, holding two glasses of wine.
8:32 PM ·
Chapter 59
“I needed air,” I said.
She handed me one.
“Everyone’s talking about the ball. You did well.”
I smiled faintly. “It doesn’t feel like it.”
“Because he didn’t look at you?” she asked knowingly.
I didn’t answer.
Cecelia sighed. “Kings aren’t easy. Cursed kings? Even harder.”
“I’m not asking for much,” I said. “Just to not feel invisible.”
“You’re not invisible, Liana.”
I stared out at the gardens. “Sometimes I think I’m just another girl in line to die.”
“Don’t say that.”
“It’s true, isn’t it?” I whispered. “That’s why he’s distant. That’s why he won’t let himself feel anything for me.”
She was quiet for a moment. Then: “Maybe. Or maybe he’s trying not to fall.”
I looked at her.
“Don’t give up,” she said. “Not tonight.”
I didn’t reply. I just sipped the wine and stared at the stars.
They looked too peaceful for the way my chest felt–tight, heavy, scattered with everything I couldn’t say out loud.
Cecelia leaned on the railing beside me, her eyes soft. “Do you know about the rebel king?”
I blinked, dragging my gaze toward her.
She continued, her tone low, like this wasn’t something people were allowed to say aloud. “Not many do. Not the truth anyway.”
I tilted my head. “And you do?”
Her lips pressed into a line. “I know enough.”
I waited.
She glanced around before speaking again. “He wasn’t always what he is now. Harden Fernandez. He was once a noble Alpha in one of the northern border packs. Respected. Trusted. Until everything was taken from him in the name of peace.”
I frowned. “Taken?”
“His land. His people. His mate.” Her voice dipped. “Alaric’s father gave the command. Said Harden was getting too powerful. Said he was aligning with witches, though no one ever proved it.”
“Was he?” I asked.
“No one knows. But after his mate was executed for treason… something in him snapped. He disappeared for a while. And when he returned–he wasn’t the same.”
I swallowed, goosebumps prickling along my arms.
Cecelia faced me, her expression serious now. “He’s building something. And he’s clever. Not just brute force, but strategy Charm. Lies that sound like freedom.”
“So he wants the throne?” I asked.
