Chapter 166
Estelle looked small and fragile, her eyes downcast, but she didn’t speak.
I couldn’t let Nova get away with this. “Nova!” I called sharply. She turned toward me, a wicked smile already forming on her lips.
“Doris, darling,” she said sweetly, “I’m just having a little chat with Estelle.”
I stepped forward, my gaze hardening. “It doesn’t look like a friendly chat to me. Bullying her isn’t going to make you a better candidate.”
Nova raised an eyebrow, her smile faltering for a second. “You’ve certainly become bold.”
“I’ve earned my place here,” I said, meeting her gaze with confidence. “Now, leave Estelle
alone.”
Nova opened her mouth to respond but thought better of it. With a flick of her hair, she stormed off, leaving Estelle standing there, still trembling.
I walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
Estelle looked at me, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Doris. I’ve always wanted to be your friend, but I didn’t think someone like you would accept someone like me.”
I smiled warmly. “Of course, Estelle. You’re just as deserving of friendship as anyone else here.” Her eyes lit up, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” I said, my voice sincere. “I’m glad to be your friend.”
Later that evening, Odette paid me a visit. She entered the room gracefully, her usual elegance radiating from her, but there was something different in her eyes when she saw Estelle.
“Who’s this?” she asked coolly, her gaze fixed on Estelle. “This is Estelle,” I introduced her. “She’s a new friend of mine.”
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Odette’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she turned to me, lowering her voice. “Be careful, Doris. Not everyone is as harmless as they seem.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?““I don’t trust her,” Odette said. “There’s something about her that doesn’t sit right with me.”
I glanced at Estelle, who was busy arranging the flowers in the corner, oblivious to our conversation. “She’s been nothing but kind to me. I don’t think you have to worry.”
Odette gave me a tight smile. “Maybe, but don’t be fooled so easily. This world isn’t as forgiving as you think.”
I sighed, knowing that Odette was warning me for a reason. Still, I didn’t want to distrust someone I had just started to get to know.
A few days later, the Alpha King announced a grand banquet, set to be attended by several high–ranking individuals. The invitation arrived in the form of an ornate parchment, sealed with the royal crest. It read:
“You are cordially invited to a banquet in honor of the kingdom’s distinguished guests. Your *presence would be most welcomed.”
As expected, the invitation included my name, along with Nova and Estelle.
The banquet wasn’t just a social gathering. It was yet another test. Queen Luna had already verified the first round, but this second round was to be decided by the Alpha King himself.
I knew this event was important, not just for me, but for everyone else vying for a position in the palace. The pressure was mounting.
The grand ballroom was filled with people I had only heard about in stories or seen in newspapers. PACK Alphas from across the lands stood tall with their Lunas by their side.
As I surveyed the crowd, I noticed several familiar faces, including Nathan’s. He was standing by the corner, looking unusually pale, and his posture was slumped as though he had no energy left.
I excused myself from Carlos’s side and walked over to him. “Nathan, are you okay?”
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Chapter 166
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He turned slowly, his tired eyes meeting mine. “I’m fine,” he said, though his voice was weak.I studied him carefully. “You don’t look fine. What’s going on?”
He waved me off, shaking his head. “It’s nothing, really. Don’t worry about me.” Then, his eyes darkened. “Doris… are you really going to become the crown princess?”
The question took me by surprise, and I paused before responding. “I’m ready for whatever comes. I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life.”
His face fell, and I saw something like regret flash in his eyes. “I see.”
He paused for a moment, then added softly, “If this is what you want, I’ll support you. I really will.“He softly muttered, “I wish you well, Doris,”
His words were kind, but they left a bitter taste in my mouth. I wanted to tell him everything would be okay, but I wasn’t sure of that myself.
As I turned to walk back, I noticed Estelle standing off to the side, watching us with wide eyes. She had been eavesdropping.
“Estelle?” I called her and asked, “What’s going on?“She immediately looked away, her face paling.
“I wasn’t listening. I didn’t mean to…” But before I could ask anything further, she turned and fled from the room.
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