Chapter 171
His words struck like thunder, each accusation heavier than the last,
Carlos flinched, his head bowing in submission. “You’re right, Your Majesty. I made a grave mistake. I accept any punishment you see fit,” he said quietly, his tone stripped of its usual confidence.
The Alpha King’s gaze remained icy, his words relentless. “You have embarrassed this palace enough with your reckless choices, Carlos. Learn your place.”
I sat frozen, guilt clawing at me as I watched Carlos endure the Alpha King’s wrath. He didn’t have to do this, he could have saved himself. Yet here he was, shouldering the blame for me.
“Enough,” the Alpha King said at last, his tone final. “Estelle and Doris, leave. Carlos stays.”
I hesitated, glancing at Carlos, unsure whether to move. His dark eyes met mine briefly, a flicker of reassurance in their depths. He gave me a subtle nod, as if silently urging me to obey.
S
As I rose to leave, Tina’s voice whispered through our mental bond, “Carlos’s wolf says it’s okay. You can rest assured.”
Reluctantly, I followed Estelle out of the room, my heart heavy with an ache I couldn’t quite define. Every step felt leaden as the door closed behind us, sealing Carlos inside with the
Alpha King.
I couldn’t ignore the image of him standing there, his head bowed, bearing the full brunt of
the King’s fury.
No matter what Tina said, I knew deep down that Carlos had risked everything for me and I
owed him more than I could put into words.
Estelle’s soft posture was nothing more than an act. Even now, as we stepped out of the
Alpha King’s chamber, she stood beside me with her head slightly bowed, her demeanor Tadiating false humility.
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But no amount of meekness could hide the cunning glint in her eyes,
Tglared at her, unable to believe how someone who appeared so meek and humble could scheme so boldly against the Alpha King. Her act was flawless, but the glint of cunning in her eyes betrayed her true nature.
How could such a woman dare to scheme against the Alpha King? I wondered silently, the thought leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
At that moment, Queen Luna appeared, her regal figure commanding attention even in the dimly lit corridor.
Her sharp gaze immediately landed on the closed chamber door where Carlos remained.
Her lips tightened, a flash of displeasure crossing her face.
“Why is Carlos still inside?” she asked, her tone clipped.
I took a step forward, ready to explain the situation and defend Carlos, but before I could
utter a word, Estelle tilted her head and spoke in that sickly sweet voice of hers.
“Your Majesty, His Highness Carlos stayed behind for Ms. Doris,” she said, her words measured. “He lied in front of the Alpha King for her sake.”
Queen Luna’s expression froze, her eyes narrowing as she turned to Estelle. “What?” she
demanded, her voice sharp. “Carlos lied? For Doris?”
My heart sank, and anger flared within me. “That’s not true,” I snapped, stepping forward
“Estelle-”
But Estelle’s calm gaze didn’t move. Before I could continue, a firm hand gripped my arm.
I turned to find Odette beside me, shaking her head subtly, her eyes warning me to stay quiet. Her silent plea stopped me in my tracks, though frustration boiled within me.”
Queen Luna, oblivious to our silent exchange, pulled out a compact mirror from her pocket and began touching up her makeup.
Her movements were quick and precise, her expression unreadable. When she finally
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poke again, her voice was calm but cold. “This isn’t the time or place. I’ll deal with this Inter.”
With a forced smile, she snapped the compact shut and turned on her heel, heading back toward the grand hall where the party was in full swing.
Estelle gave me a fleeting, triumphant glance before following after Queen Luna, her steps light and unhurried.
I clenched my fists at my sides, the urge to expose her lies growing stronger with each passing second.
Inside the hall, laughter and music filled the air, but the atmosphere felt stifling to me. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the glittering crowd, their conversations blending into an indistinct hum.
Among them, Nova stood out like a beacon, her extravagant jewelry catching the light with every movement. She twirled in her equally garish gown, basking in the attention she
received.
“Nova,” Queen Luna called out sharply, her voice cutting through the noise like a blade.
Nova froze mid–laugh, turning toward Queen Luna with a hesitant smile. “Yes, Your Majesty?” she said, her voice faltering.
Queen Luna’s gaze was icy. “What exactly are you trying to prove with this display? Do you think parading your wealth like this reflects well on the palace?”
