CHAPTER 101: THIS ISN’T YOUR PALACE

Leia eased herself down onto a wooden bench nestled beneath the shade of a sprawling tree in the garden. The scent of blooming flowers drifted on the breeze.

Greta remained standing for a moment, watching her with concern.

"Is your leg hurting again?" she asked gently.

Leia shook her head, offering a faint smile. "No... just a little tired, that’s all."

"Then let’s rest a while," Greta said, settling down beside her on the bench. "I’ll escort you back to your room," she added.

"Don’t push yourself too hard," Leia said softly, glancing at Greta with concern.

Greta folded her arms, her brow furrowing. "Isn’t it strange, though? You’ve been attacked far too often lately."

Leia lowered her gaze. "I do find it strange... but both times, it felt intentional."

She paused, her fingers tightening slightly in her lap. "Yesterday’s incident... it genuinely shook me. The guy has murderous gaze. I still don’t understand why he decided to kill me. I did nothing. Is this easy to take anyone’s life when you live in a pack?"

"To survive, yes," Greta replied thoughtfully. "The Alpha has to make decisions for the entire pack. If he believes someone must die for the greater good, then... that’s how it is. Every pack follows the same law."

Leia nodded slowly. "Hmm... but I still feel Lucien shouldn’t be the one to dirty his hands." She exhaled and stretched a little. "Ahh, I’m hungry. Let’s head inside," she added, pushing herself up from the bench.

They returned to the living room where Lucien was giving instructions to the house butler. At the sight of them, he fell silent, his gaze shifting immediately to Leia.

"Some members of the pack have sent gifts for your speedy recovery," Lucien said, his voice softer now.

"Really?" Leia’s face lit up with a smile as she hurried toward him.

Lucien gently caught her by the arm. "Walk slowly," he said firmly, his hand steadying her.

"Where are the gifts?" she asked, curious.

"I had them placed in your room. Come, I’ll take you upstairs," Lucien replied.

Leia allowed him to guide her, his hand still resting on her arm as they walked side by side.

"Did you enjoy your walk?" Lucien asked, glancing at her.

"Yes," Leia replied softly.

They reached the top of the staircase together, their steps unhurried.

"Kieran and Ronan haven’t returned yet," Leia remarked, glancing down the hall. "Do they have to work tonight too? I tried calling them, but the call didn’t connect." She gave a faint smile. "Just... don’t be too hard on them."

Lucien looked ahead. "Tonight’s the last of their patrolling duties," he said. "They’ll be back by morning."

"Oh. So, you won’t call them back!?" Leia arched her eyebrows. He pushed the door open and gently walked her inside.

"I told you they would return in the morning," Lucien stated, making her sit on the bed.

"Oh my God!" Leia’s hands flew to her mouth. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the sight before her. "There are so many gifts!"

Lucien smiled, watching her reaction. "That just shows people already adore you. They see you as their Luna."

"Yeah..." Leia nodded absentmindedly, still staring at the table. Then, realizing what she had just agreed to, she quickly shook her head. "I mean—they love me because I’m a good person. That’s all."

Lucien chuckled, clearly amused by her flustered correction.

Just then, a servant appeared at the doorway. "Alpha, Princess Angelica has arrived."

"What?" Leia blinked in surprise. "A princess?"

She turned to Lucien, who was already frowning.

"Ask her to wait," Lucien said.

The servant bowed and walked away.

"You don’t look happy," Leia pointed.

"She’s interested in me," Lucien said, his voice low with a hint of frustration. "I’ve told her countless times that I can’t be with her. She’s not my type. But... this is the first time she’s come here. I have a feeling she wants to see you."

Leia frowned. "Me? Why would the Princess want to see me? We don’t even know each other. Maybe she just has something important to discuss with you."

Lucien held her gaze steadily. "Because I told her I’ve found my mate."

Leia’s eyes widened, clearly stunned. She stared at him, not blinking for a few seconds.

"Why would you say that?" she asked finally, her voice caught between confusion and disbelief. "We aren’t... mates."

"Just help me out," Lucien said, his tone quiet but firm. "I expect at least that much from you."

Leia sighed. "Alright. But what if Princess Angelica gets angry?" she murmured. "You’ll have to protect me."

Lucien gave a confident nod. "Don’t worry. She won’t lay a finger on you."

A brief silence passed between them before she added, "You should go in first. I doubt she’ll ask for me right away."

"Hm." Lucien stepped out of the room, quietly pulling the door shut behind him. His eyes immediately landed on Angelica, seated gracefully on the couch, lifting a glass of water to her lips.

’I just hope she doesn’t stir up trouble,’ he thought grimly.

A buzz from his pocket broke his chain of thought. Fishing out his phone, he glanced at the screen before answering.

"Yes, Prince Cesar?" he greeted, pressing the phone to his ear.

"My sister... Father said she was heading to your estate," Cesar said, concern audible in his voice.

"Yes, Your Highness. Princess Angelica is already here. She’s in the living room," Lucien confirmed calmly, his eyes still on her.

"So, she’s reached," Cesar muttered. "What are you planning to do now?" There was a brief pause between them.

"Lucien, if she pesters you, just tell her I’ve ordered her to return at once," Prince Cesar insisted. "Don’t let her hurt you, or Leia, with her words. Call me immediately if she—"

"Your Highness, please don’t fret," Lucien interrupted gently. "I know how to handle Princess Angelica. I’m certain the Alpha King allowed her visit for a reason. He wants me to manage this in my own way." His tone remained calm but firm. "I’ll hang up now."

He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

---

Meanwhile, in the grand living room below, Angelica swept her gaze across the space with mild curiosity.

"I didn’t expect the Princess herself to grace my home," Lucien’s voice carried into the room as he descended the stairs.

"Lucien!" Angelica rose quickly to her feet, a warm smile blooming on her lips. "I heard about Leia’s injuries, that’s why I decided to visit her." She turned slightly, gesturing toward the servant behind her. "I even brought special healing herbs for her recovery."

The servant, holding a delicate wooden box wrapped in royal silk, stepped forward immediately, bowing slightly as he presented the gift.

"How did Princess Angelica find out Leia was injured?" Lucien asked.

"Word travels fast, Lucien," Angelica replied smoothly, her smile still in place.

Lucien gave a slight nod to the house butler, who stepped forward and accepted the ornate box from the servant.

"Please, have a seat," Lucien said politely. "I want everyone else to leave."

The attendant beside Angelica hesitated, glancing at her for permission.

Lucien’s gaze sharpened. "I don’t like repeating myself. Wait outside, by the car."

The attendant lowered his head and promptly exited, leaving the room silent.

Once they were alone, Angelica turned to him. "Why don’t you call for Leia? I came all this way to see her."

"She’s resting," Lucien answered curtly.

Angelica arched a brow. "I’m a princess. You should obey me."

Lucien let out a dry laugh. "This isn’t your palace, Angelica. This is the Darkmoor Pack, and you’re sitting before its Alpha. Your royal title holds no power here."

Angelica’s jaw clenched, but she managed to maintain her composed expression, her smile now clearly strained.

"I’m not here to hurt Leia," Angelica said, her voice softening, though her eyes glinted with something else. "I simply want to meet her. I want to see what kind of woman has managed to capture your heart. You were never interested in anyone before. And as far as I know no one is more beautiful than me. So why choose a she-wolf over me?"

Lucien’s expression hardened. "Beauty never swayed me, Angelica."

He paused, then added coldly, "Why don’t you leave now, before you humiliate yourself any further? You’re crossing a line you shouldn’t. Let’s end this matter here, peacefully."

’Lucien won’t let me see Leia. This is getting tough. If I won’t see her, how I am supposed to know...’ Her thoughts paused as she sensed a presence upstairs. Lifting her head, Angelica saw the woman she had been dying to meet.

Leia was descending the stairs slowly when Lucien stood up. He was quick to reach her side, asking in a low voice, "Why did you come here? You’re supposed to rest."

"I thought to meet the Princess. It would be inappropriate of me not seeing her," Leia whispered.

Seeing their closeness, Angelica fumed in jealousy.