CHAPTER 3: What's wrong with me?

Lucien'S POV

I was pacing in my father’s chambers after the sentence was passed on Seraphina. I didn’t know why I was so disturbed, but something about it all felt wrong. Maybe I was just being overly sensitive... or maybe I couldn’t stand how unfair it all seemed.

Like I said, maybe.

Either way, my nerves were getting the best of me.

Father was still outside, deep in talks with the elders of the pack about the rogues that have been terrorizing the neighboring packs. When he finally walked in, he found me ruffling my hair, unable to keep still.

Before I could utter a word, his palm collided with my face, a sharp and merciless slap. His sharp golden ring tore across my cheek, drawing blood. I hissed slightly, my wolf healing the wound instantly, but the sting still lingered.

“Have you completely lost your damn mind, Lucien?!”

“What have I told you about showing weakness in front of the Council?”

“I was only trying to....”

“Silence!” he snapped. “You humiliated me, challenged me in front of the elders! Do you realize how that weakens my authority? My own son, undermining me!”

His words cut deeper than his slap ever could.. because I really can't believe we are arguing about his authority when someone's life is at stake here.

“What kind of uncouth manner was that?” he growled heavily.

“You're the future king! The crown prince, for that matter."

I bet that I could hear Lorenzo chuckling to himself, leaning against the doorframe.He had that smug look on his face that always made my blood boil.

“Oh, how the mighty crown prince has fallen,” he said with a slow, cruel smile. “You never had the backbone for this role, little brother.”

I clenched my fists, but I didn’t respond. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

Lorenzo and I... we’d never been close. He believed I stole the throne that should’ve been his.

And maybe he wasn’t entirely wrong, afterall, he was older.

My mother entered almost immediately, her scent flooding the room before she did. She looked exquisite as always, dressed in a rich wine-red corset, her expression composed... too composed I must say.

“Mother,” I said, rushing to her. “Please... talk to him. You can’t possibly agree with this. You haven’t even met the girl. You don’t know her.”

She let out a soft sigh and reached to cup my cheek where the slap had landed.

“Lucien, darling... sometimes we don’t need to meet monsters to know they exist.”

“She’s not a monster,” I said, voice shaking. “She’s just... she’s hurting.”

“At least, let's give her a benefit of doubt. What if she didn't kill him?”

“Oh, sweetheart,” she whispered, looking almost sad. “Even if she didn’t kill her father... you know what she is. Everyone knows. She’s dangerous. She was born of darkness. Her own wolf is unstable.”

“I don’t believe in that ancient nonsense!” I growled. “We’re wolves. We trust our instincts... and mine tell me she’s not a threat.”

“Your instincts?” Lorenzo sneered. “Or your d*ck?”

"Oh! Shut up, Lorenzo!" I yelled."Not everyone is like you!"

I turned back to look at my mother, “You’re all just assuming! No one is even trying to understand her!”

“And you need to remember who you are,” she said, her voice sharpening. “You’re the crown prince. You don’t get to fall apart over every pretty girl who cries!”

“What will Valeria think, hmm? She’s your Luna. You’re going to marry her.”

“How do you think she’ll feel hearing you’ve been defending another woman?”

I shook my head, barely able to breathe.

“Goddess... is this what this is all about? Appearances? Political alliances?”

“What about what’s right Mom?”

“Right?” Lorenzo scoffed from the corner. “Since when has our dear prince ever known what’s right? You’ve always been weak. Coddled. Soft-hearted.”

“Shut up, Lorenzo,” I snapped, glaring at him.

“I really don't know why you guys are so surprised, but me? I'm not, because Lucien has always been a fool.”

“He doesn't know when to back off.”

“And this is the person Father wants to hand over the race of the kingdom to?”

“ I weep for this kingdom!”

I was in total disbelief with the gibberish coming out of Lorenzo’s mouth.

Vexed.

I clenched my fist and was about to punch him right in the face when my mother's voice held me back.

"Shut your mouth right there," Queen Marie snapped. "What's the meaning of this rubbish Lorenzo? Be you his elder brother or not, he is still the crown prince!”

"Out of my chambers, all of you!" My father thundered. We had no choice but to leave.

As I stepped into the hallway, I nearly crashed into Valeria, my betrothed. She had clearly been listening at the door.

“Where are you going in such a hurry, baby?” she purred, looping her arm through mine.

I tried to pull away, but she tightened her grip. “Valeria, I’m not in the mood.”

She smiled sweetly, too sweetly. “Oh, don’t be like that. You’re upset, I get it. But you shouldn’t shut me out. We’re supposed to share everything, remember?”

“We aren't strangers, Lucien.”

I scoffed because literally, that's what she is to me... a stranger.

"Valeria, I don't have time for this. Please excuse me."

She grabbed my wrist, looking at me with lustful eyes. Valeria is beautiful, but I just don’t feel attracted to her. Our relationship was nothing but politics, my father's alliance with King Darius of Rothenberg Pack.

“Obsessed with her?” she asked suddenly, her voice sharp beneath the silk. “

What is it about that girl that has you so worked up like this? Don't tell me, you like her?"

I paused looking at her shocked at her question. Honestly, I didn't want any more drama so we went to my chambers, she tried seducing me to mate with her.

I could feel that she wanted me badly

Her lips found mine quickly, urgently. I didn’t kiss her back.... at least not at first. But when she started nagging my ears out, I gave in, just to shut her up.

It meant nothing to me.

We kissed immensely and made out. Few minutes later, she slept off.

I stared at the ceiling for a long time before quietly slipping out of bed.

I took a quick shower and left the room.

Rafael was waiting outside, leaning against the wall like he always did.... loyal, silent, watchful.

"Come on,” I said. “We’re going for a walk.”

“Do I even need to ask where?” he replied, raising a brow.

Rafael is more than a bodyguard.... he’s a very good friend of mine.

"Have you seen Seraphina?"

I asked some wolves near the yard. They bowed and said she was probably in the forest for her transformation. I headed straight there.

“I need to see her.” I growled.

As soon as we got to the entrance of the forest, Rafael stopped me.

“I really don’t know why you're doing this," he said. "But I suggest we wait here. If she is a beast, then we shouldn't overplay our hand. Let's just wait here."

“Don't tell me you believe those nonsense too?!”

“I’m just saying, Lucien.”

“You feel empathy towards her, fine. But if she killed her father, there’s no telling what else she’s capable of."

I didn’t want to argue so I just gave in to Rafael.

We sat under the trees in the darkness, waiting. Talking about everything and nothing.

Rafael kept on looking at me like I was losing it.

Well, maybe I was.

At dawn,.. she appeared.

Sera emerged from the forest, barefoot and disheveled. Her tunic was torn, her hair wild. Her body trembled as she took cautious steps, not expecting to see anyone.

My heart ached for her.

When her eyes met mine, she froze.

“My... my prince?” she breathed. “What are you doing here?” bowing slightly. I could tell she was so terrified by my presence.

I came closer to her walking slowly. “I just wanted to talk to you.”

She looked away, embarrassed, she hugged her torn tunic close.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“You need to clean up,” I said softly. “Come with me. I’ll take you somewhere safe.”

She hesitated but I offered her my hand.

Eventually, she nodded.

I led her to a hidden chamber I kept outside the main palace. A place no one knew about. My secret escape from the royal dramas.

“Rafael,” I called. “Have someone draw her a warm bath.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

She sat quietly while the water was prepared, her eyes flitting around the room.

“You’re safe here, Seraphina,” I told her. “I promise. I just want to talk. Nothing else.”

She nodded, still unsure.

A maid soon returned. “The bath is ready, Your Highness.”

I helped her to her feet gently, and we walked to the bathroom. Rafael followed closely behind. He turned to leave, expecting me to follow. But I lingered... watching her.

She turned to me, noticing.

“Your Highness,” she said softly, her voice like a trembling leaf, “I’m... I’m about to bathe.”

“Sure!” I still lingered.

Rafael tugged me with his elbow.

“C’mmon Lucien, do you want to watch her bathe?!” Whispering in my ear.

My eyes widened. “No! I.... sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean to—”

“I’m... I’m sorry!” I stammered, flustered.

She gave a small smile. She looked so cute with her two sets of dimples. Despite how messy she looked, I still found her beautiful.

I know I sound crazy.

“It’s okay. You’ve already seen me at my worst.” she gently replied.

I turned away, face burning. Rafael giggled as we stepped out.

“You could’ve just told her you wanted a peek,” he whispered with a grin.

“Shut up, Raph,” I muttered.

"Don’t you dare tease me with what just happened, Dude!" I growled, half-smiling.

"Don’t let your mouth get you in trouble."

We were sipping fermented wine and letting the silence settle.

But then... just minutes later... a sudden scream tore through the air from the bathroom.

It was Seraphina!

Rafael and I exchanged glances... at each other.

My heart stopped.

Without a word, Rafael and I jumped to our feet and sprinted towards her.