Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

LEO’S POV

"And wrapping up our broadcast today," the news anchor, Kim, said, turning her bright smile toward the camera before glancing back at me. "We are honored to have His Royal Highness, Prince Leo, with us in the KBS Studio. Your Highness, congratulations on the recent signing of the Continental Trade Pact. Passing that treaty without a single veto from the High Court is being called the biggest political win of the decade."

"Thank you, Kim," I replied smoothly, adjusting the cuff of my jacket. "Though I assure you, convincing seven stubborn pack leaders to agree on tax rates was far harder than fighting a war."

Kim chuckled, leaning forward with a light spark in her eyes. "Well, your diplomatic skills are undeniable, Sire. But if I may... our viewers are far more interested in your personal life than international tariffs."

I raised an eyebrow, a wry smile touching my lips. "I had a feeling we wouldn't stay on economics for long."

"Rumors have been flying across the capital all week," Kim pressed, tilting her head. "There are whispers that the nation's most eligible royal bachelor secretly has a lover hidden away. Is there any truth to that?"

I leaned back in the studio chair, keeping my expression entirely unreadable. "A prince's life is rarely quiet, Kim. People love to invent fairy tales where there are only busy schedules."

"Notice that you didn't say no," Kim pointed out with a quick laugh. "Which brings me to the next burning question on everyone's mind, what about Lady Celeste? Photos of you two at the winter gala last year still circulate everywhere. Is there a romance brewing there?"

"Celeste is a dear family friend," I answered without hesitation, keeping my tone light and clear. "Nothing more, nothing less."

"Alright, I'll let that slide for now," Kim laughed, checking her cue cards before looking back at me with a mischievous grin. "Last question, Your Highness. The Apex Gathering is at the end of the month, and everyone is dying to know who will be on your arm. Who is your plus-one?"

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "That’s a top-secret classified matter, Kim." Then, I leaned closer to the microphone, adding playfully, "To be completely honest... I haven't even asked her yet because I'm nervous. But I really hope she agrees."

Kim gasped, bursting into a lighthearted laugh. "Oh my goodness! I guess even a royal prince gets nervous! Thank you so much for your time today, Prince Leo."

"My pleasure," I said as the broadcast cameras cut to black.

Minutes later, I was sitting in the back of my luxury sedan, watching the city buildings blur past the tinted windows. "Take me straight back to the mansion," I instructed the driver.

Doctor Rachel had sent over a month-long bond-building routine, and the core instruction was simple: I needed to be around Ivy consistently without suffocating her with my aura. I couldn't help but smile as I thought back to breakfast this morning. She had looked breathtaking in her sky-blue dress, her dark hair pulled back into a soft ponytail. I had spent half the meal trying not to stare at her like a creep.

The hardest part had been watching her eat, specifically when she innocently stuck out the tip of her pink tongue to lick a stray droplet of honey off a fresh strawberry. My wolf had practically lost its mind right then and there. Leaving for the news studio had taken every ounce of my willpower.

I popped open my leather briefcase, retrieved a silver pill bottle, and swallowed a suppressant tablet with a gulp of water. The medication temporarily suppressed my overwhelming Alpha scent, preventing my raw pheromones from leaking out and distressing the workers at the mansion, who were all gentle Omegas.

When the car pulled up to the estate, the head butler was already waiting at the front doors, bowing low as I stepped into the foyer.

"Welcome back, Your Highness," he said.

"Where is Ivy?" I asked immediately, handing him my suit jacket.

"Lady Ivy is upstairs in the second-floor theater room, Sire. She has been there since breakfast."

I nodded and made my way up the wide marble staircase. I reached the theater room and pushed the heavy door open just a fraction, intending to just peek in and check on her.

The wide screen was softly glowing with the end credits of a movie, but Ivy was fast asleep. She was curled up on the plush leather couch, breathing softly.

I knew I should have turned around and left, but curiosity pulled me forward like a tether. I quietly slipped into the room and stepped over the thick carpet until I was standing right beside her.

She looked like a sleeping angel. Her long dark lashes rested against her porcelain skin, her rose-tinted lips slightly parted. I reached out, my fingers trembling slightly as I gently stroked her soft cheek, my thumb tracing the swell of her lower lip. My wolf purred deep in my chest, completely soothed just by being in her space.

The temptation was too strong. I couldn't resist her.

I bent down, hovering over her for a heartbeat before pressing my lips firmly against hers.

Our kiss deepened instantly, hot and needy as I captured her mouth, drinking in her sweetness. It was simply mind-blowing. I shuddered when I felt Ivy’s warm tongue tickle my lips. Her lips parted naturally under mine, and a low, soft moan escaped her throat into my mouth.

That small sound hit me like a splash of ice water. Reality snapped back in, reminding me that she was still terrified of me when awake.

I pulled back slowly, my chest heaving as I stared down at her flushed, peaceful face. She hadn't fully woken up, only shifting slightly in her sleep. Taking a deep breath to steady my racing pulse, I reached for a thick cashmere blanket from the armchair, gently draping it over her small body. My eyes caught my shirt clutched between her chests. I smiled to myself.

There was hope

I turned and walked out of the room, heading straight toward my study down the hall.

As I passed the butler in the corridor, I paused and gave a quiet command: "Let me know when lunch is prepared. I will be dining with Ivy today... set up our table in the rose garden."