Chapter Twenty-Nine

LEO’S POV

"Are you ready?" I asked softly, turning my head to look down at her as we walked down the grand marble staircase into the main ballroom.

The bright crystal lights above seemed to fix directly on us, pouring golden beams over Ivy’s sparkling blue gown. Around the massive room, the quiet shock faded into a heavy round of polite applause from the high lords and ladies.

"Yes, I am," Ivy whispered back, her small hand holding onto my arm just a little tighter. "But I really do not know anyone here."

"Do not worry," I murmured, leaning down slightly so only she could hear my voice. "Just pretend like you know them. Everyone in this room believes they are very important."

Ivy let out a quiet chuckle, the tension leaving her shoulders as she looked up at me. "Okay then."

I gave her a warm smile, slid my right hand gently around her waist, and led her smoothly into the crowded room.

As we walked through the ballroom, several high-ranking pack leaders and old ministers stepped forward to greet us. I stood proud by her side, holding her close as I introduced her to each ruler.

"Prince Leo, she is breathtaking," an older Alpha from the northern territory said, bowing his head in respect.

"A true vision, Your Highness," his mate added, her eyes wide as she looked at the sparkling diamonds on Ivy’s dress and the glowing heirloom around her neck.

Ivy stayed sweet and silent, giving them polite smiles and gentle nods. She did not need to speak long speeches. Her graceful presence beside me was enough to say everything.

Not long after, the loud sound of a golden trumpet echoed through the room, cutting through the low chatter. The crowd immediately stopped talking and turned toward the top of the grand staircase.

"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Queen Victoria of the Varian Pack!" the herald announced in a booming voice.

Everyone in the ballroom bowed their heads, clapping respectfully as my mother made her grand entrance.

My mother was in her mid-fifties, an Alpha woman of average height, but her presence filled the entire room. She wore an elegant, floor-length dark emerald green velvet gown decorated with fine gold embroidery along the high collar and long sleeves. A small, delicate gold crown rested neatly on her dark hair, which was styled in a tight, noble bun.

Even after my father's death years ago, she had never broken. She had stepped up to guide the pack council with a cold, unbreakable strength, holding our kingdom together with an iron grip while I prepared to take the throne. She looked every bit the powerful, resilient queen she was.

Leaving Ivy by my side for a second, I walked closer to the bottom of the stairs, offering my hand to help my mother down the final steps.

I watched as my mother’s sharp eyes slid around the room, taking in the bowed heads of the lords, before her gaze finally landed directly on Ivy. Her dark eyes narrowed slightly, inspecting the glowing diamond necklace and the clear, soft bump of Ivy’s belly.

"Good evening, Your Highness," I greeted smoothly, stepping back beside my mate.

Ivy bowed gracefully beside me, her long golden hair sweeping over her shoulder. "Your Highness."

My mother put on a calm, polite smile for the crowd. She gave Ivy a quick, sharp once-over with her eyes, assessing every inch of her before she spoke in a smooth, quiet voice.

"What is your name?"

"Ivy Ashworth," she replied, keeping her voice steady and clear.

I knew my mother wanted to say much more…her mind was already calculating the political mess of the Ashworth name, but she was too smart to cause a scene in front of hundreds of watching nobles.

Putting on her perfect professional smile, she looked at Ivy and said, "Wonderful. I would like us to chat one of these days, Ivy. I hope it can be arranged."

Ivy glanced up at me, completely caught off guard by the sudden request. Seeing my reassuring nod, she quickly nodded back to my mother.

"Of course, Your Highness," Ivy said politely.

Just then, heavy footsteps approached us. Alpha Welton…the ruler of the Night Howl Pack and my late father’s closest friend, stepped forward, bowing his head to my mother.

"My Queen, you look beautiful as ever," Alpha Welton said warmly. He then turned his dark eyes to me. "I would like for us to discuss something important, Victoria. I hope you do not mind, Leo?"

"Of course not," I replied, bowing my head slightly to the old Alpha.

Alpha Welton offered his arm, and my mother took it gracefully as he led her away toward a group of senior council members near the main balcony.

I turned back to Ivy, checking her face with a little bit of worry. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she said, letting out a soft, relieved breath.

"Good," I smiled, leaning down closer to her ear. "Because I am tired of chatting with strangers. Let us dance."

I watched as Ivy’s dark eyes widened in shock.

"Now?" she asked, glancing around at the hundreds of eyes still watching our every move.

I pulled her just a little bit closer to my chest, my hand firm against her waist, and whispered in a low, deep voice, "Why not? There is music playing, and we need to shut down any useless rumors about me and Celeste once and for all."

Ivy looked into my eyes, and I watched as the worry in her expression brightened into pure, strong determination.

"Okay," she said softly, holding my hand tightly. "Let us dance."

I led her out onto the center of the massive polished floor. Just like I expected, as soon as the Crown Prince and his mate stepped into the middle of the room, the other dancing couples quickly cleared the floor, stepping back to give us space.

The soft orchestra music filled the grand room. I pulled Ivy close against my body, wrapping my arm safely around her waist.

We began to move, gliding across the smooth floor in a slow, graceful rhythm. I lost myself in her beautiful dark eyes, and she looked back at me with absolute trust, both of us completely ignoring the jealous glares of Lady Celeste and the dark, furious scowl of her mother watching from the edge of the room.

We danced together, wrapped in our own quiet world of love and safety completely unaware of the deep, dark danger already waiting for us in the shadows ahead.