015

The next morning, I woke up with a dull ache in my leg. It wasn’t unbearable, but it reminded me of how I had fallen yesterday, humiliating myself right in front of Derek and Mira. I shifted slightly on the bed, trying not to move too much, but the stiffness made me let out a quiet groan.

Before I could even sit up properly, the door opened, and Derek walked in. He was already dressed in a crisp shirt and trousers, looking like he hadn’t slept much. His eyes went straight to me, sharp but filled with something softer I couldn’t explain.

“You should stay still,” he said, walking closer. He placed a tray of food on the table beside the bed. “I asked Mira to prepare breakfast. You don’t need to stress yourself.”

I forced a small smile, though it felt heavy. “You don’t have to do all this. I’m fine. It’s just a slight pain. I can walk perfectly.”

He gave me a look that showed he didn’t believe me. “You could barely walk yesterday. I don’t want to believe it’s suddenly just a slight pain.” He adjusted the pillows behind me so I could sit comfortably. His hands brushed against my shoulders, careful but firm, and I found myself holding my breath. I hated how much attention he was giving me because it only made me feel more like a burden.

I picked up the spoon slowly, stirring the food without eating. Derek sat in the chair beside the bed, watching me with quiet focus. The silence stretched, pressing down on me until I finally put the spoon down and looked at him.

“Don’t you have work?” I asked softly. “Meetings? Papers? Something more important than… this?”

He leaned back slightly, calm but serious. “Nothing is more important than this.”

The words hit me harder than I expected. I looked down, trying to hide the way my chest tightened. “You don’t have to lie to make me feel better.”

“I don’t lie to you, Nora,” he said firmly. “I canceled everything today because I want to be here. So stop acting like you’re a problem.”

Just after he finished, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression changing instantly. “What?” His voice was sharp. He stood quickly, leaned down to kiss my forehead, and rushed out.

I guessed something important must have come up. Not long after, Mira walked in carrying a brand-new phone and a folded note.

“He said I should give this to you,” she explained, handing me both.

I opened the note and read quietly: “I’m sorry I couldn’t say this to you in person, but I’ll be away for a few days at the Black Diamond Pack. Rest, eat well, and don’t stop loving me. I love you.”

My cheeks burned red. I stared at the phone — an iPhone 16 in a soft pink color — and didn’t know what to say.

“My dream phone,” Mira whispered with a grin.

But I didn’t respond immediately. He will be gone for a few days… Did that mean he’d be staying long? Why was I already feeling the weight of his absence?

“Black Diamond,” I murmured under my breath.

“I heard a rumor,” Mira lowered her voice. “That the Alpha of that pack murdered his wife — and she was of royal blood.”

I shivered. “That’s scary.”

Before Mira could add more, Lyra barged into my room with all her usual energy. She didn’t even knock, just went straight to my wardrobe and started pulling clothes like she owned them.

“You’re not staying in here sulking,” she announced, tossing a pair of jeans and a blouse on the bed. “You’re coming with me.”

I sat back on the edge of the bed, staring at the clothes. “Going where?”

“Shopping,” she said simply.

“Shopping?” I repeated, blinking.

“Yes, shopping. I’m tired of seeing you wear the same two gowns like you’re a widow.”

Mira coughed into her hand to hide her laughter.

“My princess, she hurt herself yesterday. I don’t think she can walk up and down like that. The king said she needs to rest,” Mira explained quickly.

Lyra rolled her eyes. “She’ll rest later.” She turned to me. “You can walk, so you’re fine. You’re not in a hospital bed.” She flipped through my clothes, taking under her breath. “We’re not even negotiating this, Nora.”

I straightened up. “I mean it. My leg still hurts.”

Shopping sounded fun, but deep down I wasn’t fully comfortable here. Doing too much might make people think I was a gold digger.

Lyra turned, planting her hands on her waist like she was scolding me. “Listen to me. You’re the queen-to-be. Queens don’t sit inside and sulk over a limp. Queens set standards. There are new releases out there, the kind every top woman is already grabbing, and if you don’t get yours now, you’ll look outdated before you even begin.”

She stepped closer and tapped my arm. “We need to get copies. We need to trademark looks. We need to put you in the right lane. Do you understand? And don’t forget the last dinner with the Queen Mother.” She rolled her eyes, giving me that look like I should already know what she meant. “Nora, you should know your appearance is the first line of this battle.”

“I support that,” Mira added softly.

I swallowed, unsure how to respond. The way Lyra said it made me feel like staying in bed would be a huge mistake.

“Lyra—” I started, but she cut me off.

“No buts. You’re coming. End of discussion.”

By the time we settled into the car, Lyra was already laughing. She tossed her bag on the seat and grinned at me. “Today is officially Derek-free. You’re mine. I’ll even call him later to tell him not to think about you today because I’m taking full custody.”

Her words made me chuckle lightly, but in the back of my mind, Derek’s note echoed again. Black Diamond Pack… away for a few days.

The moment we walked into the store, I was overwhelmed. Everywhere I looked, there were shining glass displays, shelves stacked with clothes that looked too expensive to even touch, and sales attendants who smiled like they were paid just to make you feel poor.

My heart skipped when I checked the price tag of the first dress Lyra held up.

“One hundred and fifty thousand dollars?” I whispered, quickly putting it back on the rack.

Lyra raised a brow at me. “And so? Do you know whose card is in my bag right now? You think Derek will blink if I buy this entire shop?”

I shook my head. “Still, it’s too much. You can’t just waste money like that.”

Lyra rolled her eyes dramatically. “Nora, you’re engaged to the Lycan King. Do you realize the kind of money breathing in his account? Please, don’t disgrace me. You’re not a Packhouse mouse anymore. You’re supposed to live like the Queen you are.”

Her words hit me, but instead of pride, I felt out of place. Back home, I never even touched a dollar, and now I was staring at dresses worth more than everything my family ever owned.

I picked up another dress, more modest this time, and checked the price. Eighty thousand. My chest tightened. “No. I can’t.”

Lyra groaned loudly and snatched the dress from my hand. “You’re impossible.”

Before I could defend myself, a voice came from behind, cool and sharp.

“Rags know where they belong… it’s a good thing.”

I froze. Lyra’s grip tightened on the dress. Slowly, we both turned.

Standing a few steps away were Lena and Ariana, shopping bags hanging from their hands. From the way they looked at me, it was clear this coincidence was not in my favor.