ANMELDENVENUSI bite the inside of my cheek. Because technically...the dress isn't terrible. It's just nowhere near Maya's level.Alaric smiles. "If Lady Venus wishes to stand out more, perhaps additional makeup would help." His gaze drifts over my waist. "Or maybe a dark belt."The mockery is obvious and then he snaps his fingers. “Bring my drink.”At that, Clara rushes to him with a drink in his hand. He looks at the glass and scrunches his nose. “I want more ice on it. Go fetch more ice.” Saying that he walks away. Clara nods. When she notices me, her face brightens. "My Lady, you look beautiful."I raise a brow. “Are you sure? This dress doesn't look that flattering.” She purses her lips. “Well, I would have added more color to it–”“CLARA!” Alaric shouts, making all of us flinch. “Ice!” “Coming!” She yells and gives all of us a smile, she walks away. Nana sighs heavily. "We'll have to repair this damage later. But this is clearly odd. Alaric never disappointed us with his designs." S
VENUSThe massive hall glitters beneath crystal chandeliers. Alphas of different packs, businessmen, CEOs of famous companies, council members, military officers, and reporters fill the room. Music flows through the air, played by an orchestra group at the other end of the hall. Conversations pause as people stare at me curiously. I force myself to smile. Rowan's hand settles over mine reassuringly.For the next hour, everything goes smoothly. Rowan introduces me to some businessmen and industry owners. I speak with them politely, trying to make sure I don’t look nervous or overwhelmed, which I am from the inside. The herald announces two more names and I look past my shoulder. Thane enters with Maya holding his arm. A ripple moves through the room. Her emerald gown is stunning. The rich fabric hugs her figure perfectly while emerald gemstones glitter throughout the design like stars.The design and the way she has done her hair and makeup is impossible to ignore. People openly
VENUSI raise a brow. Interesting."Excuse me." Alaric walks away without another word.The moment he disappears around the corner, Clara rushes forward. "I'm so sorry!" Her face turns bright red. "My Lady, please don't be offended."Daisy stands immediately. "We should leave, my lady.""I agree," Sid says sharply. “I used to admire his work but I don’t anymore. He clearly lacks taste and basic manners.” Clara looks devastated. "I'm really sorry." She looks genuinely embarrassed by her boss's behavior.I glance in the direction Alaric went. Something about this entire situation bothers me. The call from Maya and his comment on me seems connected. He must be close to Maya. I wonder if she’s getting her dress designed from him as well and he favors her over me. That’s why this is an attempt to intimidate me. The dress isn’t the issue. I can get it from anyone but he has the confidence that no one will design a good dress like he does. Especially since the queens before wore his desig
VENUSAt night, I'm tangled in Rowan's sheets, warm and comfortable, when he informs me the same thing Daisy mentioned. "There's a banquet next week. The castle is holding it so that the entire pack can know you’re my Queen."I groan and bury my face deeper into the pillow. "Can we not postpone it?"He raises a brow. “Why?” I sigh. “I don’t know…I guess I just don’t like parties anymore.” He chuckles. “As the Queen you’d have to host them in the future.” I pout. His hand slides lazily down my arm, leaving behind a trail of tingles. I roll onto my side to look at him."If I'm going to spend every night here, what would even be the point of giving me my own room?"A smirk appears on his lips. "It's tradition.""Then why am I sleeping here?""Because I'm choosing not to follow that particular tradition."I laugh despite myself. This man is impossible.Rowan leans down and presses a kiss against my forehead. "For the banquet, I've already arranged a designer.""A designer?""One of
VENUSI smile at her politely. “Sure but I don’t usually like to converse while eating or drinking anything. Instead, I’m more into shared activities like reading or board games. How about we read together once in a while?” Maya purses her lips. “Um, Your Grace. By any chance, are you doubtful of my intentions?” she asks, her face turning crestfallen. “Your Highness,” the same woman who serves Maya walks in, “The prince has summoned you.” She then notices Maya’s expression and asks, “Is everything alright?” “It's fine…It’s just…” Maya looks at me with sad eyes, “I don’t think Your Grace likes me. She refused to drink the tea I made and also my invitation to have a gathering everyday.” she smiles softly, “I just wanted us to be friends.” Jui woman snaps at me. “How rude! Despite being in her second trimester, our lady wanted to extend a hand of friendship towards you out of her kind and generous nature. To think that you’d refuse it. You must think highly of yourself because now y
VENUSI am shocked at how confident and composed Daisy sounds. Her aura has shifted instantly and the other women in the sunroom can sense it as well. “Well, she isn’t the Queen yet.” A woman on Maya’s right retorts, glaring at me. “So her status is similar to our Lady Maya.” She raises her chin as if to show they are better than us. “Indeed. But she’s the King’s mate and the mother of our future heir. I’m sure the King won’t appreciate her being disrespected.” Daisy argues, keeping her voice calm. I wonder if I should say something. It feels like a battle between the ladies-in-waiting. The woman grits her teeth. “But our Lady wasn’t disrespecting her–” “It’s fine, Jui,” Maya speaks up in a soft voice. She looks at me and bows her head. “Please accept my apology. I didn’t mean to disrespect you, Your Grace.” I don’t know what to say to that. Her apology does not sound genuine to me. “It’s fine.” I reply and she smiles. I look at her carefully. Under the sunlight, her face is c
VENUSI feel something stir deep inside me from the detail. “Betrayed and engraved by heartbreak, the Mana Luna waged war. The mana wolves rose, their hearts fueled with pain. The Alpha allied with guardian celestial wolves, those who were guardians of cosmic balance and together, they banished th
VENUSThe next morning, Sid practically bursts into my room the moment I get up from my bed. “Okay,” she says, slightly breathless as she walks inside, “there might be a way for you to get into the Moon Hunt.”I stare at her in confusion. I just woke up so it takes me a few minutes to process what
VENUSI blink at him, startled by the confidence in his voice. My cheeks burn, and I quickly turn away, pretending to be interested in the view from the open balcony that overlooks the first floor.Below, I watch as Mallory leans close to Bronze. They exchange a few words I can’t hear before they he
VENUS“Because Bronze is your nephew.” I want to say that but I hold back. Instead I whisper, “Because everyone else is saying I should have known better.”His jaw flexes very slightly. “People are comfortable blaming the wrong person. It is easier than examining the truth.” He leans back against h







