Chapter 3: I Don't Believe She Did it.

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, questioning me!”

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

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

“You're my son! 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, Mom!” 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 that cries!”

“What will Valerie think, hmm? She’s your mate. 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 'loser' Father wants to hand over the race of the pack to?”

“What a pity!”

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," My mom snapped. "What's the meaning of this rubbish, Lorenzo? Be you his older 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.

I nearly crashed into Valerie in the hall. She’d clearly been standing by the door, listening.

“Where are you rushing off to, baby?” she purred, looping her arm through mine.

I tried to pull away, but she tightened her grip.

“Valerie, not now, please.”

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 stranger, Lucien.”

I scoffed under my breath because literally, that was what she was to me... a stranger.

“Valerie, I don’t have time for this. Excuse me.”

She grabbed my wrist, looking at me with lustful eyes. Valerie was beautiful, yeah, but I just didn't feel attracted to her. Though she was my mate, 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, shocked at her question. Honestly, I didn't want any more drama so we went to my chambers.

She stared at me lustfully, I could feel that she wanted me badly but I ignored.

“You don’t want me?” she snapped. “C'mon baby... I need you..”

Her lips crashed against mine, desperately. I stood still at first... numb. I didn’t kiss her back.

But she kept going, her hands pulling at me, her mouth relentless. And gods.... the nagging that followed were bleeding my ears out and I gave in.

Not because I wanted her though, I just wanted her to stop fuming.

It meant nothing to me.

We kissed and mated. She was all heat and hunger. I was just... there.

Minutes later, she fell asleep tangled in the sheets, content in her illusion that she’d won.

I lay awake, staring 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.

Rafael was more than a bodyguard.... he was a very good beta friend of mine.

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

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

I didn’t answer right away. My mind was already elsewhere.... with her.

Seraphina.

I’d seen broken people before. But this was different.

There was something about her… I didn’t know why it got under my skin... why I couldn’t leave it alone.

“Have you seen Seraphina?” I asked the wolves near the yard.

They bowed, murmuring that she was probably deep in the forest, cause of her shift.

We headed straight there.

As soon as we got to the entrance of the forest, Rafael stopped me with a hand on my arm.

“Lucien... I really don't know why you're doing this... but I suggest we wait here.”

I shot him a look. “You think she’s dangerous too?”

“I didn’t say that,” he muttered. “I’m saying... if she killed her father, then there's no telling what else she’s capable of.”

I sighed, shoving my hands in my robe's pockets. “I don’t believe she did it.”

Rafael shook his head. “You’re too empathetic.. and that’s gonna get you killed one day.”

“Maybe,” I muttered. “But not today.”

We sat under the trees in silence, waiting. Talking about everything and nothing. Rafael kept looking at me like I was losing my mind.

Well... maybe I was.

At dawn, she appeared... stumbling from the forest, barefoot, torn tunic, her hair a mess. She looked like a ghost still clinging to life. Her body trembled as she took cautious steps, not expecting to see anyone.

When our eyes met, she froze.

“My... my prince?” she whispered, bowing slightly. My heart ached for her.

I stood, stepping forward slowly. “I just want to talk.”

She looked away, hugging the torn fabric around her.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

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

She hesitated. I held out my hand. Eventually, she nodded.

I led her to a hidden chamber beyond the palace walls.... my space away from the palace drama. Rafael followed close, quiet as always.

“Rafael,” I said as we entered, “have someone draw her a bath.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

She sat quietly while the water was prepared, her eyes never staying still.

“You’re safe here, Seraphina,” I promised. “I really just want to talk.”

She nodded, still unsure.

Soon, a maid came in. “The bath is ready, Your Highness.”

I helped her up gently, guiding her to the bathroom. Rafael followed closely behind us. He turned to leave at the door, expecting me to follow. But I lingered... watching her.

She turned to me, noticing.

“Your Highness... I’m about to bathe.” her voice came out soft.

“Right,” I said, still standing there like an idiot.

Rafael bumped me with his elbow, muttering,

“C'mon dude? You're planning to watch her bathe too?”

My eyes snapped wide. “No! Of course not... I... I wasn’t thinking.”

She smiled faintly, her dimples flashing. Gosh! even in this state, somehow, she still looked beautiful.

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

I turned away, my cheeks burning. Rafael chuckled as we left.

“Bro... you could’ve just said you wanted a peek,” he teased, grinning.

“Shut up, Raph.”

“Don’t worry,” he smirked. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

I rolled my eyes, half-smiling.

We poured ourselves some fermented wine, waiting for her.

Then.... a sudden scream ripped through the air.

It was Seraphina.

Rafael and I locked eyes.

My heart stopped, and without a word, Rafael and I jumped to our feet and dashed towards to the bathroom.