CHAPTER 5: A DECISION MADE FOR HIM

Lucien’s car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the second mansion.

The moment it did, the driver quickly stepped out and opened the door for him, bowing his head respectfully. Lucien stepped out without a word. His expression was calm, unreadable, but his presence alone made the guards at the entrance stiffen.

They bowed as he walked past them.

The second mansion was quieter than the palace, warmer too. It didn’t feel as cold or strict, but it still carried authority. Servants hurried out of his way as he entered.

Inside the dining hall, his parents were already seated. His younger brother, Aurelien, was with them.

“Lucien,” his mother said with a soft smile. “I thought you wouldn’t come. Thank the Goddess you did.”

He walked over to her. She pulled him into a hug, and this time, he didn’t resist. He let her hold him for a brief moment before gently stepping back.

Aurelien opened his arms dramatically. “And what about me?”

Lucien gave him a flat look.

“I’m not a fan of hugging,” he said calmly. “You should know that.”

Aurelien laughed awkwardly and dropped his arms. “Still the same.”

Lucien took his seat at the table. The servants immediately stepped forward and began pouring wine. No one dared meet his eyes.

A few seconds later, the doors opened again.

Katherine walked in.

She was dressed in a bright red dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her long black hair flowed down her back, and her green eyes scanned the room confidently.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, slightly out of breath. “Traffic was terrible.”

She kissed Elena’s cheek warmly, hugged Michael, and greeted Aurelien with a friendly smile.

Then she turned to Lucien.

“Your Majesty.”

Lucien nodded once.

Nothing more.

She tried not to look disappointed and went back to her seat. She quickly took a sip of wine to steady herself.

Dinner was served soon after.

The conversation started normally. Michael and Elena asked Katherine about her parents, about how the former Beta was doing, about the pack lands and recent matters.

Katherine answered gracefully they're fine and they told me to sent my greetings. She spoke well, confidently, like someone who had been trained for leadership. She laughed politely at the right moments.

But every few seconds, her eyes drifted to Lucien.

He wasn’t paying attention.

He ate quietly, calmly, like none of this interested him. His posture was perfect, his movements controlled. He didn’t join the conversation. He barely reacted.

And somehow, that made him even more attractive to her.

She had admired him since they were young. While other girls feared him, she had been fascinated by him. His strength. His control. The way no one dared question him.

She always believed she would stand beside him one day.

She worked hard for that.

Trained harder,

Dressed better.

Spoke better.

Everything to be worthy of him.

But he still didn’t see her.

She swallowed that thought and forced herself to focus.

After a while, Lucien set down his fork.

The soft clink against the plate made everyone go quiet.

He looked at his parents.

“Why did you summon me?” he asked calmly.

His father cleared his throat.

“Lucien, you are a King. And you have no Luna.”

Lucien’s expression didn’t change.

“You’ve been waiting for your mate,” Elena continued gently. “But what if she never appears?”

Aurelien shifted slightly in his seat, sensing the tension building.

Lucien leaned back slightly. “Is that the reason?”

Michael nodded. “The kingdom needs stability. The people are starting to talk. You cannot rule alone forever.”

Lucien’s voice was steady. “I have ruled just fine so far.”

“Yes,” Michael agreed. “But a Luna strengthens the throne. And we believe it is time.”

Lucien’s eyes darkened slightly. “Time for what?”

Elena took a deep breath.

“We have chosen someone for you.”

The words hung in the air.

Katherine’s heart started racing. She tried not to show it, but she already knew. She had felt it the moment she was invited tonight.

Michael continued, “Katherine would make a wonderful Luna. We have watched her grow. She is capable, intelligent, and from a loyal family.”

Katherine’s cheeks flushed slightly. A small smile appeared on her face before she could stop it.

She looked at Lucien.

Waiting.

Hoping.

Lucien was silent for a few seconds.

Then he spoke.

“I can’t.”

The smile disappeared from her face instantly.

Elena frowned slightly. “Lucien”

“I respect Katherine,” he continued calmly. “She is the daughter of my father’s friend. I have known her for years.”

He looked directly at her.

“But I only see you as a friend’s sister. Nothing more.”

Katherine felt like the air had been knocked out of her chest.

The way he said it wasn’t cruel.

It was worse.

It was honest.

Michael’s voice hardened slightly. “You cannot reject this without thought.”

Lucien stood up slowly.

“I have thought about it,” he replied.

Elena tried again. “You may never find your mate.”

Lucien’s jaw tightened.

“I will not take a chosen mate,” he said firmly. “When my mate appears, I will accept her. Until then, I remain as I am.”

Silence filled the room.

Katherine’s hands trembled slightly under the table. She tried to stay composed, but her heart was breaking.

Lucien straightened his jacket.

“If that is all you wished to discuss, then I will take my leave.”

He didn’t wait for permission.

He turned and walked out of the dining hall, his steps calm and steady, as if nothing had just happened.

The doors closed behind him.

Katherine blinked rapidly, trying to stop the tears forming in her eyes.

Elena quickly moved to her side and held her hand.

“Don’t lose hope,” she said softly. “No matter what he says now… Lucien is yours.”

Katherine swallowed hard.

Her heartbreak slowly turned into something else,

Determination.

She had waited this long.

She would not give up.

Not now.