Chapter 16

Darian's POV

The palace has transformed by nightfall.

Moonveil never does anything halfway, and tonight is proof of that.

The grand hall is completely changed; several golden chandeliers bathing the room in warm light. Several long banners in deep red and silver, embroidered with the royal crest drape from the high ceilings.

Music floated softly through the air, violin players playing slow and elegantly, while Darian stood by the stairs, unmoving and watching.

Servants move around the hall quietly, while nobles whisper behind golden fans, the scent of perfumes and pheromones thickening the air...almost suffocating.

Darian's jaw tightened. This was supposed to be important to him, to his kingdom, to his new reign; choosing a mate and strengthening alliances.

To secure the future of Moonveil.

But yet, his mind constantly drifted to her.

Isabella.

He somehow wonders what it is about her that has him so infuriated with her.

And he hasn't been much better even while he even got ready earlier tonight.

He had barely even gotten over the shared kiss that left his wolf aching, when the selected staff that was to get him ready, arrived.

He has been too distracted almost throughout, "Stand still, Your Highness" the royal tailor had said, as he adjusted the collar of his formal attire... A deep green coloured tunic, with silver threading around the edge.

The outfit clings perfectly to his broad shoulders, snugging his thin waist. While the cloak exuded an air of authority as it rested neatly on his shoulders.

Then they'd led him toward the huge mirror in his room, letting him check if he needed any adjustments done. But Darian barely acknowledged her.

Because his, reflection, the calm composed prince? That was all a lie.

Beneath his calm exterior, his wolf couldn't sit still. It was restless, agitated, hungry even.

And it had nothing to do with the women waiting for him at the ball.

A voice cuts through his thoughts, "Presenting his Highness, Prince Darian of Moonveil!"

The hall stilled, all eyes turning toward him as the Alpha Prince stepped forward.

His steps were calm, controlled, chin raised to elide confidence. Owning the room in an instant, his Alpha aura, a presence that demanded attention.

A series of whispers spread through the room. Some awed, some were excited, to be before the powerful prince of Moonveil.

His gaze sweeps across the room coldly as he descends slowly into his seat, eyes sharp and observing.

After the first few formalities, and Darian's short address to all his guests, it was time for the potential mates to all present.

The first is a beautiful Omega from Thorncrest' maiden... A werewolf Princes from the second largest werewolf province.

Aurelia Thorncrest

She's wearing a beautiful thin sky blue dress that hugs her body in all the right places. Her dark long hair styled to drape down her shoulders in beautiful waves.

She curtsies gracefully, the stones on the dress shimmering with every movement.

"My prince," she flashes Darian a beautiful smile,"I hope to entertain you with a song."

She signals the band, and then she sings.

It's beautiful, a serenade to soothe wolves...evident from how the other Alphas seemed to lean toward her voice unconsciously.

All except Darian.

He just watches, not a twitch in his expression. Even when the other guests gush over her voice.

When she finishes, the once quiet room bursts into applause, her uncle...who came with her to Moonveil, beams with pride.

Darian doesn't react much. He just nods, "impressive" he says politely, and nothing more.

The second woman comes in shortly after too.

An Omega from Virel, a neighboring but rich werewolf clam.

Selena Virel.

She's wearing a light pink two piece, her stomach showing slightly with each step.

She doesn't wait for permission, she just signals for the band to start, moving like liquid fire.

Each step is intentional, swaying her hips in an attempt to seduce, her hand sliding along her body...teetering on the edge of crossing the line.

Her scent slowly slips into the air, soft and inviting. A temptation.

Many Alphas in the room shift, looking away. Some continue to look unabashedly, drooling over the sensual dance.

But Darian...he feels nothing.

Not arousal, not attraction. His expression bored and flat as her dance finally comes to an end.

The third comes in, and it's similar result. She's a human from the north, the Whitmore family, often known for their willingness to trade and accept alliances with wolf cities.

Elise Whitmore.

She sings and dance impressively, but it's still the same thing.

Darian barely reacts.

The fourth is from the second human family.

Lira Harrington. She does a small musical play, smooth and gracefully.

But Darian only nods, leaving her disappointed once again.

Then the last woman steps in. Omega Kayla Astor, Noble Astor's daughter.

She's confident and poised, determined to get a reaction from the prince other than a simple nod.

Her gown is darker than the rest..deep wine-red fabric that clinging to her figure before dipping low at her back enough to draw attention without seeming too loud.

She doesn't act too submissive. Just bows shallow, a smirk sitting on her lips.

"My Prince," Kayla says, voice smooth. "I thought I'd offer something… different."

A servant brings forward a bow and arrows, and it attracts attention around the hall.

Something interesting is happening.

Finally.

Darian's attention sharpens, though slightly, but still Kayla catches the way he sits up a little.

A target is placed across the hall, and

Kayla lifts the bow with ease, her smirk even deeper now.

She draws effortlessly, shoots Darian a look over her shoulder, and then she releases, holding Darian's gaze as the arrow shoots gracefully through the air...

....striking the centre perfectly.

There's cheering around the hall. The men are impressed, even the queen smiles.

But she doesn't stop.

She shoots a second arrow. Then a third, all slices through the other impressively.

The hall erupts in gasps and cheers.

Kayla's barely broken a sweat when she turns around and lowers slowly, a challenging smile on her face.

And Darian for the first time tonight is mildly impressed. He doesn't nod, just meets her eyes.

"You're skilled." He admits,

Kayla bats her long lashes, "only in front of someone I'm trying to impress, my lord."

At that little interaction, the room held its breath, wondering if someone had finally managed to catch the Prince's attention.

And for a moment it seems like she has…

But then Darian stills, inhaling deeply.

It's faint, but unmistakable. The soft unique scent that's been driving him crazy for days.

Hers.

His gaze moves past Kayla still standing in front of him, landing square on her.

By the wall on the other end standing amongst the other servants, wearing just the simple maids uniform, no jewelry, nothing special.

Still she makes his breath cease.

The noise fades, the music dulls. Like the entire room has suddenly become irrelevant because she's here. Watching him.

Kayla is still speaking, trying to get his attention back on her, waiting for his response.

But Darian isn’t listening anymore. He hasn’t been since he saw her..

His chest tightens, something dark and possessive curling low in his gut as their eyes meet across the room.

Isabella freezes when their eyes meet, holding it for barely a minute before she looks away.

And that single action alone is enough to send his wolf surging, picking at his control..

Kayla sighs in disappointment, following the Prince's gaze until she sees her.

The same damn maid again.

The one that was with him the other night. Alone in his chamber…

The one he had dismissed her for.

Her brow arches high.

....interesting.

Very interesting.