Chapter 17

Belle's POV

The hall feels too bright, too full of people aiming to be the best dressed. Too full of people trying too hard to show off.

A place Belle feels she doesn't belong anymore.

She tries to keep her head lowered as she moves quietly at the other end of the room, a tray balanced in her hand as she helps Miss Stella serve fresh wine to the guests.

But in reality, she hasn't heard a single instruction since she stepped inside, even almost mixing up the drinks at one point.

All because of him.

Prince Darian.

And that damn woman.

She hates how easy it is to find him in a crowded room. How his scent drifts across the space even in the midst of several Alphas and Omegas.

It's like her body is wired to him now. And no matter how many times she tries to stay away, she always finds herself around him.

Her gaze drifts back to him without warning, catching how he seats confidently on his throne. His shoulders are squared, expression calm, beautiful green eyes scanning the room.

Like earlier never happened.

Like he didn't kiss her senseless, and then send her away.

Her grip tightens on the tray as she's signaled toward another table, pretending not to watch each of those women try desperately to impress Darian.

And failing...

But then Kayla..the same Omega she'd found in the Prince's chamber that night...steps forward confidently, and it makes a pang of something shoot up her spine.

Something Belle refuses to name.

Kayla is confident, every step is graceful, and measured. And just like Belle had thought, Darian sits up too, watching Kayla with attention.

It hits her suddenly, how Kayla is the kind of woman who should stand next to the king. The kind that doesn't need to hide, or meet him in secret.

And when her performance ends, the crowd erupts in applause and cheers, making Belle swear unconsciously under her breath.

Even Darian, who has so far spent the night in indifference, looks slightly impressed.

He'd even complimented her, who in turn flirted with him so openly.

It makes Belle frowns without realizing it, though her eyes are trained on the ground.

"They look so perfect together." She hears someone whisper by her left, two noblewomen sitting nearby, fans lifted to their lips as they whisper between each other.

"An Astor and Moonveil? That would be powerful." The second one replies.

"And it seems the Prince has eyes for her too." The first one points between them, "look how he's staring at her."

"Yes, yes." The other woman chuckles and nods. "She'll surely make a strong Luna."

It makes Belle's stomach drop.

Luna?

Was the Prince really expected to marry one of these women? If so, what about all these kisses they've shared?

Was the prince only toying with her because she was accessible?

Did he think she was easy? A place holder before he chose a real mate?

Is this why he'd told her to stay away from him?

She swallows and forces her expression to remain neutral, adjusting the tray slightly as she takes a step back.

She shouldn't even be listening. Shouldn't care what the Prince decides to do with his life.

Because he and Kayla do look good together.

And it hurts more than she expects to admit it.

She turns away toward the door, hoping to slip out before the Prince has a chance to choose.

She doesn't wait to see it. Doesn't want to watch it happen.

But then the Prince lifts his head, and suddenly their eyes are locked across the hall.

No, he's not staring at Kayla now, nor any of the women present.

But at her.

The realization makes a small warmth bloom in her chest, and she holds his gaze for a beat, hoping he can't catch the way the tip of her ears turn faint pink.

But then Kayla turns too, tracing the Prince's gaze to her. And the way her expression shifts, Belle instantly knows she's about to get in trouble.

Belle's stomach drops, brown eyes flickering back to the Prince who's still looking at her, not even trying to hide it; Gaze dark with intent and possession.

It makes her panic, wondering if the other guests could notice the Prince's eyes on her too.

She lowers her gaze immediately, forcing her expression back neutral and small, something a maid should look like.

Readjusting the tray in her hand, she turns around and leaves the room quietly before she pulls more unwanted attention to herself.

The moment she's out of the hall, the air feels different. Sweeter without the excessive perfume and pheromones lingering in the air.

The palace is mostly quiet now, with most of the staff and guests in the hall, watching the mating presentations.

Her steps slow as she walks deeper into the corridor, one hand unconsciously rising to press against her temple.

"Get a grip!" She mutters under her breath. It really shouldn't matter what Prince Darian does or doesn't do,

because this is not her life.

This is not her world.

And Prince Darian is definitely not hers...

Her thoughts however are cut off, as voices come from ahead, low and muffled but loud enough for her to overhear through the quiet hallways.

It sounds rough, urgent, not like the soft tones of nobles and guests in the ballroom.

It makes her pause, her steps slowing.

Something feels wrong.

She hides without realizing it, pressing herself behind a stone pillar just before the corridor opens to a small dimly lit passage.

"…the coronation is in a few weeks." She hears one of them say...it's a man's voice.

"And there's too many guards." Another man replies quieter, his voice soft.

"That means we will just have to wait until the ceremony." She hears the first one say again. "There will be so many distractions that day, a better chance."

There's a long pause, then the second man says again, "But we still need her to win the Prince's heart. it's crucial to this plan!"

"We may need to find alternatives." the first one argues, "you know the prince is a hard man to please.."

"No!" The second one cuts in sharply, "she should try harder! We need her for this plan to work. You know that!" He snaps at whoever he's talking to, voice low.

Belle's breath stills.

They're talking about Prince Darian?

There's a small pause, before the second one finally hums in agreement. after seemingly thinking about it.

"Truly, if she manages to get the Prince to trust her, it'll make everything even much easier." The man sighs, "Then need to make sure there's no mistakes."

So they're talking about one of the potential mates for the Prince?

But who?

She tries to peek from behind the pillar, but their backs are turned to her. And if she makes too much noise,she'll no doubt be a target too.

So she stays quiet, listening with rapt attention as the men keep talking;

"Once Darian falls, Moonveil will scatter. And then, we can attack." The man's voice is cold.

The first one hums again, "Don't worry, I'll talk to her. She needs to focus on our goal and not get easily swayed by the Prince's charm."

"She'll do it, don't worry." the man adds, "tonight is just a formality. It doesn't determine who the Prince would eventually choose."

Belle's fingers curl against the cold stone, and for a moment she thinks she misheard.

Because if it was true...

then one of the potential mates… is involved?

But why? What were they aiming to gain by killing him?

She clamps a hand over her mouth as she hears the shuffle of feet, not daring to breathe as they slowly walk away.

Even after they've left, Belle doesn't move, her legs threatening to give out beneath her. Her head is spinning as their words echo over and over in her head.

Darian is being targeted.

They're going to kill him at his own coronation.

Her fingers tremble as she lowers her hand slowly from her mouth.

This is insane.

Though it is not really her problem....

She could just stay out of it and instead focus on finding a way back to the Prince's bath alone, and sneak back to her world without anyone noticing.

But at the same time, the Prince has defended her so many times. Their undeniable chemistry, and the kisses they've shared...

She exhales shakily, fingers curling into her maids uniform.

"Damn it." She whispers under her breath, hating herself for caring.

Because no matter how much she tries to pretend...she knows she can't let the Prince walk right into their trap.

She needs to do something about it…

But where would she even start from?