Chapter 04 - Daphne

“What’s the reason for this silence? Hasn’t she received a handkerchief yet?” I couldn’t tell, but there seemed to be a small, mocking smile in his voice “Strange. I thought you had made a special gift for all the members of our caravan, His Holiness. Especially seeing that her fiancé is displaying his handkerchief with such pride…”

“That’s enough, Alpha Cross.” Melvin grunted “Saint Rosalind has already made it very clear that it wasn’t her intention…”

“Although it’s not in good taste for Sean, a betrothed man, to have accepted such a gift from the saint, however pure her intentions may have been.” my father narrowed his eyes “In fact, giving a handkerchief to more than one man is already…”

“I’m sorry. I… I can get the tissues back…” Rosalind sniffled, and her words brought me immense relief “I really don’t want to cause any trouble…”

"No!" three voices shouted at once, and in the next instant, something struck my shoulder so abruptly that I almost fell to the ground.

It took me a minute to truly believe that Sean was so desperate to get to Rosalind that he almost ran over me to do it.

“Do not listen to them, Your Holiness,” Jude pleaded “We are honored to receive your prayers and your consideration.”

“Exactly!” Leon grunted “No one will dare think badly of you because of this. I would kill anyone who tried to hurt you.” He said those last words looking in Cross’s direction.

“Please, don’t take our gifts away from us. They already mean so much.” Sean said, and my stomach churned as he took her hand and brought it to his lips “Besides, how could anyone misread your intentions when the only one who had the right to be bothered by this is Daphne. And she isn’t! Right, Daphne?” As if only then remembering that I existed, he raised his gaze to me, causing everyone else to do the same.

The lump in my throat suddenly seemed tighter, so much so that I found myself hesitating. The truth was, well, if Rosalind could just stick to tradition and collect those handkerchiefs, we wouldn't need to have this discussion. If I were honest at that moment, maybe I could rid myself of this discomfort.

But I couldn't.

Because, in the faces of my fiancé, my brother, and my fiancé, I saw that what I wanted didn't matter to them at that moment. They wanted to keep their gifts.

Even if I explained myself, they would still be angry.

Don't be selfish, Daphne. That's not how Princess Vitale should be.

“They’re right.” My voice was low, but at least the words came out “It was a beautiful gesture from the saint. I… I don’t mind…”

“Did you hear? Then never dare open your mouth again to question Rosie’s intentions!” Leon didn’t let me finish, a menacing expression on his face as he turned to Alfa Cross “Otherwise, I…”

“It’s fine.” He shrugged again, but, to my surprise, those golden eyes were firmly fixed on me “I value traditions, but if your females have so little respect for themselves, then there’s nothing I can do.”

His words hit me like a dagger, stealing my breath.

That… Rude man. How could he say something like that to me? I was Alpha Vitale's daughter! Didn't he realize what kind of violent reaction Sean, Jude, or Leon might have after he insulted me like that…?

“Can we stop this? We’re only upsetting Rosalind by continuing to insist on this.” Sean said, his words soft, clearly trying to ease the tension.

But he was still so focused on Rosalind that he didn't even see my shocked look at him.

He… None of them had heard what that man said about me…?

“Sean is right. Today should be a day to celebrate.” Melvin said, a grimace on his face as he looked at Adrien Cross “Not to create unnecessary discord among the group that is about to save the four packs from the greatest threat we’ve ever faced! And, just so you know, our Princess was raised according to our clan’s code of honor. Such an irrelevant situation could never shake her spirit.”

The old man's eyes fell on me, and although a part of me was grateful for his words, I knew it wasn't a compliment. It was a warning.

I had no right to be bothered by any of that. Not when it involved the saint. Not when I was my father's daughter and my duty was to uphold the family name. My annoyance was just an insignificant grain of sand compared to all the problems the pack was dealing with. And certainly having a princess acting so unworthily wouldn't help us close our deal with the Haven and clear a path for the supplies our soldiers needed.

So I just tried to bury those feelings inside me again, deep enough so that I couldn't think about them again. Not even when I saw that scarf adorning Sean's sword all night long.

“This matter has gone on longer than it should have.” I forced a smile “Shouldn’t we all head to the ballroom? Our guests must be wondering where we are. Especially Alfa Haven.” I exchanged a glance with my father, who gave me a grateful and tired smile.

Long events like those were draining his energy more and more quickly lately. The last thing I wanted was to exhaust him over a trivial matter.

“Oh, she’s here?” Rosalind sighed, suddenly tense “Do you think I’ll make a good impression? I still have this strange feeling that she doesn’t like me.”

“That brat is cold as ice with everyone, Rosie. Don’t let her bother you.” Leon assured me, and before I could reprimand him for saying something like that, Sean’s words cut him off.

“Let me escort you to the ball.” he offered, sending shivers down my spine “That way you’ll have nothing to fear.”

“No!” my brother scoffed, a victorious little smile spreading across his face “Your only partner should be your fiancée, have you forgotten that?”

Sean glanced over his shoulder at me and… He clearly tried to disguise it as quickly as possible, but I saw the disappointment on his face.

“I…” Jude began, taking a step toward Rosalind’s, but Leon stopped him as well.

“And your duty is to escort Daphne. After all, she’s the one you swore your oath of loyalty to, isn’t she?” he reminded her, extending his arm toward Rosie “I’ll have the honor of escorting the saint to the ball. Come on, hurry up and do the same with Daphne.” Leon snorted, turning his back on us all “We’re already late.”

“The saint’s safety is the highest priority!” Jude insisted, beginning to follow them “Princess Daphne has her father with her. I should be with Your Holiness…”

“I’m going to spend the rest of the night with Daphne.” Sean snorted, and even though he knew I was exaggerating, his words sounded like he was carrying a burden “As the best warrior in my pack, it’s my duty to ensure the saint’s safety!”

The three continued their discussion down the hallway, leaving behind my father, the leader of the elders, Alpha Cross...

And me.

“I wonder if our presence is really necessary…” Adrien Cross spoke in that same mocking tone, and I could feel his intense gaze on me “After all, it seems this group of heroes only has one truly important member.”