Conrad’s POVI had my back turned to a large group of people that were standing in my room. “Any news so far? What is the word on the street? Are we making any progress?”The room was silent, and my personal aide was standing behind me. I looked out of the window, and from his reflection in the thick glass, I could tell he was shaking.“Are you deaf? Didn't you hear what I said?My aide was sweating, and he slowly opened the document file after wiping his sweaty palms.“Speak!”“No…nothing yet, your highness. We haven’t heard any confirmation from the king, your father. He hasn’t hinted at anything, and I assure you, we are keeping strict tabs on him, morning and evening.”I heard what my aide said, and I turned to him angrily. I addressed him as if he had the answers to all the questions that I was asking.“So we are not making progress?" I asked, my brows creasing tightly. I had spent the last year using most of my resources to build my influence and reputation.Jonas hurriedly sh

April's POV I woke up on the floor, and Azura gently pawed my face. My eyes fluttered open and met her deep blue slits."What are you doing? Is it morning already?""Meow."I rubbed my eyes and sat up. My back ached, and I looked up at my painting. It wasn't done yet. I remembered putting my brush down for a quick power nap. I must have dozed off.I stood up and saw that the sun was up. I grabbed my brush and continued to paint. I had to get it done today. I resumed my artistic strokes, and I felt the creativity begin to flow anew.I had gotten several knocks at my door, but I ignored all of them. I was determined to get it done, and nothing would distract me...Knock! Knock!I groaned and finally decided to go to the door.I opened it and saw that it was a maid."Good morning, Miss April. I apologise for bothering you, but you are needed at the breakfast table."I nodded and headed back inside my room. Azura was on the bed meowing."I have to go for breakfast. I'll get you something

April’s POVI stared at him, stunned, trying to gather my thoughts together. Finally, I could speak, and I tried to sound as sincere and polite as possible.“I really do not think that that is necessary. You are the royal prince, and I am simply in your debt. All eyes will be on you, and I wouldn’t want to get in your way, and I certainly do not want all that attention. I want to present the gift to the Alpha, enjoy the banquet like everyone else, and not have paparazzi in my face.”I saw this look in his eyes but could not figure it out.“Someone like you doesn’t deserve to be in the shadows, April. You are already enough limelight, and you brighten places that you go and people you touch.”I felt my cheeks flood with colour as he talked about me. He was really sweet with words, but I still had to decline his offer. I really didn’t want to be seen with him. Deep down, it just didn’t seem right. Couldn’t he understand?“I still have to refuse. I am sorry.”“April, you really don’t hav

Conrad's POVI watched as my father walked in with that gold digger, Vivian. I scoffed as soon as I saw her. My father didn't know her as well as I did. More than anyone, I knew that Vivian didn't care about my father. Not after she had tried to climb into my bed more than once with all her flirtatious gazes.She was simply one of the bevvy of ladies my father kept at his disposal for pleasure. But since he chose to bring her along to his birthday banquet, it was safe to say that he had made her his favourite. My father didn't just bring any woman along with him to his occasions. As his first son, I knew that better than anyone.With her by his side, he was beaming from all sides as she grasped his arm. I could only imagine the type of sorcery that that woman had used to be able to bewitch my father to bring her along. I inverted my gaze away from them and turned to where Lucy and April stood. Their gaze was on the Alpha and Vivian, but they looked stunned, their eyes wide with shock

April's POV I watched Alexa's performance come to an end. I was so busy staring at Stacie and trying to get her attention that I missed most of the show. But I could tell from the uproar that it was amazing. I gave Lucy a gentle nudge, and she turned to me. "This is definitely Stacie," I said in a low whisper. There was a subconscious part of me that still had doubts. But I hadn't spent ten years with her for nothing. It had to be her. "I told you so. I knew it was her. I knew I could recognise her even in a crowd of ghosts. I knew that bitch was still living and breathing. The stubborn bitch refused to die." I shook my head slowly and turned back to the high table. I was curious. Why hadn't she come home if she had been alive all this time? Why hadn't she told anyone? Why was she in hiding? Did she do something that made her feel ashamed to return home? Also, what happened between Stacie and Lucy? I heard the spite and hate in Lucy's voice whenever she talked about Stacie. W