Chapter 6: A Dress and a Plan

Maeve’s POV

The moment this chest pressed into mine still lingered on my skin. I could still feel him. And I hated it.

“Princess, you sure all is well?” my father’s voice sounded worried as we entered the house.

I grinned and nodded, my teeth aching from forcing the smile. “Yes, Father.”

“You’re welcome, my lord, my lady,” Mira greeted.

“Dinner is served. Would you like to shower first, my lady?”

“I’m full, Mira. I’d like to retire to bed early,” I whispered, already heading toward the stairs.

“Alright, my lady,” Mira said gently.

I sighed. My body ached from all the activities at the party, but my heart was more tired.

I could still feel the warmth from his hands on me where he held me in that storeroom.

The feelings he awakened in me, just from being pressed against him. The way his body covered mine.

It took everything in me not to beg him to kiss me when he almost did.

I wanted so badly to feel his lips on mine.

“Oh, goddess…”

I slammed my door shut and collapsed onto the bed, not even bothering to remove my clothes.

Why was it so hard for him to claim me as his mate?

Is this some kind of ill luck because I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time?

Was it because of Lady Ingrid?

Had he already agreed to take her as his chosen mate?

But I’m his mate.

My heart squeezed in agony as I remembered how they entered the hall hand in hand.

They looked so good together, like a perfect match.

My fingers itched to rip their hands apart.

My wolf strained to rip them apart.

He’s supposed to be mine.

I shut my eyes against the tears threatening to fall.

Layla sighed softly, her pain and worry rolling into mine.

It’s going to be fine.

We’ll get him back, I whispered to myself.

I didn’t know when I drifted off until I was stirred awake by Mira’s knocking.

“Come in,” I groaned, rubbing my eyes.

I squinted my eyes at the brightness in the room. It was morning already.

“Good morning, my lady,” she whispered, walking over to the window and pulling the curtains open.

The sun smiled brightly into the room, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds.

“How late am I?” I croaked, sitting up, the weight of my dress making it difficult.

“I see you were truly exhausted from the party last night,” Mira commented, eyeing my wrinkled dress.

“Breakfast is just about to be served, but if you start getting ready now, you’ll make it in time.”

Without a word, I climbed out of bed and let Mira help me out of my dress before stepping into the bathroom.

By the time she had dressed and styled my hair, my father was just settling at the dining table as I joined him.

“Good morning, Father,” I greeted, taking my seat by his side.

“You seem quite rested today,” he smiled, running a gentle hand through my hair.

I nodded my head, smiling.

The chef brought in the food tray, served us, and left quietly.

“It got to my notice that you’ve been visiting Alpha Kael lately,” my father said casually in the middle of our meal.

My hands paused above my plate, trembling slightly as my mind raced to process his words.

“The Alpha actually invited me,” I said, clearing my throat and forcing a smile. “I went to thank him for the gift he sent me.”

“Oh…” My father nodded. “I thought as much. You never really used to take interest in following me to the Alpha’s mansion.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “He was actually impressed with my skills in numbers.”

“Ahh…” My father chuckled. “That’s good.”

He smiled at me, warm and trusting. And guilt prickled my chest.

If only he knew I wasn’t just having tea and small talk with the Alpha.

The rest of the meal passed quietly, and afterward, my father left for his duties at the mansion.

The afternoon breeze whispered around me, humming a gentle tune as it kissed my skin.

My chair rocked gently back and forth, hidden behind the thick curtain of flowers.

It was my favorite place in the house, my escape when I needed solace.

I still couldn’t bring myself to stop thinking about Alpha Kael. I almost went to visit him again today but stopped myself.

After what happened between us, I didn’t want him putting his walls up again.

As I sat in my serene spot, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, my mind began to weave a plan.

I’d give him space, but not too much. I needed him to realize how much he needed me. How much he craved my presence.

A few days away would surely make his heart grow fonder.

I smiled to myself, imagining the look on his face when I finally walked into his mansion, dressed to light the flames.

Maybe if I stayed away just long enough, he wouldn’t see it as me chasing him.

My eyes narrowed at the thought. My finger traced the outline of my lips absentmindedly.

Would he miss me if I didn’t show up for a few days?

He should. I’m his mate. That bond is still there, undeniable.

My thoughts drifted to Lady Ingrid, how she clung to his arm like she belonged there.

My wolf growled softly at the memory. I could feel Layla’s agitation rising.

We both knew that Alpha Kael was ours, and we wouldn’t let anyone take that away from us.

I remembered the party, how his eyes lingered on me despite her presence.

Maybe... just maybe... he wasn’t as invested in her as I feared.

I stood up, my heart racing with excitement.

If the rumors were true, I’d make Alpha Kael regret ever considering Lady Ingrid as his chosen mate.

I would make him see that I was the only one worthy of being his.

With a new sense of purpose, I walked back to the house, my mind buzzing with ideas.

And as I stepped inside, a sly smile spread across my face, I had a dress to pick.

This time, I wouldn’t hope for his attention, I’d command it.