Chapter 23
"NO WAY!" Portia quickly covered her mouth when Helga revealed the news that the Alpha King had given her an engagement ring just last night. As soon as she entered the future Luna's bed chambers, she noticed the shiny ring on her finger and couldn't resist asking about it.
"It's surprising right?" She chuckled, gazing at the ring on her finger. Since Ezra had never given her one before, the feeling was quite refreshing for her. She couldn't help but stare at the ring even when she went to bed last night. The fact that Siegren himself had placed it on her made it all the more special and brought a smile to her face. She thought she didn't mind the lack of love in her marriage, as long as she was treated with such respect and care.
"I have to give Beta David credit, though. His Majesty informed me that he bought me a ring due to your mate's persistent nagging." Helga added, "It appears the Alpha King has decided to make an effort with me, even though he was just told to do so, I'm still glad that he's willing to treat me with kindness and consideration."
"I'm happy for you,” Portia said with a grin, still amazed that the Alpha King had given her an engagement ring. Despite knowing that Siegren was not as cruel as the rumors made him out to be, his protective walls were always difficult to penetrate. Portia had a feeling that even without David's advice to treat Helga better, the Alpha King would have done so anyway. After all, beneath his cold exterior, he was actually a kind man. Unfortunately, many people failed to see this and continued to label him as tyrannical and heartless.
"Oh right, was there a royal guard who was patrolling around the palace every dawn?" Helga asked, recalling the presence she felt last night as she got up at 3:00 am to use the bathroom. "Hmm? No, the guards usually just stay put to maintain their watch on things. They're pretty much stuck at their posts." Portia replied, shifting her gaze towards Helga who was leisurely sipping her tea. "Why do you ask?"
"I sensed a presence outside my room. It could have been a servant passing by. I guess." Helga shrugged, and Portia nodded in agreement as they continued their usual conversation. When it was time for Helga to visit the Alpha King, she hurried to his study with the catalogs of decorations and accessories for the upcoming banquet. However, upon arriving, she encountered a maid exiting the door. The maid curtsied and smiled at her, but Helga could sense underlying hostility in her demeanor.
"Am I just imagining things?" she thought to herself as she watched the maid disappear down the hallway. She just shrugged it off and entered the study where the Alpha King was sitting comfortably on the sofa, causing memories of last night to flood back.
"Hello, Your Majesty." she greeted and Siegren just gave her the usual single nod as an acknowledgment. Sitting on the sofa across from him, she placed the catalogs on the intricately carved wooden table between them. "I've marked all of my selections so far, but if you would like any changes, just let me know."
"Hmm," Siegren hummed, taking the catalogs and carefully flipping through each page. To his surprise, he found himself liking all of her choices and was thoroughly impressed by her taste. "There's no need to make any changes; I'm quite content with everything you've selected,"
"Really?" Helga's eyes lit up with excitement, a subtle blush creeping onto her cheeks. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, knowing that her decisions were in line with his preferences. Without even realizing it, she found herself standing and casually sitting beside him, surprising Siegren. Her closeness caught him off guard as she leaned in to look at the catalog alongside him. The intoxicating scent of her hair drifted towards his nose, causing him to take a deep breath and feel goosebumps rise on his skin. It was as if her presence alone had the power to affect him physically.
"Then how about you choose the design for the invitation, Your Majesty? Even though the wedding is already known throughout the entire country, we still need to hand out invitations since the guest list is limited for the banquet." Helga suggested, flipping through pages of invitation designs. "What do you think about this one-"
Helga's words caught in her throat as she turned her head towards the Alpha King, their faces now mere inches apart. At that moment, the time seemed to stand still as they both froze, their eyes wide with shock. Helga felt like a statue, unable to move or speak as the intensity of their proximity consumed her. Not to mention that he could feel the heat from his body radiating onto her skin, and his breath on her lips.
"I-I'm sorry," She stammered, flustered and apologetic as she backed away from him. She had been so caught up in her excitement that she hadn't noticed how close she was sitting next to him, creating an awkward moment. As she rose from her seat, fully intending to return to her previous spot, the Alpha King's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"It's fine, just sit back," he reassured Helga, causing her to nod slowly and sit down again. This time, she made sure to give him enough space, not wanting to invade his personal bubble. They then began discussing their upcoming wedding, deciding on the guest list and other preparations needed. When they were done, Siegren dismissed Helga. As he watched her go, he let out a sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had no idea that planning a wedding would be so complicated.
David and his partner were typically in charge of organizing the banquets on the palace grounds, so Siegren had no idea about the level of detail and efforts involved in planning such an event. His only role was to approve the budget and leave the rest to the capable beta and his mate.
"AH~ That was refreshing,” Helga let out a contented sigh after a warm bath. She wrapped a robe around her body and slipped into a pair of slippers before padding towards her bedroom. Despite the uneventful day, she still felt drained for some unknown reason.
"Don't you find it weird that the King hadn't questioned you about the test?" Stella asked at the back of her mind. Helga slumped on the bed and looked at the ceiling, thinking about it. "Do you mean about you?" she clarified since the Alpha King hadn't asked for any further information after she had revealed the truth about her ability to shift at any time and her agreement with her wolf.
"Yes. I mean, he's the Alpha King so I'm sure he sensed my power when I used it that day." Stella explained, "Doesn't that seem strange to you?"
"I'm not sure. He didn't seem to detect Miranda's use of magic either, so perhaps, despite being the strongest Alpha, he still has his imperfections." Helga answered, closing her eyes and
eventually drifting off to sleep. However, just like the previous night, she woke up in the early hours of dawn. But this time it wasn't because she needed to use the bathroom; her wolf was urging her awake, sensing a potential threat approaching them.NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.
Helga's brow furrowed, and she sat up with caution. Her gaze immediately went to the balcony, where she could make out a shadowy figure through the sheer curtains. And before she could even process what was happening, an intruder wearing a hooded cloak and mask barged through the door, launching a surprise attack on her.
"Fuck." Helga cursed under her breath, quickly rolling away from the incoming attack and scrambling to her feet.
"Who are you?" she demanded, ready to defend herself. Her robe slid off one shoulder and she hurried to adjust it, but a barrage of daggers flew at her, causing her to leap back and avoid being hit. Helga's fist clenched as she grabbed a candelabra and flung it towards her assailant, using it to deflect another round of daggers aimed her way.
"A woman?" Helga let out a small gasp when the attacker groaned after the candelabra made contact with her hand. She was about to rush forward to face the woman, but before she could take another step, the door suddenly burst open, revealing the Alpha King.
The attacker's expression turned to one of shock as she realized Siegren's presence had been completely masked, making it impossible for her to sense his scent. Instinctively, she took a few steps back in an attempt to escape, but before she could move any further, his powerful Alpha aura overwhelmed hers and caused her to stumble forward.
"Are you hurt?" Siegren asked, turning his head to Helga and flinching when he saw the state she was in. He hurried over to her as the royal guards, he called through a mind link, entered the room. He then fixed the robe that Helga was wearing because her chest was almost exposed. However, she seemed oblivious to this as she was fixated on the woman who had attacked her. Her eyes widened in shock when one of the guards removed the woman's hood and mask, revealing her identity.
"She's the maid I saw earlier," she muttered, prompting Siegren to turn his head back while his hand was still on Helga's shoulder. He scowled and released more of his Alpha aura, directing it solely at the maid. He then strode towards her as the guards forcefully pulled her up by the arm.
"Why did you attack her?" Siegren's tone was composed, but it caused a chill to run down the spines of everyone in the room. Helga shifted uncomfortably as she stood on the sidelines, her hands tightly gripping her robe.
"Speak," The Alpha King's voice was a powerful force, and the maid couldn't help but look up at him as she struggled to catch her breath. Under the weight of his commanding presence, she had no choice but to obey his order and speak.
"We can't... we can't let you continue the royal... bloodline." the maid said between gasps of breath, the fear evident on her face. Siegren scowled, ready to question her, but she passed out before he could even speak.
With a sharp click of his tongue, he ordered, "Take her to the dungeon."
response.
The royal guards sprang into action and hauled the unconscious maid out of the room. As the door shut behind them, Siegren turned to Helga, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Did you get hurt?" he asked, startling her. She was taken aback by how quickly he had appeared in front of her. Still, she shook her head in "No, Your Majesty." she answered, pinching her lip before meeting his crimson eyes, "But, do you think the previous candidates were also targeted like this, and just made to look like they committed suicide?"