POV Luella
"So," Celeste said, sitting across from me, "tell me everything about these combat trials. The entire castle is talking about your victories."
"It went better than I hoped," I replied, unable to hide my satisfaction. "I defeated every opponent they put in front of me."
I proved I'm not just some pretty political bride. I'm a warrior. They can't ignore that anymore.
"Including Prince Kyrell?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He said I was playing pretend, so I proved him wrong. He didn't expect me to actually win."
I cut his face in front of everyone. No one will forget that. The scar will remind him every time he looks in a mirror.
Celeste's face turned pale. "Luella, you've made yourself the worst enemy in this court. Prince Kyrell doesn't forgive public embarrassment."
Why is everyone so terrified of him? He's just a man. I beat him once, I can beat him again. "Why are you so worried? It was just a fair fight."
"Because I know him," she replied, leaning forward. "Why did you agree to fight him at all?"
"Someone had to put him in his place," I said, feeling my anger return. "I wasn't going to let him humiliate me in front of everyone."
And it felt incredible. Really incredible to watch him fall, to see that smug expression turn to shock when I pinned him to the ground.
"I understand your reasoning, and I admire your courage. But promise me that if the younger prince bothers you, you'll tell Prince Tobias immediately. Don't try to handle Kyrell alone."
Everyone thinks I need protection. Even after I proved myself publicly. "I can take care of myself. I proved that yesterday."
"You did prove yourself. Just... be careful."
Our conversation was interrupted by a soft knock. One of Tobias's personal servants entered and bowed deeply.
"Lady Luella," he said respectfully, "His Highness Crown Prince Tobias requests your presence in his private chambers at your earliest convenience."
Celeste's eyebrows shot up, and she gave me a knowing smile. "I believe that's my signal to leave you to more important matters."
What was that look about? Why does everyone act like there's some hidden meaning when Tobias wants to speak with me?
After she left, I walked through the castle corridors to Tobias's chambers, knowing exactly what he wanted to discuss.
When I arrived, Tobias opened the door before I could knock, his face showing excitement and concern mixed together.
"I was hoping you'd come quickly," he said, pulling me into the luxurious room. "We need to talk."
He's not happy because of my participation in trials but I won. Shouldn't he be proud of me?
"Luella," he began, taking my hands in his, "when I saw you fighting Kyrell yesterday, when I saw him hurt you... I was terrified. I've never been so scared in my life."
He really was frightened. I can see it in his eyes.
"I'm fine, Tobias. Just a few cuts."
"Just cuts?" He gently touched the bandage on my arm. "When I saw your blood, when I realized how dangerous it was... I can't go through that again."
The mate bond warmed between us at his touch, but something about his reaction bothers me. I've been injured before in training. Father never acted like I was made of glass.
"You were magnificent out there," he continued. "But seeing you in danger... I realized how much I could lose."
He's proud of me, but he's also scared. Scared that I might get hurt. Is this what love is supposed to feel like? This mix of admiration and terror?
"Promise me something," he said, his grip tightening. "Promise me you won't participate in any more combat trials. I know you're strong, but I need to know you're safe."
"Tobias, I can take care of myself."
"I know you can," he said quickly. "You're too precious to risk like that again."
Precious. There's that word again. Like I'm a delicate treasure that might shatter instead of a person with my own strength and capabilities.
"I just need to know you won't put yourself in that kind of danger again," he continued, his eyes pleading. "For my peace of mind. Please."
He's asking because he loves me. Because he was scared for me. Maybe this is what it means to have someone care about you completely.
"If it means that much to you..." I started, feeling myself wavering.
"It does," he said earnestly. "More than you know."
Maybe I don't need to prove myself anymore. Maybe one victory is enough.
"Alright," I said softly. "I promise."
Relief flooded his features, and he pulled me into a gentle embrace. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me."
But something about giving up fighting feels wrong. Like I'm agreeing to put myself back in a cage I just broke out of.
"I do have something that I hope will make you happy," he said, leading me to a nearby table covered with jewelry and silk gowns.
More gifts. He's always giving me things. Beautiful, expensive things that feel more like chains than presents.
"Tobias, these are beautiful," I said, trying to sound grateful. "But what's the occasion?"
"Do I need an occasion to spoil my future wife?" he asked, kissing my hand. "Though I admit, I've missed you terribly since we parted last night."
"You saw me just yesterday," I pointed out, though I found myself smiling despite my confusion.
"Far too long," he said. "But I have news that I hope will please you. The royal hunt is about to begin—a tradition that happens only twice a year. I want you to come with me as my bride and mate."
"A hunt sounds wonderful," I replied, genuinely excited for the first time in this conversation. "I haven't had a proper hunt since leaving home."
"Then it's settled," he said, his arms tightening around me. "We'll ride out together, and I'll show you some of the most beautiful country in the realm."
This is what I should want. This is perfect. A loving fiance, beautiful gifts, exciting plans. So why do I feel like I'm suffocating?
As he held me close, I felt the bond singing between us, creating a sense of rightness that should have made me completely happy.
Yet somewhere in the back of my mind, black eyes and a whispered threat remained.
"You'll regret this, little wolf. I promise you that."