Caitlyn's POV
With Zed's statement, the surroundings instantly fell silent.
Kaisa's eyes widened, conveying a hint of surprise. However, she quickly responded with an excited nod before turning around and rushing toward the door, covering her mouth.
"Thanks for the treat. I'm full," Talon declared, still with a gloomy face. He glanced at Zed and slowly stood up, preparing to head towards the door. "Please, remember my advice, or you'll get into trouble."
Zed wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, took another small sip of his red wine, and didn't look at Talon the entire time. Nevertheless, everyone in the room understood that his actions were directed at Talon.
Talon froze for a moment and then proceeded to the door without looking back.
"Tell me, what exactly is your agenda? Just to make Talon disgusted with me?" I couldn't help but question Zed upon witnessing the scene.
"How could it be? I'm doing this for your own good. Do you think Talon has really treated you as his mate? Or do you believe you don't deserve all this?" Zed frowned at my words, showing a hint of confusion.
I tried to discern from the look in his eyes whether he was deliberately faking it, but Zed's eyes seemed genuinely determined, filled with an unusual level of naivety.
"Ugh, never mind. Let's talk about it later." I shook my head gently, withdrawing my mind from the futile attempt to explain myself to him.
"So, will you still be my date for the ball?" Zed looked up at me.
"Didn't you just say yes to Kaisa? You're being greedy."
I stood up, ready to go out and catch up with Talon.
"I just..." Zed began to explain, but I had already left my seat, running towards the outside, and Zed's words faded away.
I picked up my pace and reached the door, but there was no sign of Talon.
Oops!
I inwardly let out a frustrated sigh, then anxiously scanned the crowd for Talon's figure. I knew that if I didn't explain myself today, my image in Talon's mind would certainly change.
"Caitlyn, this way."
Just as I searched with my heart racing, a familiar voice suddenly emanated from the side. I turned around, and Bard's towering figure emerged from the shadows.
"Alpha went in this direction; I can tell he's waiting for you as well. Otherwise, this would have been long enough for him to come back to the palace."
A small smile appeared on Bard's face before he pointed a finger down an alleyway to his right.
"Okay, thanks."
I nodded toward Bard before running in his direction, and soon Talon's figure slowly appeared in front of me.
"Why are you chasing me? Couldn't that guy drive you back in his limo?"
Talon stood still, slowly turning around, looking at me with a grim face and saying coldly.
"It's not what you think. I have nothing to do with Zed at all."
I couldn't help but sigh in my heart but still explained to Talon.
"Really? Then why would he defend you repeatedly in front of so many people, and he's been around you since the hunting match."
Talon paused for a moment, glancing around as if to make sure Zed was not nearby before continuing, "Also, that Zed is silently investigating your identity behind the scenes. As far as I know, your father Pantheon doesn't seem to be inside the palace these days either, right?"
"My father?"
Hearing Talon's words, I couldn't help but feel a tightening inside.
"I just stumbled upon it. Zed isn't as simple as you think. Consider what there is about you that could attract someone like him to go to great lengths to pursue you."
Talon twisted his face aside, saying with a serious face.
"Hey, how can you say that? Do you think that I should be hated or considered a deadbeat, always following you around like a dog and not deserving anyone else's love?"
Hearing Talon's put-down, I couldn't help but say in anger.
"I didn't say that. After all, I didn't create such a romantic scene for you like Zed did, and I've caused you nothing but trouble."
Talon glanced at me, then quickly averted his eyes elsewhere.
"So, you're jealous now, huh?"
Seeing Talon's look, as if he didn't dare to meet my eyes, I immediately had an answer in my mind.
"How... how is that possible? How could I be jealous? Anyway, the ball is in your court. You can go wherever you want; I can't control it."
Hearing what I said, Talon immediately reddened his face and defended himself extremely clumsily.
"Talon! What the hell were you thinking? Am I that kind of person?"
I suddenly raised my volume, scaring Talon, who then looked at me, waiting for my follow-up words.
"It's true that Zed saved my life and Kaisa's during that hunting competition; that's a fact. It's also true that after returning from there, he showed more warmth towards me than usual. I don't know his true intentions, but I never responded to that, and I've always emphasized that you're my mate, Talon."
"And today?"
Talon asked with his head held high, but his volume was much lower than before.
"What could I do with so many people surrounding me downstairs? I've been waiting for you to show up. Where have you been? Where were you when I was in danger in the Misty Forest? Now you're here accusing me; you disappoint me so much."
I looked over at Talon; my voice seemed a bit sad, causing Talon to freeze a bit, and a hint of remorse flashed in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Caitlyn. It was my fault; I shouldn't have doubted you. I became a bit selfish and neglected your feelings when I was only thinking about myself from start to finish." Talon hung his head and pursed his lips.
"As much as that he annoys me, I have to admit that there is still some truth in what he said. As your mate, I did give too little. I'll never do that again; I promise, just like you." Talon's eyes were full of determination before he raised his palms in a swearing motion, resembling a small child. He looked at me with concern, fearing that I would continue to be angry.
I maintained composure on the surface and stared at Talon coldly, attempting to keep up the appearance that I was still angry. However, when I saw Talon's serious expression, the corner of my mouth couldn't help but slowly turn up.