A month in the harem has taught me to read danger in silk and poison in smiles. Nathan's warning to Lady Morgana worked—she hasn't touched me since, though her eyes still track me with venom. The sabotage stopped, but resentment festers beneath courtly manners.
Tonight's formal dinner sprawls across the great hall, crystal chandeliers casting golden light over tables heavy with diplomatic importance. Delegations from various High Packs fill the room. I've been summoned as part of the harem's representation—another ornament to display.
"Remember your place," Madam Margot instructed earlier, fingers rough in my hair, weaving braids that I do not like. "You represent the crown tonight."
My fingers find the moonstone pendant at my wrist as I enter. The weight grounds me, but can't stop whispers following my steps. They discuss my unusual situation in voices meant to carry—the king's favor, the twin Alphas who visit constantly.
"That's the mountain girl," someone murmurs. "Three men, can you imagine? Even for a harem woman, it's scandalous."
Then I see them, and my blood turns to ice.
My parents sit among the Mountain Pack delegation. Mother's expression could freeze flame, disapproval etched in every line. Father looks at me like I'm a stain. But it's Gwendolyn who makes my wolf snarl.
She glows with pregnancy, hand on her swollen belly while Elijah sits beside her, emerged from the western province. She wears cream and gold, looking like fertility blessed by the Moon Goddess.
I force myself to take my seat though every instinct screams to run. Across the hall, I catch sight of Ryder at the high table, his silver-grey eyes finding mine briefly. The concern there is quickly masked. Nathan and Luca sit at a nearby diplomatic table, but I feel their awareness like a physical touch.
The meal begins with toasts, but I feel my family's eyes—judging, condemning.
"Oh, Coralina!" Gwendolyn's voice rings out during a lull, pitched to carry. "I didn't see you there, sister dear. How wonderful we can share this evening."
The endearment drips poison. Heads turn. I see Nathan's jaw tighten across the room.
"Gwendolyn," I acknowledge neutrally. "You look well. Pregnancy suits you."
"The Moon Goddess has blessed our union abundantly," she responds, rubbing her belly theatrically. "Elijah and I are so grateful. When you find your true mate, everything falls into perfect place. The bond makes everything natural, so right."
She pauses, eyes glinting. "But you wouldn't understand that, would you? Being in the harem must be quite different."
Several nobles glance between us, eager for scandal. Luca shifts in his seat, starting to rise before Nathan's hand stops him.
"We all serve according to destiny," I reply, words tasting like ash.
"Indeed," Gwendolyn continues with false concern. "Though I worry about you, sister. This life must be taxing. All those late nights, constant performances, pressure to please. You look exhausted."
From the high table, Ryder clears his throat. "Lord Blackstone," he addresses a diplomat loudly, drawing attention. "Tell us about the northern trade routes."
But Gwendolyn won't be deterred. She raises her voice. "Is the king treating you kindly, Coralina? Or is it too much, serving in such a demanding capacity? I've heard the harem can be quite competitive. All those women vying for attention."
The implication hangs heavy—I'm nothing but a glorified whore. Elijah shifts uncomfortably but doesn't intervene.
"Some positions require more strength than others," I say carefully. "But I'm exactly where I need to be."
"Oh, but surely you miss having a real future?" Gwendolyn presses, caressing her belly. "A mate, children, a proper place in a pack? The harem is so temporary. What happens when the king's interest wanes? Where will you go then?"
I see Nathan's knuckles white around his goblet. Luca's smile has vanished entirely, replaced by something dangerous. Even from the high table, I feel Ryder's barely controlled fury radiating like heat.
"The future is uncertain for all of us," I manage, keeping my voice level.
"Not for me," Gwendolyn says sweetly. "My future is quite secure. A prince for a mate, an heir on the way, a permanent place at court. While you... well, we both know how these arrangements typically end, don't we? Cast aside when newer, younger women arrive. It's the way of harems, I'm told."
"Perhaps we should discuss something more appropriate for dinner," Luca interjects smoothly, his voice carrying despite the distance. "Lady Gwendolyn, I heard the western provinces flourish under Prince Elijah's governance. You must be proud."
"Oh, immensely," Gwendolyn replies, but her eyes stay on me. "Though I do wonder what our dear Coralina will do when her time ends. Father won't take her back after the scandal she's caused. Perhaps she'll become a wandering healer? Or maybe one of the lords will take pity—"
But Mother leans forward, voice low but carrying. "Coralina, we need to speak privately. Now."
The way she says it brooks no argument. I rise on unsteady legs, catching worried glances from all three men. Nathan starts to stand, but I shake my head minutely.
I follow them to an alcove. Father turns on me instantly, though we're visible enough for appearances.
"We've heard disturbing reports about your conduct," he begins quietly, voice laced with disgust. "Multiple men visiting your chambers. The king's inappropriate favoritism. Behavior beyond what's acceptable even for a harem woman."
"I don't know what—"
"We've heard enough," Mother cuts in, tone arctic. "Lords Nathan and Luca spending hours in your chambers. The king summoning you nightly until dawn. The entire court gossips. You're making a spectacle of yourself."
"And destroying what remains of our family's reputation," Father adds, jaw clenched. "We sent you here to serve with dignity. Instead, you've turned yourself into the court's entertainment."
The injustice burns through me. "You sold me to the harem because Gwendolyn stole my fiancé. You discarded me, and now dare lecture about reputation?"
"Watch your tongue," Father warns, stepping closer. "You're still a daughter of my pack. Your behavior reflects on us. Multiple men, Coralina? Have you no shame?"
"The king favors me. The Lords are his closest friends, visiting with his knowledge. I've done nothing wrong."
"Nothing wrong?" Mother's laugh is bitter. "You've turned the position into something sordid. Even other courtesans maintain more discretion."
"At least I maintain discretion better than Gwendolyn when she was fucking my fiancé," I snap.
Father's hand twitches like he wants to strike me, but we're too visible. He leans close, breath hot with anger.
"You will conduct yourself with proper discretion from now on," he growls. "No more private visits from lords. No monopolizing the king's attention. Blend into the harem properly, or I'll petition the king to have you removed and sent back for proper punishment."
"You have no authority—"
"I have authority as a High Pack Alpha whose daughter embarrasses him before the realm," he cuts off. "Remember your place. You exist at the king's pleasure, and kings are fickle. When he tires of you—and he will—you'll need somewhere. Don't make us close our doors entirely."
The threat is clear. Behave or be cast out completely.
"Is that all?" I ask hollowly.
"Remember this conversation," Mother says, turning away. "We've sacrificed enough for your failures. Don't make us regret showing you this mercy."