An alpha doesn't cry. An alpha doesn't shed tears.
Little Ciara had told herself that the day she learned of her parents' death. And holding true to her words, she had never shed a tear in her life.
Yet here she was… with tears?
Was this proof that she was no longer the Alpha Crown Princess? Was this proof that she wasn't an alpha anymore?
Remembering that Aurora was still there and had asked if she was okay, she quickly composed herself.
"Yes, I'm okay…" She reached for her handkerchief and gently wiped her tears. "I guess I strained my eyes a little," she lied.
Thankfully, Aurora bought it.
"Oh, do you usually have issues with your eyes when you read too much? You might need reading glasses."
Katherine quickly dismissed it. "No, that won't be necessary. I think it's because I've been doing a lot of reading lately… and I was reading in dim light last night. I'm guessing today's reading just added to that. Anyway, we should head out now."
She shifted the conversation before it got uncomfortable.
They both stepped out.
As soon as they stepped out, the irritating scent of the crown prince filled Katherine's nose.
"Oh, give me a break…" Ker voiced her frustration.
"Your Highness." Katherine and Aurora gave a slight bow.
"Lady Aurora. Lady Katherine." He seemed surprised to see the two of them together… coming from the library, no less.
He looked like he wanted to speak to Katherine, so Aurora excused herself and went ahead.
Katherine cursed inwardly. What does he want?
"What are you playing at?" Darian asked once Aurora was out of earshot.
Katherine frowned slightly. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't act the fool. You think I don't know you're trying to sabotage Rose? You knew she was trying to befriend Lady Aurora, so you badmouthed her."
Wow… this is the kingdom's next ruler? Katherine thought.
"I don't know what you're talking about. When did I even get the chance to speak ill of my dear sister to Lady Aurora? This is my first time meeting her."
Darian didn't look convinced.
"Whatever it is you're planning, it won't work. I'll make sure of that."
The entire interaction didn't make sense to Katherine.
Why did it feel like he was just looking for an excuse to talk to her?
In truth, Darian had heard from one of his informants in the duke's mansion that Katherine had been alone in the library with a man.
Something about that didn't sit right with him.
He had seen the newspaper from two weeks ago… the one claiming Katherine had a lover, and had been trying to find the man in the picture.
To no avail.
It was nearly impossible to track someone whose face couldn't even be seen clearly.
Did she always have a lover? Was jumping off the balcony just a stunt to make me break off the engagement?
And the more he thought about it…
The worse his mood became.
He almost just up and asked her who the man was.
"Darian?" Rose's irritating voice came through. She walked towards them. If looks could kill, Katherine would have experienced her second death. "I was looking all over for you… oh, you're here too, sister?" You could clearly hear the animosity behind that disguised sweet tone.
Katherine nearly rolled her eyes.
Taking this chance to leave, she excused herself, to which Rose looked pleased.
"What's her deal? Didn't she already get the prince?" Ker asked as they walked to the garden.
"Well, I mean she stole him, so it's no surprise she thinks he might come back. Remember, they've been engaged since they were kids. Who's to tell if the prince doesn't have some feelings for the original Katherine."
They both honestly couldn't care less.
They returned to where the tea party was being held.
In Prince Liam's carriage.
"Your Highness, how many times do I have to tell you that if there's any book you need, just tell me and I'll have it brought to you? You know you're not supposed to be traveling, especially by carriage." Nicholas nagged.
"Relax, I'm not so delicate that I can't handle a short carriage ride." Liam replied, leaning back in his seat.
"Besides, I'm certain being cooped up in my palace is bad for my health." He said as he opened the book he got from the duke's library. "Oh, and I think you should get a refund on whatever information guild you got information on my fiancée from."
Nicholas looked at him dumbfounded. "Where did that come from?"
Liam looked up. "Well… I met her… twice. And she was nothing like what was written in the files."
Nicholas almost had a heart attack. "You met her? Twice? When? Where?" Liam leaving the palace was supposed to be secret. What did he mean he met his fiancée twice?
"Relax, I don't think she knows who I am." Liam flipped the page of his book as though the matter wasn't worth worrying over.
Nicholas stared at him blankly.
"Your Highness…" Figuring that what he was about to say would land on deaf ears, he sighed deeply but said nothing.
They rode in silence.
Using a secret route only they knew about, they finally arrived at Liam's palace.
---
Liam lay on a couch in his bed chamber with an open book lying on his chest, an arm resting on his forehead. The carriage ride had affected him more than he'd like to admit.
"Look at you, you look even paler than before, Your Highness." Nicholas removed the book from Liam's chest, placing a bookmark on the open page. "You've been overworking that weak body of yours and it's starting to show." He checked Liam's temperature, which had become dangerously low, and let out a sigh. "I'll have the servants bring in more heat stones."
Before he could though, a servant brought in news that nearly sent him to an early grave.
"His Majesty has what?!"
The servant hesitated before repeating himself. "His Majesty has arrived."
Losing a couple of years off his life, Nicholas sighed. "Bring His Highness's wheelchair at once."
Everyone spiraled into action, helping Liam into his wheelchair, wrapping him in a ridiculous number of blankets and heat stones.
"I can't believe I'm saying this right now, but I'm glad you look sicker than normal because we clearly do not have time to make you look it." Nicholas said as he pushed Liam to the drawing room where the king was already seated.
The king slowly rose to his feet, his expression tightening at the sight of Liam wrapped in layers of blankets.
"You look worse than the last time I saw you."
Liam gave a weak bow. "Father."
Edward frowned slightly before taking his seat again.
Nicholas pushed Liam closer to the king, then stepped back quietly.
A servant served Liam tea and refilled the king's cup.
Liam took a sip. "So, what brings my royal father to my humble abode? I'm aware you're a busy man."
Edward gestured for a servant to bring over what he had brought. Nicholas quickly received it.
It was a small wooden box.
"It's fire lily tea. I heard it helps boost body temperature."
"Thank you, Father."
Nicholas handed the box to one of Liam's servants to put away.
Edward took a sip of his tea. "I take it you received the edict I sent two weeks ago?"
Liam paused slightly. "Yes… the one stating that I am to marry the first daughter of Marquis Mooncrest."
"Yes." Edward set down his teacup. "I have decided to hold a banquet to announce your engagement. Do you have a date in mind? The sooner the better, but your health comes first, of course."
Liam gave a faint smile. "I'm stronger than ever, Father. Whatever date you decide on, I shall go with it."
Edward studied him silently.
His son looked far from well.
The pale complexion, the layers of blankets, the frighteningly low body temperature… none of it resembled someone who was stronger than ever.
Yet Liam's expression remained calm.
Edward eventually sighed. "Very well then. I'll have the possible dates sent over for you to choose from."
He slowly rose to his feet. "And I'll have the royal physician come examine you."
Liam only smiled faintly. "As you wish, Father."
Once Edward left the drawing room, Nicholas turned to Liam in disbelief.
"Your Highness… are you serious right now?" he asked, completely dumbfounded. "You are clearly unwell. Have you seen how pale you look? Your temperature is practically freezing, yet you're talking about banquets and saying you're stronger than ever?"
Liam leaned back slightly in his wheelchair, the faint smile on his lips never fading.
"Trust me, Nicholas." His gaze lowered briefly, as though recalling something. "I know my body better than anyone."
An engagement banquet, huh? He thought to himself.