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CHAPTER 7
~Author's POV~
Jade took a deep breath as she stared at her reflection in the tall mirror before her.
The past two hours had felt like a quiet battle—one she hadn't known how to fight. Bathing, drying, oils she'd never seen rubbed into her skin, her hair washed, combed, styled with gentle but insistent hands.
The attendants had worked in silence, as though preparing her was a duty they took seriously. Well, it was.
And when they were done… she barely recognised herself.
Tears stung Jade's eyes.
All her life, Jade had known she had a good figure. Even back in middle school, she had stood out. When she came of age, it only became more obvious. So she hid behind oversized clothes to avoid the unwelcome attention.
Still, this… this was different. These weren't her usual jeans and oversized hoodies. This wasn't a body she hid.
The black, all-through sequinned gown clung to her in all the right places, moulding perfectly to her curves. A high slit ran up her left thigh, revealing smooth, creamy skin and the elegant black heels strapped around her ankles.
One side of the dress featured a delicate lace, off-shoulder sleeve that hugged her right arm, while the left side was bare save for a single thin strap.
She looked… dangerous and gorgeous.
"It's…" Jade whispered, her voice catching.
"Beautiful," Julia finished softly from behind her.
Jesmina nodded in agreement. "You look stunning, my lady."
Jade swallowed and blinked back the tears. "Thank you, but isn't it too much? I mean it's just dinner right?"
Both girls glanced at each other before shaking their heads. "No. It's not just dinner. The king specifically asked that you looked your best."
Jade inhaled deeply before releasing the breath slowly.
They helped her with the final touches, adjusted her hair once more, and stepped back. When the doors finally opened for her, Jade straightened her shoulders and walked out.
And immediately, she froze.
Xavier stood just outside the doors.
He was dressed simply compared to what she expected—black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a fitted tuxedo jacket with no tie. The look was effortless, sophisticated without trying too hard. His blond hair was neatly styled, and his sharp features were set in stillness.
He stared at her and so did the other two triplets standing nearby.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Jade lifted her chin slightly, forcing calm into her voice. "I assume you're here to take me to the dining hall?"
Xavier swallowed hard before nodding. "Yes."
"Oohh look at them gulp and eat you with their eyes," Javeline cooked but Jade ignored her.
She gave a short nod in return, her expression neutral. She had meant what she said and did not want mates who did not want her.
Right now they were who they were, her father's trusted men, only getting close to her for his sake.
Xander cleared his throat, stepping forward. "This way."
They began walking through the palace corridors, silence stretching between them. Jade could feel their gazes on her, but she kept her eyes ahead as her heart beat got faster with every step.
They hadn't said a word since earlier. Neither had she.
As they turned a corner, Jade noticed someone approaching from the opposite direction—a young silver haired man looking no more than his later thirties with sharp features and a commanding presence.
He bore a striking resemblance to the King. Walking just a step behind him was a woman dressed entirely in black, her expression cold and observant.
The triplets stopped immediately and bowed their heads.
"Your Highness," they chorused and he hummed.
The man smiled slowly. "My, my… if it isn't my brother's favourite warriors."
None of them said anything in response to that until his gaze drifted past them—and landed on Jade.
His eyes narrowed slightly, darkening with something unreadable.
Jade felt exposed under his stare, as though he was stripping her down layer by layer. Yet, for reasons she couldn't explain, she refused to bow or look away.
"I heard the rumours," he said lightly.
"Rumours?" the woman behind him asked, her eyes darting over to Jade.
"Well…" He chuckled softly, his gaze darting to the side, staring at the lady over his shoulder. "My brother mentioned something, but I never thought he was serious about finding a daughter that wasn't supposed to exist."
"Your Highness?"
"I can smell His scent on her. She's His," he confirmed, not that she needed his confirmation.
His attention returned fully to Jade. "Where are my manners?" His tone turned sweet, almost affectionate. "If it isn't my long-lost niece." The way he said it made goosebumps rise on Jade's skin. Then his gaze sharpened. "The King's Heir. Welcome."
"Thank you," Jade replied simply, and said nothing more.
"I hope the palace is to your liking?" he continued.
"I just arrived."
"Still—"
Before he could continue, Xavier stepped forward slightly. "The King awaits her, Prince Azriel."
Azriel's eyes darkened instantly. A ripple of his wolf's aura rolled off him. "She is my niece," he said coldly. "Surely there are exceptions."
"If you wish to speak longer," Xade cut in smoothly, "you may. I believe you were invited to the royal dinner as well."
Azriel scoffed. "There's news of rogue activity at the border. Unlike some royal lap dogs, I must attend to it immediately."
Xavier's fist clenched at his side, but he stayed silent. Xade, however, let his aura surge.
"If that is the case," Xade said calmly, "then it would be wrong to delay everyone with meaningless chatter. Tend to your emergencies. We will attend to ours."
"Watch your mouth," Azriel thundered as he closed the gap between them, but none of the triplets moved.
Due to the height difference between them, Xander glanced over his head as though someone did not speak then he stated firmly, turning away. "Let's go."
"That's it," Azriel sneered. "Run along to your master, errand dogs." His gaze flicked back to Jade. "As for you, dearest niece… I'll see you soon."
Jade held his gaze until they turned the corner.
She hadn't missed the way his smile never reached his eyes.
Once they were gone, Jade exhaled slowly. Despite the tension, she felt a strange sense of pride in her chest. Her mates had stood their ground for her.
She didn't know Prince Azriel well, but she knew one thing for certain, he was dangerous, and her existence threatened everything that should have been his.
On the other hand, the moment they disappeared, Azriel's smirk vanished.
He turned sharply, fury blazing in his eyes. The woman behind him straightened instantly.
"Your Highness?"
The glass bottle in his hand shattered under the pressure of his grip.
"How," he growled softly, "did the treasonous Queen who should have died with her pup manage to birth the King's Heir?"
"Pardon?" the woman asked carefully.
Azriel inhaled, then smoothed his expression into a pleasant smile. "Find out everything you can about my niece," he said calmly. "The incident eighteen years ago, and what really happened to the Queen."
He leaned closer. "Dig up every piece of dirt and leave no stone unturned."
"Yes, Your Highness."