Chapitre 5: Don't use your princess authority

Against her will, Melissa guided Nina to the guest chamber. Once her task was complete, she quietly made her way back to her own chamber.

As she entered, she didn't bother lighting a lamp, allowing the darkness to envelop the room. She moved to the chair by the window, and sank into it with a weary expression.

The faint glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft, fragmented patterns on the floor.

"Moon Goddess," Melissa whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "Why did you curse me with such a fate? I truly believed that Radulf would acknowledge me upon his return. I thought… I hoped… things would finally improve between us." She paused, her voice breaking.

"But he accused me of infidelity," she murmured bitterly, wiping at the tears spilling onto her cheeks. "He ignored all the sacrifices I've made, all the pain I've endured for him and this pack. He kissed Nina right in front of me."

Her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her nails digging into her palms. "If I can't reclaim my position as Luna, I'll lose everything—not just my place in this pack, but my very existence. Father…" she hesitated, a shiver running through her, "Father won't let me live. And even if he does, he'll make my life a living hell."

Melissa's voice broke into a soft sob as she pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the window, her tears trailing silently down her face. "Why, Moon Goddess? What sin am I paying for? Maybe a sin my mother committed," she whispered into the stillness of the night.

Melissa heard faint footsteps approaching and turned just as the lights flickered on. Standing at the door was Pia, her lady-in-waiting, with a soft smile on her face.

"Luna, the feast will begin shortly. You should prepare yourself," Pia said gently.

Melissa sighed, her heart weighed down by the turmoil of earlier events. "Is this dress not good enough?" she asked, gesturing to the simple gown she was wearing. Dressing up felt meaningless in her current state of mind.

"It is, but tonight, you should look your absolute best. Your husband will be by your side," Pia encouraged, her voice carrying an understanding warmth. She knew the depth of Melissa's longing for Radulf and the silent pain she endured for him.

Melissa's eyes lit up with renewed determination. "You're right!" she exclaimed, a flicker of hope reigniting within her. Rising from her seat, she headed to the dressing chamber.

Moments later, she emerged clad in an elegant maroon gown with long, flowing sleeves. A diamond necklace adorned her neck, and delicate head jewelry sparkled under the light. Every detail of her attire was chosen with care, her heart yearning to sway Radulf's attention, even if just for a fleeting moment.

Slipping into a pair of heels, Melissa took a final glance in the mirror, steeling herself. With Pia by her side, she stepped out of the chamber, only to find her gaze locking with Radulf's. His imposing presence radiated authority and an undeniable magnetism that made it hard to look away.

'Was she always this stunning?' Radulf thought, his brows lifting ever so slightly as he took in her appearance.

Melissa, on the other hand, felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. 'I wonder if I'm not the kind of woman he likes.' For years, she had attended events alone, paying little attention to her appearance. But now, with Radulf's return, she yearned for even the smallest compliment from him. Yet, their earlier argument lingered like a storm cloud, and she doubted he would even look her way with affection.

Her thoughts shattered as Nina's voice rang out, cutting through the air like a knife.

"Radulf, I wore the dress you picked for me!" Nina chimed brightly, stepping into view.

Melissa's heart sank, the words hitting her like a cruel blow. He chose a dress for Nina? A bitter chuckle escaped her lips as she clenched her fists, fighting the tears threatening to spill.

However, she straightened her shoulders and walked past Nina, stopping in front of Radulf. Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed her anguish. "I wore the dress you sent me the day before our marriage," she declared, "as a token of your loyalty to me."

Radulf's brow furrowed in confusion. He couldn't recall sending any such dress.

Before he could respond, he turned to Nina with a stern tone. "Miss Nina, please follow my Beta, Savio, to the feast hall."

Savio bowed and gestured for Nina to follow him. Though reluctant, Nina complied, leaving the corridor in silence as her heels clicked against the floor.

Once they were alone, Radulf turned his full attention to Melissa. His hand reached out, tilting her chin upward as he pulled her close, his voice dropping to a cold, commanding tone. "Don't use your princess authority in front of me. And make sure you don't humiliate Nina."

Melissa's heart constricted further at Radulf's dismissive tone. Her voice trembled, but she held her ground. "Am I nothing to you?" she whispered.

Radulf's lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes betrayed no warmth. "Of course, you are my legal wife. Isn't that what you reminded me of earlier?" he replied coldly.

'And she is our mate,' his wolf growled in the recesses of his mind, but Radulf ignored it, unwilling to acknowledge that bond.

Tears welled in Melissa's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "Send Nina back," she pleaded softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It hurts me to see her lingering around you. You even picked a dress for her. Are you going to announce…" Her words faltered, her voice choking on the rest of the sentence.

Radulf's jaw tightened, his simmering anger bubbling to the surface. "I'm not like your father," he snapped.

Melissa flinched at the venom in his words, but she refused to back down. "You kissed Nina," she said, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "You kissed her right in front of me, Radulf. You're hurting me… with everything you do."

Radulf froze for a moment. His wolf stirred restlessly, pushing against the walls of his mind. 'Fuck! What's with her pheromones?' he thought, his hands curling into fists at his sides. 'They're affecting me again!'

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