Why I Hate Attention

EVAN'S POV

Instead of getting the f**k out of my palace, she hang herself like there was something to gain from being dead. The awful part is that people are already casting the blame on me. Like I put that rope around a neck.

I let her go free when everyone else had agreed that she live in prison for the crime of treason. I was the one that all cared about her survival and they were shocked by that.

The only thing she achieved is getting people to talk about her. And of what use it when she can't hear it? I don't mean to act arrogant but no matter how they twist the story I am never going to curve in and say that it was my fault.

I don't regret a single thing I did. Protecting my mate and her family will always be my first priority. I had her locked up because it's what her actions deserved. The punishment may have left her remorseful but was I supposed to fall on my knees and beg her to quit conspiring against my family?

"She probably just wanted to carry on working here," Talia whispers, her fingers soothingly caressing the strands of my hair. I am starting to notice that she is fond of it. "She however chose the wrong way to voice her wishes. Now she is dead and can't do it even if we allowed it." She adds shaking her head. "Don't let anyone tell you that it's your fault. It was her decision to commit suicide, you did nothing wrong."

"Don't worry about me. I grew up learning to ignore ninety per cent of the things that people say. My father used to say that if you listened to everything that comes out of their mouths your heart would darken with hate." I respond and she smiles. She leans down and pecks my forehead.

"We will still have our party the day after tomorrow. Anyone that wants to moan her death can do it tomorrow." I say and Talia nods in approval.

If I postponed the party people would think that I am dealing with the guilt of Rose's death. I may feel sad that she made such a stupid decision after I objected to my council to let her free. But I feel no guilt. It's not like she consulted me before putting the rope around her neck.

"You can't control what people think or what they decide to do. If I could I would have stopped my sister from leaving. But she walked out as soon as she was able to walk. She wouldn't even take the money I tried to give her." Talia says in a voice as low as a whisper.

I turn around on the bed and pull her into my arms. "The difference between Rose and your sister is that your sister will come back. You just need to give her a few days to deal with her emotions." I encourage.

She smiles with hope but I feel worried that her mother and sister may stubbornly choose to stay away forever. If they don't show up within a week I have to go out there will and persuade them to.

* * * * *

TALIA'S POV

It's amazing how fast he gets over grievous things like death. I thought he would be looking glum for days after Rose stupidly ended her own life because she couldn't have him.

But his glamorous smile now seems to light up the whole hall as we descend the stairs hand in hand. The massive room is crammed just like it was on the day of his crowning. My body is already growing tense. I would be visibly shaking if Evan wasn't walking so close.

The number of eyes staring up at us makes me feel like hiding my face. Evan got me a sleeveless, white cocktail dress decorated with sparkling golden beads around the waist that match well with the expensive necklace he gifted me two days ago.

I shouldn't have put them all on because I am attracting the stares that I wanted to avoid. I however can't tell if it's me they are staring at or the object of perfection walking beside me.

His fine features are of course more outstanding than any garment or shimmering jewellery. The white shirt I for him to wear is made of a thin fabric that perfectly highlights his phenomenal body making it hard for anyone to resist ogling. I had thought it would be just fitting but he is apparently bigger than I had assessed.

The women in the crowd are seemingly not embarrassed to make amorous sounds even with me walking by his side.

I know they will always be swooning over him regardless of his marital status. It's something I will have to get used to. That and constantly being a subject of gossip. Especially now that Rose's unexpected death is what everyone is talking about.

People have embellished the story of her death to a point that it is becoming a legendary tale. I guess people always turn everything ordinary thing into the ideal story they want it to be.

They say that Rose committed suicide because she loved Evan so much that she couldn't imagine a life away from him. They also say that she only worked in this palace because she enjoyed serving him and not because she needed to make a living. While it may be true that she killed herself because he broke her heart, no one is talking about her stupidity being the real cause of her sad ending.

How many women ever commit suicide because a man refused to love them back? I don't mean to judge but Rose must have had mental problems. People will however not talk about that possibility. Obviously, it would water down their stupefying story.

They want it to remain that my powerful mate is the sole reason she is dead. But I did my best to make him understand that it wasn't his fault. He didn't need to be comforted anyway. He had gotten over the incident a few hours after it happened and he seems to be doing a good job of ignoring the gossip.

No one wanted the party postponed because Rose's death is still in everyone's mind. After all, the main purpose of this party is to meet our true allies.

We apparently have more than we had imagined. All the seats around the two long tables preserved for noble guests are occupied, except mine and Evan's of course.

It's shocking to see the Luna of Fire Moon pack and Alpha Owen seated comfortably at the first table and sipping wine. Alpha Miles sits across from them and they all seem to be chatting like old friends. There are several other noblemen and women seated at the two tables that I have never seen before. It's like every Alpha and Luna showed up.

Should we really trust that Luna of Fire Moon is like everyone else? Last time I checked she was a liar and just as evil as Evan's mother. But I guess we can't kick her out of the hall while everyone is watching.

We get to the bottom of the stairs and the crowd parts to make the way for us. I do my best to keep a calm composure as Evan lets go of my hand and put his around my waist. He draws me closer and his scent completely calms my nerves.

I hear all sorts of whispers as we walk through the slim path created by the crowd. A few ill-mannered men whistled lewdly.

"She is a tall glass of water. And damn I feel thirsty." Someone says in a low tone but we all hear it.

"I am afraid she is far too above your league. Get a cheap wh**e to quench your thirst." Someone else retorts in response.

Evan turns his gaze in that direction and their voices hush instantly.

We get to the first table and the Luna of Fire Moon immediately jumps to her feet and shakes our hands. We both act like we are okay with her presence here.

"You have a beautiful palace, your beautiful Queen must be the happiest woman in the world." She compliments me with a smile that seems genuine but I know better than to believe her.

Evan just nods at her and turns his attention to Alpha Miles who is already on his feet. They hug and the entire hall applauds.

Has Evan ever hugged anyone in public before? I am sure this will be an interesting tale that will be talked about for months. I can already hear people in the crowd murmuring about it.

Alpha Miles slightly bows as he kisses the back of my hand. "You look more stunning than any princess I have ever dreamt of." He complements this with a very refined smile.

"That's an exaggeration, but thank you anyway. You should be feeling at home." I force a smile even though I feel as nervous as hell.

"I am feeling very much at ease. I will in fact be taking a tour after this."

"We will happily show you around." Evan proudly offers before looking ahead to address the crowd.

"I am assuming there are a few of you that are actually here to help me welcome my beautiful mate in my palace. I however welcome everyone to comfortably feast and enjoy, even those that are here for that alone." He says and the multitude laughs and applauds at the same time.

"I will consider every royal man and woman that is here an ally of this Kingdom. Your show of loyalty is highly appreciated." He states and the royal around the two long tables gratefully applaud. "I and my Queen will have a special party after this and our only guest will be my biggest ally and trusted friend, Miles." The nobles hesitate for a moment before grudgingly applauding. We had promised Miles that we would publicly recognise him as our biggest ally and friend so he would always be seen as mighty as us. The other royals don't seem happy about it though. They understand that people will from now on see him as the better alpha.

"My mate and I wish you the best night," Evan adds and the crowd cheers in response.

"She's quite an angel. A sexy, breathtaking angel." One of the alphas playfully comments.

It makes me feel like a piece of meat standing in front of hungry, savage beasts. It's degrading to be looked at like your face and body are the only features important things you've got. If we weren't surrounded by guests I would scold him.

"I will also kill anyone that catcalls her again," Evan warns with a smile. The guests laugh but I can see deep inside they know that he may be serious. He may be good but forgiveness is something he is yet to learn.

We take our seats and he introduces me to the royal men and women that I have never met before. It gets awkward because there are so many of them and all I can say is "nice to meet you" every time he introduces someone. I visibly sigh in relief when he gets done and I say the same words to the last royal guest.

"Sorry, I kind of forgot how much you dislike their attention." He whispers the apology after noticing my discomfort a little too late.

"It's actually because I am a sociopath. Can't think of things to say to them." I reply honestly and shrug my shoulders.

He smiles sweetly. "You're doing really well. Talking more than you do would make you a chatterbox and no one likes that."

I nod starting to feel more comfortable and a little more confident. Then I notice my mother walking in through the door at the farthest corner of the hall and my inner peace fades away like smoke blends into thin air.