Chapter 103

Despite Varen’s best efforts to lift my spirits during the ball, Mr. Renfield’s words echoed in my mind throughout the night. As unsettling as they were, I couldn’t deny their truth. If I managed to secure a position within the negotiation squad and have my name signed on the peace treaty, it would solidify my standing in the vampire world. The real issue, however, was that Selene’s name would be right there beside Hadrian’s—because, for all intents and purposes, she still held the title of queen and remained the vampires’ legal representative.

When I finally returned to my chambers, I found myself even more restless.

“God, this is so frustrating!” I shouted at my reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Even after washing my face and preparing for bed, I already knew sleep would evade me. My entire life had been steeped in the growing hatred toward werewolves. While there were rare exceptions—like Oberon and my mother—I could hardly bring myself to speak to a wolf without feeling at least a trace of bitterness. Was I prejudiced? Absolutely. Could I change that? Not overnight. I couldn’t even pretend to be impartial when dealing with werewolves, let alone those from my father’s pack.

The idea of facing the wolves from the Northern pack wasn’t any better.

“How could I possibly ‘side’ with someone like Kenzo? He’s nothing more than a caveman!” My frustration grew as I recalled his condescending words and the way he’d looked at me during the ball. “And what exactly am I supposed to convince the wolves and vampires to do? Hold hands and promise not to kill each other?”

I was a terrible politician. I flung myself onto the bed, punching my pillows in a desperate attempt to vent the turmoil within me. Mr. Renfield seemed to believe I had a role to play in all of this, but I couldn't fathom how. Did he really think the wolves of the Northern pack would listen to me just because I was an Alpha’s daughter? It was naive to assume it would be that simple. And besides, why would anyone take me seriously?

Hadrian hadn’t even mentioned his plans to negotiate peace between the races. If he was truly intent on forging an alliance, it made sense for Selene to be by his side. She was the queen, after all. According to Mr. Renfield, my involvement was crucial, yet without an invitation from Hadrian—or even Alpha Kenzo—it was nothing more than a distant dream. And why would Kenzo want me there?

The realization cut deep—Hadrian’s decision to exclude me only cemented how difficult it would be to earn true recognition within vampire society. A bitter thought crept in: maybe he was comfortable with the way things were, having Selene at his side while I waited patiently in the shadows for whatever scraps of attention he decided to throw my way. The more I dwelled on it, the more I loathed my situation, and I knew I had to change it. I just didn’t know how.

I lay awake all night, staring at the ceiling, my mind spiraling into dark and hopeless thoughts. Anxiety gnawed at me, whispering cruel possibilities—perhaps Hadrian would never make me his priority, never cast Selene aside so I could take my rightful place. He hadn’t even looked at me during the ball, though he could have easily found an excuse to. He didn’t care that I was speaking with other men, whereas once, his jealousy had been undeniable.

I didn’t miss his possessiveness, but I would have preferred his attention over Alpha Kenzo’s. It felt selfish, but Hadrian was the man I loved. Didn’t I have the right to want him for myself?

At eight o’clock, Freya arrived with breakfast and an inevitable question. “How was the ball?”

I sighed heavily in response.

“That bad?” she asked, concern etched across her face.

I knew she wouldn’t let it go unless I told her everything, so I ate my breakfast in tense frustration, stabbing at the vegetables on my plate as I vented about the entire disastrous night.

“Wow...” Freya sighed once I was done. “What are you going to do? Are you going to try talking to Alpha Kenzo?”

I scoffed. “I’m not exactly in a position to get involved in the negotiations. As much as I hate to admit it, this is Hadrian and Selene’s responsibility. They’re the ones expected to deal with the Northern pack. I’m... pretty much a nobody.” I offered a bitter smile.

“So, you’re just going to give up?” she asked, her tone laced with disappointment.

“What else can I do? Beg Hadrian?” I snapped, frustration bubbling over. “He didn’t even bother telling me about his plans in the first place!”

Freya lowered her gaze. “I’m just trying to help.”

I sighed, guilt washing over me. “I know... I’m sorry. It’s just—” I paused, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. “Maybe I shouldn’t get involved. I don’t know the first thing about the vampire-werewolf conflict. Perhaps it’s best if I step back and look for other ways to gain recognition... later.”

I hated to admit it, but I was surrendering without a fight. Deep down, I feared what it meant to find those "alpha genes" Mr. Renfield had spoken of within me. He meant my father’s blood coursing through my veins, and I couldn’t bear the thought of inheriting anything from that twisted man. I understood genetics well enough. I knew that my so-called "super genes" came from a mix of his DNA and my mother’s, but hearing the words "alpha genes" sent an icy shiver through me.

Logically, two Alphas should make me a natural leader, even though I wasn't a werewolf. But the truth was, I had always felt like a born coward, and that feeling hadn't changed.

"No!" Freya snapped, rising to her feet with a frown. "You need to speak to the King! He has to listen to you. Don’t give up until you’ve talked to him!" Her gaze locked onto mine, sharp with determination.

I gave a nervous smile, taken aback by her intensity. It was the first time I’d seen her so resolute, and certainly the first time she had ever defied me.

"Okay!" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I’ll talk to Hadrian first, alright?"

"You'd better," she said, folding her arms across her chest.

"Anything else?" I teased, still trying to keep things light.

"Yes." She pouted. "You have to tell me what the King says."

"I will, I promise."

Only when I spoke those words did I see her breathe a sigh of relief, as if she had won a small but significant battle. She grabbed the dishes from my breakfast and moved toward the door.

"Freya..." I muttered, just as she reached for the door handle.

She turned, her face questioning.

"Thank you," I said, offering her a genuine smile.

"You're welcome," she grinned, then disappeared out of the room.

She was right. I owed it to myself to at least speak to Hadrian before I completely gave up. I was still angry at him, but part of me missed him already. Yet, I refused to stand before him showing all of my emotions. I had to keep my cool. The plan was to be confident, composed, and to focus solely on the negotiations—while adding a little seduction into the mix.

After a quick shower, I scented myself with an alluring perfume and slipped into a black dress, sleek and form-fitting, with a shallow neckline and a zipper that ran enticingly down my back. It was subtle yet... convenient, in its own way.

I used the passage to make my way to Hadrian’s chambers. Looking around cautiously to make sure no one was watching, I stepped out and knocked on his door. My heart was pounding, and yet... there was no answer. I knocked again. Still, nothing.

"Of course..." A bitter chuckle escaped my lips. "It couldn’t be that easy, could it?"

I hated having to sneak around like some criminal just to see the man I loved. It was humiliating. I couldn’t even ask where he was—no one felt the need to tell a mere concubine something like that. Frustrated, I turned and nearly slammed into the door leading back to my chamber. I needed to leave before I destroyed something in my rage. I stormed out of the east wing, heading toward the west wing of the Palace, when I spotted a garden.

"This could help calm me down," I thought, stepping into the maze of green hedges.

It was a good distraction. Sure, there was a good chance I would get lost and waste hours finding my way back, but it was worth a try to ease the anger and restlessness that were simmering inside me. I wandered aimlessly, taking turn after turn through the peaceful greenery. Slowly, my heart rate slowed, and my breathing returned to normal. For a brief moment, I felt at ease—until I sensed someone’s presence behind me.

"Good morning, Lady Thalassa," Alpha Kenzo said, flashing a warm smile.

I quickly scanned the area. There was no one else in sight. But how had he ended up here, in the middle of the maze, at the exact spot where I was?

"Were you following me?" I asked, my voice flat.

"I was," he admitted, with surprising bluntness, leaving me momentarily speechless. "I owe you an apology for my behavior yesterday..." He scratched his head awkwardly, grimacing as though apologizing was completely against his nature.

"And this is your way of apologizing? By ambushing me?" I smirked, enjoying his discomfort.

"Look... I’m not great at this," he sighed, rubbing his neck. "I was caught off guard yesterday. I didn’t mean to sound like an asshole."

"But you did," I replied, shrugging.

I wasn’t planning to let him off the hook easily—not for his behavior, and certainly not for my own frustrations. I had to show him I wasn’t a pushover.

"You're not going to make this easy for me, are you?"

Alpha Kenzo gave a crooked smile.

"Nope."

He sighed again, then cleared his throat. "Alright, I’m sorry. Can we try again? I’m Alpha Kenzo, by the way. Pleased to meet you." He extended his hand, his onyx eyes locking onto mine.

I took my time, eyeing him with a sly smirk before stepping forward and shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Alpha Kenzo. I’m Thalassa Drayton."