Chapter 159 I Don’t Need You
Ava basked in the attention, letting the whispers and admiring glances wash over her like a warm tide.
Every nod, every compliment only fueled her confidence. She had heard rumors from her carefully placed sources: the Queen Mother had destroyed the breeder’s dress and forbade Lady Beatrice from providing another.
It seemed that the girl would have no way to attend the lively banquet tonight. A small, satisfied smile tugged at Ava’s lips.
Finally, the doors opened, and all conversation hushed as the Alpha King entered. He moved with his usual authority. He looked devastatingly handsome in his gold-and-black regal attire. He was alone, or so it seemed, but Ava’s eyes quickly took in the Queen Mother at his side.
The Queen Mother’s presence was commanding, and Ava could see that she was keeping the breeder away, though the girl’s absence did nothing to dampen her amusement. This was her night, and everyone in the room would see it.
Ava approached them gracefully. She greeted the Queen Mother with a polite bow, her eyes never leaving the older woman’s face.
“Your Grace,” Ava said, careful to show respect while allowing her confidence to shine. “It is an honor to see you this evening.”
The Queen Mother inclined her head slightly, acknowledging her. Ava made sure to stay by her side, moving as if naturally attached to her presence. She would not leave the Queen Mother alone for even a moment, both to cement her position in the eyes of the court and to make certain the breeder’s absence was noted.
The Alpha King approached Minister Marius and greeted him warmly, his usual composed demeanor in place. Meanwhile, Ava leaned close to the Queen Mother and whispered, “Your Grace, I’ve already made the arrangements. The king will soon take the potion prepared for him.”
Wilma nodded approvingly. The dark witch had prepared two potions. Originally, Midas was supposed to ensure that both Gavriel and his mate drank them, but with him detained, she needed to act quickly.
Still, as Gavriel’s mother and the Queen Mother of the kingdom, Wilma took it upon herself to handle Althea personally, making sure the potion reached her. Afterward, she would let Ava deal with Gavriel.
“Make sure there’s no problem,” Wilma reminded her.
For the matebond to be broken, both Gavriel and his mate had to drink the potion. Then the dark witch would seal it with her ritual. There would be a delay of a week because the potion in Althea’s system remained dormant and would only activate if she failed to heal Princess Riela.
Wilma turned to Ava and let out a soft sigh. The woman had remained by her side for a long time, assisting and supporting her in countless matters. Despite Ava’s father being in prison, she was the only woman truly suited for the role of Luna and Alpha Queen, at least in Wilma’s eyes and most of the nobles.
Yet Wilma knew her son well. Gavriel was not someone she or anyone could easily manipulate. He always made his decisions decisively, on his own terms.
Ava caught her gaze and offered a polite smile. “Your Grace, may I excuse myself?” she asked. Wilma simply nodded, watching as Ava made her way toward Gavriel.
‘I wonder how this will all turn out,’ Wilma thought, letting out a heavy sigh. Somehow, she found herself seeing Gavriel’s “breeder” in a new light. Her eyes were steady and genuine but Wilma reminded herself not to be deceived. If Riela didn’t recover and return to her old self, she would deal with Althea herself.
“I wonder what gives her that confidence?” Wilma murmured with a frown.
Nevertheless, she no longer cared about Althea personally. All that mattered was that her daughter be healed. She could only pray that Gavriel’s mate was truly capable of restoring Riela to her former self.
Ava approached Gavriel with her usual confidence, her voice smooth as she leaned slightly closer. “Your Majesty, the blood moon is approaching. You know I’ll be ready to serve you, as always.”
For the first time, she noticed something off—his expression was tight, his eyes darkened with an emotion she couldn’t read. There was a sharp edge to the way he regarded her.
“I don’t need you for anything at all,” Gavriel said bluntly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Ava’s lips curved in a faint, sharp smile, but inside, a flicker of annoyance and surprise stirred. She had been used to Gavriel’s usual indulgence, his subtle acknowledgements of her presence. Yet now… he seemed almost irritated by her.
Her gaze flicked to the hall, and for a brief moment, she hesitated. There was something different about the Alpha King’s demeanor… controlled, distant, and impossibly cold.
Ava clenched her fist, forcing a smile as a few nobles and members of the royal council approached. Normally, she would have taken Gavriel’s arm at a moment like this and stayed at his side. She was about to reach for him but Gavriel suddenly stepped away, leaving her standing alone.
Surprise flashed across her features, quickly replaced by a flicker of annoyance. He had never done this before. Something in his stance told her he wanted nothing from her, not now, not ever.
Some of the nobles began whispering among themselves, and one finally spoke up to the Alpha King, seeing an opportunity, trying to sound casual but with a hint of curiosity. “Your Majesty… didn’t you bring your breeder with you?”
Gavriel’s gaze swept the crowd, sharp and commanding. “She is not my breeder,” he corrected, his voice cold and firm. “She is my mate and yes, I brought her with me.”
A stunned silence fell over the hall. Every eye turned toward the entrance just as Althea suddenly appeared as if on cue. She moved with quiet grace, wearing a stunning gown that perfectly mirrored Gavriel’s gold-and-black colors. The fabric shimmered under the chandeliers, the delicate embroidery catching the light with every step.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The nobles’ chatter died instantly, replaced by awe.
Ava’s face darkened with fury. Her eyes snapped to the Queen Mother as if silently demanding to know how the “breeder” had been allowed here. She could barely believe it… Althea, the traitor’s daughter, standing there, radiant and unchallenged, at the side of the Alpha King.