33

Nova's POV

Marian smiled, as if she saw a new spirit in me.

"That’s what I hope for. Now, let’s continue, there’s much for you to learn."

I didn’t know if this was her way of showing support or simply ensuring I wouldn’t embarrass the family, but one thing was certain, I couldn’t let my guard down if I wanted to survive here.

We continued walking through the long corridor with sturdy stone walls. Sunlight streaming through the large windows cast soft shadows on the floor. I noticed how grand and magnificent this castle was, but also how cold the atmosphere inside felt.

Each of my steps echoed, reminding me of how serious my new position was. Even though everything appeared magnificent, I couldn’t ignore the feeling of alienation that continued to haunt me. These vast rooms felt empty, and I wondered how long I could endure all of this.

Marian walked beside me, as if sensing my uncertainty.

"Remember, Nova. Your strength is not just about firmness, but also about the ability to be kind. Show that you can be a wise leader."

I looked at her, trying to digest each word. Perhaps to survive, I not only needed to be strong but also had to learn to empathize and understand the people around me.

Marian led me to the castle garden, an area filled with various flowers and neatly arranged trees. The faint scent of roses and jasmine calmed my mind, which was still cluttered with thoughts since yesterday's wedding.

"This place is quite peaceful," Marian suddenly said.

"I often come here when I need to think or just want to get away from the noise of the palace."

I nodded slowly, following her now slower steps.

"Thank you for taking me for a walk, Grandma Marian," I finally said.

Marian turned to me, her sharp eyes examining my face.

"You look doubtful."

I sighed. "It’s not doubt, just... I’m still adjusting. Everything happened so fast."

Marian smiled slightly.

"Of course. You never wanted this marriage, nor did Diego. But circumstances forced you to accept it. You can choose to fight against it, or you can learn to endure."

I looked down, pondering her words. I didn’t want to give up. I had come this far, and I wouldn’t let anyone trample on my self-worth.

We stopped near a small fountain in the garden. Marian patted the stone bench beside her, indicating for me to sit. I complied, enjoying the cool breeze that gently blew.

"Diego may seem tough and hard to approach," Marian continued, her voice softer.

"But he bears a heavy burden on his shoulders. If you can find a way to understand him, perhaps everything will be easier."

I fell silent, thinking about Diego. I wasn't sure if I wanted to understand him or not. This marriage wasn’t about love but about responsibility. Yet somehow, Marian’s words sparked a little curiosity in me.

"No one knows the future, Nova," Marian continued.

"But one thing is certain, you are now a part of this family. And I won’t let anyone push you aside."

I looked at her, slightly surprised by her statement. Marian stared straight ahead, as if reading my thoughts.

I smiled faintly. Perhaps, among all the people in this castle, I still had someone on my side.

***

The first days as Diego's wife felt heavier than I had imagined. I didn’t expect a warm welcome from anyone in this castle, but their cold attitudes still pierced deeper than I anticipated.

This morning, I woke up earlier than usual. It felt strange to open my eyes and realize that this was my life now, being Diego's wife who did not love me, in a place where most people wanted me gone or worse... dead.

I took a deep breath and sat at the edge of the bed. Diego was no longer in the room, as usual. I didn’t know where he went every morning, and I had no intention of asking. We weren’t the kind of couple that had those kinds of intimate conversations.

As I approached the window and opened the curtains, I could see the pack members starting their activities. Some omegas were walking by with baskets of fabric and groceries, while the soldiers were training in the courtyard.

I spotted Joseph, one of Diego's trusted gammas, talking to a few other men. It seemed like something was happening, but I couldn’t be sure.

A knock on the door caught my attention. I turned to see an omega standing in the doorway with his head bowed.

"Ma'am, Lady Jessica and Lady Emily request your presence for breakfast in the main hall."

I nodded and followed the omega out of the room.

When I arrived in the main hall, the atmosphere immediately felt tense. Jessica and Emily were already seated at the long table, along with several other family members. Grandma Marian was nowhere to be seen, and Diego... of course, he wasn’t here.

I sat in an empty chair without saying anything. Some omegas came in with food, filling my plate with bread, fruit, and meat. But I barely felt hungry.

Jessica stared at me from across the table, her eyes full of judgment.

"You woke up late. You should have been at the dining table before everyone else."

I held back a sigh.

"I didn’t know there was a rule like that."

Emily let out a small laugh, but there was no warmth in it.

"Of course you didn’t know. You weren’t part of this family before."

I clenched my hands in my lap, trying to keep my composure. I knew they wanted to provoke a reaction from me, but I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.

I was just about to respond when the sound of a cane tapping on the floor made the whole room go silent. Everyone turned to look, and I felt a slight relief as I saw Marian enter the hall, her face as authoritative as ever.

"What’s going on?" she asked in a cold voice.