13: Ada's POV

I’d had just enough time to bathe the sweat and smell from today’s festivities off of me before it was time to prepare for the night’s banquet and… other activity. Gwyn took her time, painstakingly making sure every bit of unwanted hair was removed from my body and that scented lotions and sprays were placed in every nook and cranny. She showed me her makeup cards, allowing me to select a look to go with my banquet gown. My hair was curled and pinned with great care, the jeweled bobby-pins I’d selected sending maroon and navy sparkles through the room.

The moon was high in the sky by the time the other maids were called in to dress me. They dressed me quickly with Gwyn placing the final touches. As they left the room, she bowed her head, “Are you sure you don’t want to see yourself?”

I looked down at the extravagant gown I was in. It was a floor length black lace and black satin dress that trailed out around me. I had a high neck, maroon lace cape draped over my shoulders. My earrings and bracelet were white gold with sapphires. I’d selected a simple makeup look with winged eyeliner and blood-red lip-stain. My shoes were a strappy high-heel that matched the shade of my jewelry. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I was sure it all looked better on me in my mind than it would in a mirror, that I couldn’t bare to see it and hate it. So instead, I just shrugged and took a step toward the door of my quarters.

When I stepped into the hall, Mariah and Cade were waiting for me. They were my designated escorts this evening, and were in charge of ensuring I actually arrived at the banquet. Mariah’s eyes widened as she looked me up and down. Cade gave a small nod of approval and looped his arm through his mates. He was in a nice suit, sticking with the formal black and white look. She was in a long champagne colored dress that clung somewhat tightly to her body and was simple in design. It dipped around her breasts, creating a nice cowl neckline.

As we reached the formal banquet hall, I sucked in a deep breath. As Cade and Mariah walked past the Master of Ceremonies, he announced, “Presenting Beta Cade and his Mate, Lady Mariah.”

The pair disappeared down a set of stairs that I couldn’t quite see over. I stepped up to the Master of Ceremonies, feeling like my stomach was in my throat. As he glanced at me, I realized that I didn’t know what to tell him about who I was. He gave me a small smile and a little nod, motioning for me to start down the stairs.

When his voice rang out, “Presenting Lady Ada Lennox, future Royal Surrogate,” I almost fell down the stairs.

The entirety of the filled banquet hall seemed to cease all conversation and turn to face me at once. Once my eyes adjusted to the bright light of the four chandeliers hanging overhead, I scanned the room. There were dozens of tables throughout the room, and one area set aside for dancing and entertainment. At the far end of the hall was a table perpendicular to the rest. In the very center was the Alpha King and there were two empty chairs on either side of him.

At the bottom of the stairs were the three Alpha Princes. My knees felt like they were going to give way as every set of eyes in the Banquet Hall remained locked on me. When I reached the three Alpha Princes, the King’s voice echoed through the hall, “May the Royal Surrogate look upon her Champion with great favor— Alpha Darius, Prince of the Northern Skies.”

My heart thudded as Darius took a step forward, offering me his arm. He was in a navy tux, similar to the first suit I’d seen him in. His medium- length hair was pulled back into a low and loose pony. His tan skin gleamed in the candlelight of the banquet hall. I looped my arm through his, heart pounding harder than ever before.

He’d had a 66% chance of losing. Yet my hope had come true, and he’d somehow beat the odds. My stomach filled with butterflies. A warmth crept up my cheeks as I realized what exactly this meant— that at some point before dawn, those countless dreams I’d had of him being buried inside me… they were going to come true. While I wasn’t necessarily *thrilled* with the idea, being with Darius was the best outcome I could have hoped for.

Darius walked me through the hall and led me to the Royal table, pulling the chair that was two down from the King on the right out. I took my seat and he took the one right beside me. Phoenix and Nik took the seats to the left of the King. As the King announced the beginning of the celebration, people approached the table in pairs or small groups. Some congratulated Darius and others spoke to the King or the Other Princes. Thankfully, none really acknowledged me. I was able to focus on the plate of food in front of me, trying to force myself to eat.

Instead, I merely moved the food around on the plate while I thought and listened to what was going on around me. Darius seemed like a nice man. Tonight wasn’t going to be everything I’d ever wanted it to be, because he wasn’t my mate and I didn’t love him. But it could still be nice if I let it be. He greeted everyone with fervor, his voice warm and kind. He accepted their congratulations, and even listened to any concerns people brought to him about other things going on.

It turned out the Prince of the Northern Skies didn’t actually have to do with the Northern skies or territory at all. He was responsible for the food supply of the Kingdom— whether that be by cultivating areas of agriculture, helping out on the docks, or trading with other nearby Kingdoms. I’d gained all of this based on the conversations he held with people and the concerns his listened to. For any security issues, war-related concerns, or Kingdom adversary concerns he directed individuals to Nik — who was apparently known as Alpha Nikolai, the Midnight Prince. And Phoenix — who the ladies and gentlewolves of the court referred to as Alpha Phoenix, Prince of the Divine Earth— was sent anyone questioning just about everything else. It appeared that over time, each Prince had discovered something he was passionate about and they divided the responsibilities of the Kingdom accordingly.

It felt like hours had gone by before the last group made their way to the table. As Darius greeted them, I finally shoved my plate away from me and clasped my hands together gently in my lap. I eavesdropped on their concerns regarding the finances affecting food trade for a moment before I realized that these were people from my father’s pack.

Darius shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me before he spoke, “We have a meeting set with Alpha Bryant regarding what exactly is occurring within his pack soon, Beta Adrian.”

My head snapped in their direction, my gaze locking with Adrian’s. How had I not noticed he was here? *What* was he doing here? Adrian smiled softly at me, nodding at Darius’ words, “Ada. It is good to see you again. You’re looking very well.”

Unexpected tears pricked my eyes and I sniffled, “Thank you, Beta Adrian. Are things really as bad as you say?”

His face seemed to darken with my words, “I apologize, Ada, but they are. I am here for a few more days. Perhaps if the Prince is alright with it,” he glanced at Darius, shifting on his feet, “you and I could catch up over a meal?”

Darius smile softly, nodding, “Please. I’d love for Ada to be able to talk with someone from home,” he looked at me, “Especially someone who seems like they were a friend?” when I nodded, smiling brightly, he sighed, “Plan for something soon, then.” Adrian started to walk away and before I could turn and say anything in response to Darius, he leaned down to me. His breath was hot against my neck, causing goosebumps to erupt on my skin, “Would you like to go somewhere with me? Alone?”

Despite the fear that caught grip in my chest, I found myself nodding. Alpha Prince Darius gripped my hand firmly, pulling me up from my seat and started toward a a glass door that led outside. As we walked away, I glanced over my shoulder. Lady Elizabeth’s cold, hard stare bore into my body. It took every ounce of effort to *not* dig my heels in the ground and stop Darius from taking me away. But as he clicked the glass door shut behind us and led me away, into the dark night, Lady Elizabeth’s eyes faded from view and I was left alone with my suitor.