Chapter 12: Love Her, Yet Not Mine

DAZE

It was a new morning. A new day to get to my post and guard our ice-golden queen.

But the way Prince Finnian reacted yesterday because of her...

Why would he act like that?

I just hoped nothing was going on between them. Nothing at all.

Because of the thing spinning in my head? If it were true, then that would be treason.

And the outcome? Wouldn't be nice at all. Not for anyone.

My wolf, Wane, shook his head inside me. Like he knew something I didn’t.

“Man, what’s it?” I asked, curious and irritated, wondering what he was being smug about.

‘You forget Queen Felda you smashed?’ he said, voice low and mocking. I groaned because yeah... I knew exactly where he was going.

And I wouldn’t even lie.

I loved every damn minute of that night. Queen Felda was beautiful, inside and out. Graceful, wild, royal...everything I shouldn't touch, but did anyway.

Wane shook his head again, this time with more disappointment.

“Nothing’s gonna happen, Wane,” I muttered, brushing my hand through my hair and slicking it back the way I always did. “And besides, she was the one who threw herself at me.”

‘Well then, let me be spared when they burn you alive for treason,’ he said, and I could feel him roll his eyes.

“Shut up, man.”

I shook my head like I could shake him back into silence and focused on the path ahead. I caught sight of Arianna and her squad or what would I call them? Yeah, they were all maids, but sometimes they acted like a marching band of drama.

They had their backs to me, walking out from the front hallway.

I slowed and fell in line behind them, keeping a few feet of space. Observing.

“Eve,” Arianna said, stopping suddenly to address one of them. “Branch to the doctor’s place and get the queen her green tea.”

Eve nodded immediately, soft-voiced as ever. “Okay, I’ll do that and join you quickly.”

Arianna smiled slightly as she watched her go. Eve was the gentle type. Quiet, obedient. She didn’t even like to be near where fights happened.

Even though she had a strong wolf, she acted like a silent breeze. Not an omega, but still carried herself like one. I always wondered how she turned out that calm.

Then came Marie. Arianna turned to her, already with an order.

“And you, Marie. Go and get her dress.”

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I smirked inwardly. Drama was about to start.

Marie didn’t move. Instead, her brow furrowed and she just... stood there.

“Anyone can get that later,” Marie said flatly. “We should hurry to see her first.”

Disobedience. Direct and smooth.

Arianna closed her eyes, real fast, then opened them like she was entering a battlefield.

I could’ve told you she saw it coming. Marie didn’t like taking orders, especially when they came from someone she didn’t respect.

And even though all of them were here to serve the queen, Arianna was ranked higher. She was the head of the maids and, technically, had the right to order them around.

“Come on, Marie. You won’t want your queen to come out naked after her morning bath,” Arianna said with a smirk laced in her voice.

But then she lowered her tone, less mocking. Still controlling. Still Arianna.

I knew Marie liked Queen Isolde. Not the fake like. The genuine, I 'll-die-for-her kind of loyalty.

“Well, I’ll be leaving,” Marie said, voice calm but angry underneath. “You can get it yourself. I’m sure I brought some clothes for her yesterday...unless you didn’t return them.”

My brows jumped, and I almost let a laugh escape.

Was she insinuating that Arianna took the queen’s clothes?

Like, stole them?

That my girlfriend was a thief?

Yeah. Arianna was my girlfriend. Complicated, maybe. But still mine.

I stepped back and waited to see her reaction.

Marie made a move, but Arianna blocked her path.

“You’re not just disobeying me, Marie. You’re accusing me of something...”

“I’m not accusing you of anything, Arianna,” Marie hissed, cutting her off. “Please don’t rope me with your words.”

Hooooly...

When did Marie grow wings?

Back then she’d have cried if Arianna looked at her the wrong way.

Now, she was talking back with fire in her throat.

Maybe it was working in the palace.

Or maybe... Queen Isolde had empowered her. Given her spine and pride.

She has already carried herself like a big wolf lately. Confidence. Like she knew her worth.

“It's not your fault, I should’ve...”

“What's it again with you girls this early morning?” I finally walked toward them like I’d just arrived, wanting to put out the heat before it flamed up.

I’d had enough.

Marie gave me a death hiss and walked away, heading to the queen’s chamber.

I watched her back for a moment before turning to Arianna.

My scent found her fast, and my arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close to my chest.

She smiled, half-teasing, “Hmmm... you smell like wine.”

The smile reached my light green eyes. “Yeah, baby. Just had one.”

Her brow rose in excitement, clearly thinking I’d give her one too once we were done babysitting Queen Isolde.

“Will I have one when I’m done with Marie’s queen?” she asked, eyes wide and dramatic.

“Marie’s queen?” I repeated, watching the flicker of realization cross her face.

She’d slipped.

“Is she not your queen?” I whispered, voice curling around her neck as I kissed it lightly.

“Daze...stop, we’re outside,” she said, pushing me. But only my chest moved. Our lower halves? Still locked together.

“Well, that’s why I’m going to do this quickly.”

I kissed her neck again, then her cheek, her nose, and forehead. A rapid-fire move that had her giggling.

“You’re not serious!” she laughed, finally pulling away.

I smiled but gave her a warning, “Don’t let the prince smell your hatred for the queen.”

She rolled her eyes, her long lashes brushing her cheeks. “He wouldn’t do anything.”

I didn’t say more, but I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. A silent reminder. Don’t push your luck.

We kept walking together, hand in hand, toward the queen’s chamber.

I looked down at our hands. How I wish she could love me like I love her.

I liked her so much. Since the death of her mate, I’d been there. Patient. Understanding.

She appreciated me. Yeah. But her love? Wasn’t mine.

Especially when I hadn’t even met my mate yet.

But I told her that the day I do, I’ll reject her.

No matter who she is.

And Arianna would ask me with doubt in her eyes, “What’s the assurance that you won’t eventually leave me?”

I gave her words. Promises. But she didn’t believe me.

Still, she agreed to be my girlfriend.

Maybe a keeper. Maybe a placeholder.

But I didn’t care.

I wanted her, no matter how hot her temper was. She kept me alive when the world felt dull. Even if my wolf hated the whole thing.

And maybe now she knew Prince Finnian, the one she kept eyeing was never gonna look her way.

We reached the queen’s entrance. Jared stood there, smirking like he’d seen a ghost.

He eyed us. “You guys... at the palace chamber?”

His black eyes twinkled, teasing in his voice.

“Face your business, Jared,” I shot back, smirking.

Arianna giggled and slipped her hand out of mine, smoothing her dress before knocking lightly.

“Enter,” came the voice from inside.

She walked in first. I followed.

What I didn’t expect was Prince Finnian already there, standing like an ice statue beside the queen’s bed.

His voice came cold. “Why did I make you head of the maids if you’re not capable of the position?”

Arianna froze. Her back stiffened before she bowed slightly.

“I’m sorry, Prince Finnian... I had to go back to use the toilet,” she lied.

I had to swallow a full laugh. My insides burned.

“My stomach has been giving me problems recently,” she added.

Marie coughed. Loud and intentional.

Arianna glared at her like daggers. Marie shook her head back with an expression that screamed pity.

“Next time,” Finnian said, voice softening but still sharp, “inform your others to arrive early.”

His eyes went to the queen as she stood up slowly from her bed.

I bowed my head slightly, watching her through my lashes.

Why would Finnian always act differently when it came to her?

Wasn’t she his brother’s wife?

Just because the Alpha King wasn’t treating her like a queen didn’t mean Finnian could claim her either.

From the cornerof my eye, I saw Arianna shake her head slowly, her eyes pinned on Queen Isolde.

And I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly was going through her mind.

But something told me... it wasn’t going to be pretty.