Chapter 20: The Pretense of Reunion

ISOLDE

Knock. Knock.

“Yes, come in.”

The door clicked open, and Marie slipped in, bowing her head.

“Your Highness, you have a visitor.”

I shifted on the bed, curiosity rising. “Do you know who it is?”

She nodded. “Your sister. She said she’s your sister.”

I shot to my feet. “Elsa? Where is she?” The words tumbled out too quickly, my feet already carrying me toward the door. I forgot Marie was even there, forgot everything... because it had been years since I’d last seen her. My chest warmed just at the thought of her face.

But before I could reach the door, it swung open.

Arianna walked in, draped in a blinking light-purple royal dress, the kind meant to blind the eyes and remind you of your place. Eve followed, carrying golden beads and heavy jewelry clinking with every step. For a moment, I almost forgot what it felt like to be queen... then I remembered.

They bowed. “Your Highness, we are here to take your bath.”

My brows knitted. Why now? They only insisted on bathing me when Alpha King Rowan was involved.

Was this his idea? To make me presentable before seeing my sister? Pretend he’d never hurt me?

“I can do that later,” I said, my tone still soft. “I need to see my sister first.” I moved to walk past, but Arianna stepped in front of me.

My eyes narrowed. What the hell?

She avoided my gaze, bowing again. “I’m sorry, Your Highness… you have to take your bath before you go. It’s an order from the king.”

“So? I’m going to see my sister, not the moon goddess. And why,” my voice sharpened, “are you blocking my way?”

I had tolerated her silent disrespect for too long. Among the maids, she disliked me the most, though she dressed it in false courtesy. But she was crossing a line. I was back to my full magic now and she knew it.

I didn’t like hurting people. But I wouldn’t hesitate if someone tried to stand between me and my family.

“Leave my path,” I said, the sweetness in my voice stripped away.

She stayed where she was, still bowing like she meant it.

“I said… leave the way, Arianna.” I began gathering the heat inside me, channeling the fury until I could shape it into a spell without guilt. But the tension cracked when the door opened again.

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Finnian stepped in.

Arianna moved out of the way instantly.

I exhaled, forcing my heartbeat to steady. “Prince Finnian…” But the look in his eyes wasn’t good. They were colder than usual, shadowed, as if he’d just come from an argument.

“Where’s my sister?” I asked, pushing his mood aside. Family first.

His expression softened slightly, a smile tugging at his lips even if it was forced. “She’s with the king. Waiting for you.”

Good.

“Then I should go see her...”

He stopped me.

What was it again with the stopping? What was with this insistence on making me the perfect queen before I could even hug my sister?

“You will see her,” he said in that deep, protective voice of his, “but you need to change into that.” His eyes flicked to the gown Arianna held. He must have seen the fire in my own eyes... the lack of patience.

Then his hand wrapped around mine.

The fury in me dissolved. Just like that.

I looked up at him, and… goddess help me… I nearly rose on my toes to kiss those soft pink lips that didn’t match the hard frame of his body.

“Please,” he murmured, and that was all it took.

I didn’t let him say more. “Fine. I’ll do it now,” I said, forcing my hand to slip from his. I smiled at him, just enough, and walked toward the maids.

After he left, I turned to them. “Do it quickly.”

They took their sweet time anyway. Thirty minutes later, the scent of floral oils clung to my skin. The light-purple royal gown shimmered under the glow of the candles. My hair was twisted into a regal style threaded with golden beads. Earrings heavy enough to bruise my ears dangled against my neck. Jewelry circled my wrists until they almost glinted like chains.

When I stood before the long mirror, my lips parted. I looked… almost divine. Like the moon goddess herself... bright, elegant, untouchable. It made me remember the days when I truly had been queen of this palace.

“It’s time to go, Your Highness,” Marie announced, bowing.

I smiled faintly at her and stepped forward, my maids forming a line behind me. “Where is she?” I asked softly.

“At the king’s chamber,” Marie answered.

I stopped for half a heartbeat.

The king’s chamber?

Why not the waiting hall? Or the meeting room?

I kept walking, ignoring the unease.

“Your Highness, Queen Isolde is here!” the guard called, bowing.

“Let her in now,” Rowan’s deep, dominating voice ordered from inside.

My stomach tightened.

The memories came without mercy... his hand on me when I said no, the cruel demand for an heir we both knew I could not give. Even if he had changed his behavior lately, most likely because of Finnian. I doubted I would ever find it in me to forgive him.

‘This isn’t the time, Isolde. Go in,’ a voice in my head pushed.

The door opened.

Elsa saw me and ran.

She moved with her wolf speed, throwing herself at me before I could even brace. “Isolde!!” she grinned, kissing my cheeks, gripping my hands tight. “You smell so good! I’ve missed you!”

I laughed, pulling her close to my neck. I knew she was holding herself back from sniffing my scent, so I let her. “I’ve missed you too… so much, sister.”

Over her shoulder, my gaze caught Finnian’s. I thought I saw him smile just now... maybe I imagined it.

Elsa pulled back, her eyes sparkling. “You look amazing! The king is taking care of you. You’re so lucky!”

I glanced at Rowan when she said that. His eyes met mine briefly, then slid away.

You guessed wrong, Elsa.

“Can we all eat now since you’ve seen your long-lost sister?” Velin’s mocking voice cut through the warmth.

“Watch your tongue, Velin!” Elsa snapped instantly. Her eyes flared gold, flames flickering across her skin.

“No, no, Elsa. Stop.” I touched her arm. “Ignore her.”

The fire died. She smiled like nothing had happened. “She’s still bitter after all these years? Get used to it, you did steal her husband.”

Velin’s lips twisted. “No. Your whore sister stole my mate.”

“Enough!” Rowan’s bark shook the air. “Velin, that’s not how we welcome a guest.”

She rolled her eyes.

“My love, come sit by me,” Rowan said.

At first, I didn’t even think he meant me. I moved toward the seat beside Elsa, who sat next to Finnian.

“I’m still waiting, Isolde,” he said again, patting the space beside him.

I froze. Velin’s eyes went wide.

What was he doing? That seat had always been Felda’s. She might not hate me like Velin did, but I wasn’t about to make an enemy of her by taking it.

“I’ll just sit here...” I began.

Elsa cut in, grinning. “Go on, Isolde. You’ll be right in front of me. I wouldn't miss you that way”

She had no idea how the palace worked now. She still thought I was Rowan’s favorite.

Her hand nudged my leg. I glanced at Velin who hissed under her breath, then at Finnian, whose eyes were pleading.

Finally, I looked at Rowan. His face was carved from stone. No emotions, nothing.

I sighed, walking toward him.

I hesitated… then sat.

I needed to be ready for whatever game he was playing and be ready to keep Elsa in check if she lost control again.

A strange sensation prickled along my skin. I looked down and found Rowan’s hand sliding higher beneath the table’s cover. To my thigh.

I caught his wrist and pushed it away. “Don’t touch me,” I whispered.

He smirked, leaning close so only I could hear. “Don’t forget… you’re still mine.”

His voice slid over me like heat, unwanted but impossible to ignore.

Elsa giggled suddenly. “Look at them! So cute.”