Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Political Benefits
Estelle’s POV
The condescending tone in Aldric’s voice made my blood simmer. His eyes swept over me like I was something unpleasant he’d found on his shoe. Behind him, Rosalind’s face had gone from pale to flushed, her hands clenched at her sides.
I felt Zayne’s hand tighten protectively on my back. The gesture was subtle, but it steadied me. I didn’t need him to fight this battle for me.
“Yes. And I believe it’s proper to make introductions,” I said, my voice cutting through the tension. “Estelle Harper, the Luna of Blackmoon.”
I straightened my posture even further and glanced coldly at Councilman Aldric.
“I assure you, Councilman, that I am not a mere girl from nowhere, nor am I without political connections.” I added, “Although that shouldn’t be an issue when considering a bride.”
Aldric’s eyebrows rose slightly. The dismissive look in his eyes flickered with surprise. Maybe he was shocked that a girl like me would snap back, rather than quietly take the bullying.
“It is when Zayne is the king,” Rosalind snapped, stepping forward. Her voice was sharp with frustration. “Everything he does affects the lycan community. His choice of mate affects all of us.”
“Lady Vurbont,” Aldric said calmly, though there was warning in his tone.
Rosalind huffed but obediently stepped back. Her cheeks were still flushed, and I noticed she swayed slightly on her feet. She was drunk. The red flush on her cheeks wasn’t purely due to anger.
I kept my expression neutral as I continued. “For werewolf packs, the Luna doesn’t have to be the Alpha’s fated mate, but it is still his choice to make.” I paused, letting my words sink in. “More often than not, an Alpha’s first choice will always be their fated mate.”
I, for one, knew how true that was. Asher had chosen Hazel so firmly and quickly because of their fated bond. I didn’t even stand a chance, but it was a good thing I didn’t.
“Most Alphas and Lunas invited tonight are fated mates to each other, not mated because of political benefits.”
I could see several guests nearby nodding in agreement. They had heard the commotion and looked over. Some of them were trying to pretend they weren’t listening, hiding behind their wine and champagne glasses, while others were openly looking in our direction.
“But of course, even if they aren’t fated mates, most couples choose to spend the rest of their lives together due to mutual liking and understanding,” I said. I peered at Zayne from the corner of my eye, just to see that he was already looking at me.
I quickly glanced away.
“Estelle,” Jude murmured beside me, and I caught the hint of admiration in his voice.
I wasn’t finished. “Werewolves and lycans aren’t very different in that regard. The union between our races would establish stronger peace between our people. That, ironically, seems quite politically beneficial to me.”
The silence that followed was thick. Aldric’s face had gone carefully blank. Rosalind opened her mouth as if to argue, then closed it again.
She couldn’t rebut without making it seem like she opposed peace between lycans and werewolves. That would be viewed as an act of aggression by every pack representative in attendance.
I had backed her into a corner, and she knew it.
“You’re very clever,” she said finally, but her voice was strained. She took another small step, and I noticed her coordination was off. “But cleverness isn’t everything.”
“No,” I agreed easily. “But it helps.”
Rosalind’s face grew redder. The flush wasn’t just from anger anymore. Her eyes were slightly glassy, and she blinked too slowly.
“Lady Vurbont,” Zayne said, his voice cutting through the tension. “You seem unwell. Councilman Aldric, perhaps it would be best if Lady Vurbont returned home for the evening.”
It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command from the Lycan King.
“I’m perfectly fine,” Rosalind protested, but her words slurred slightly at the edges.
Aldric’s jaw tightened, but he couldn’t refuse a direct order. “Of course, Your Majesty. This way, Lady Vurbont.”
“But I—” Rosalind started to argue, her voice rising.
“Now,” Aldric said firmly, taking her arm.
I watched as he guided her away, Rosalind casting one last desperate look over her shoulder at Zayne. Her steps were uneven, and Aldric had to steady her twice before they disappeared into the crowd.
“Well,” Jude said cheerfully once they were gone. “That was entertaining.”
I turned to Zayne, feeling a mix of curiosity and something that might have been jealousy. “Are you not going to escort her out yourself?”
The question came out more pointed than I’d intended. Part of me genuinely wondered, part of me was testing him, and part of me just wanted to see what he’d say.
Zayne’s expression grew serious. His electric blue eyes met mine directly. “You’re my fiancée. As your future mate, it’s my duty to accompany you, not another woman.”
The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. Heat crept up my neck and into my cheeks. My heart fluttered with unexpected warmth and happiness.
He meant it. Every word.
“Oh,” I said softly, suddenly feeling foolish for testing him.
I knew that Zayne’s choice in picking me as his bride was because of mutual benefit. However, I had hoped that it would evolve into liking and mutual understanding. Otherwise, it would’ve been awfully hypocritical of me to preach to Rosalind Vurbont.
The moment stretched between us. Zayne’s eyes searched my face, and I found myself lost in that electric blue gaze.
A deliberate cough broke the spell.
