Chapter 173: Chapter 173 Sunshine And A Blade
Phoebe’s POV
Justin and Samuel stared in disbelief at what unfolded before them. The wild wolves were notorious predators from the forest depths—only the king could approach them without fear.
But what I was experiencing defied everything they knew.
The wolf pack approached me like well-trained pets, their fierce demeanor replaced by gentle submission. They’d even brought their young ones along.
The three pups I’d encountered before had grown considerably, though still half their parents’ size, no longer the tiny creatures from my previous visit.
Joy filled me as I watched them. I offered the largest portion of food to the three growing wolves.
Thrive and flourish.
That prayer echoed in my heart for these magnificent creatures.
Meanwhile, Samuel and Justin maintained their distance, unable to venture closer. Any attempt triggered a warning growl from the alpha, instantly alerting the entire pack to fix them with threatening stares.
The two warriors wisely chose not to test their fortune by advancing further, especially since I appeared completely at ease—just as I’d promised, I’d formed a bond with these fearsome beasts.
They positioned themselves strategically: close enough to monitor my safety, yet far enough to avoid provoking the wolves.
I remained with them until midday before returning to the palace for lunch. Though my taste remained absent, hunger still gnawed at me.
"How do you manage that, my queen?" Justin inquired.
I’d noticed he was far more talkative than Samuel, who maintained his usual silence.
I shrugged and scribbled a response. [The king presented me as his mate during my first visit. Perhaps he could introduce you both to them.]
Justin winced reading my suggestion. "The issue is—I’d meet my death asking the king such a favor long before those wolves could shred me apart."
His dramatic flair earned him a sharp kick from Samuel, a reminder to show proper respect in my presence.
"I meant no offense, my queen, it’s simply that—"
I laughed at Justin’s panicked expression, my smile so radiant that when sunlight kissed my face, I seemed to glow from within.
Both Justin and Samuel froze momentarily, captivated by my warmth. Where the king commanded respect through fear, I offered the opposite—warm as sunshine, peaceful as moonbeams.
[I appreciate you both accompanying me here.]
"No thanks necessary. This is our obligation."
——
Fiona desperately sought an audience with Reginald, who’d been avoiding her relentlessly. He hadn’t even returned to their bedroom at night.
So when Fiona finally trapped him in the war room, escape became impossible.
"Please, speak to me. Why this avoidance? Please, I acknowledge my mistakes. I understand that... but please, don’t treat me this way. This treatment will destroy me..."
Fiona had shed considerable weight in just three days since her last dosage. She’d also been dodging royal beta Allen, unable to face him.
The complication was that Reginald and Allen spent most hours together with other alphas, strategizing for battle.
Particularly now, with the king’s arrival alongside his warriors and royal gamma. They stood ready to strike at any moment.
"Reginald, please. I’m begging you." Fiona dropped to her knees before him, desperation driving her to seek his attention, to coax words from him.
Witnessing her like this, Reginald’s resolve finally cracked slightly, allowing Fiona to breathe easier.
"Come, get up." Reginald attempted to lift her, but Fiona refused.
"No, not until you say you’ve forgiven me."
Reginald exhaled deeply, tucking a strand behind her ear as he spoke gently, though pain laced his voice.
"Your betrayal still wounds me, Fiona. I can’t bear facing you knowing you desire another."
Reginald knelt beside her since she wouldn’t rise.
"No. I want no one else but you. Only you, Reginald. Only you—please, believe me."
Reginald looked away, spurring Fiona’s frantic reassurances.
"Please, Reginald, I want you. Only you. You’re my mate."
"Yet you snuck behind my back to meet another man."
"No, that’s not how it happened." Fiona shook her head, scrambling for the right words. "I wanted the drug. Not him—I only wanted the substance he provided. That’s all. Please, believe me, Reginald."
"So not only unfaithful, but an addict as well."
Reginald furrowed his brow, head dropping.
Desperation consumed Fiona. She cupped his face, forcing eye contact. "Please, I’ll do anything you ask. I’ll quit. I won’t touch the drug again. I’ll remain in our bedroom and never approach him."
Reginald remained silent while Fiona wept from sheer frustration.
"Please, Reginald. Please. Talk to me, say something."
Finally, Reginald raised his head, regarding her with contempt that pierced Fiona’s heart like a blade. "Do you comprehend the agony of discovering your mate has been with someone else?"
"I know, I know. I’m sorry."
"No, you don’t. Because I am always faithful to you."
