Chapter 65: Alexander Comes to Her Rescue
{Third Person}
A thick silence fell over the room.
Lysandra’s expression changed instantly. The polite composure she had worn moments ago cracked, replaced by something far less pleasant.
Her eyes hardened, and her jaw tightened.
Amara saw the shift; that moment, her pride was struck. But she hadn’t expected that Alexander would step in to shield her from the attack, despite his anger toward her. But Alexander wasn’t finished.
"Who knew you had enough time to monitor the movements of others," he added casually.
Lysandra inhaled slowly, forcing herself to regain control. When she spoke, her voice was steady again, but thinner.
"Lady Amara is also a woman in this palace," she replied. "It is only natural that I keep an eye on her."
Alexander didn’t even pause. "We cannot afford your kindness."
Across the room, Elowen subtly shook her head, her gaze drifting away. ’Mother really doesn’t know when to stop...’
Zarek’s expression darkened. He leaned forward slightly, unable to hold back.
"My mate and Rowan’s mate both follow the rules," he said, his tone edged with irritation. "How often do you see them leaving the palace? They do not act carelessly."
Alexander slowly turned his head toward him. "Rules or no rules, everyone chooses how to treat their partners," he stated calmly. "Don’t teach me how to treat mine."
The statement landed differently on everyone. Rowan, ever composed, simply glanced at Alexander.
Zarek’s anger deepened, his brows pulling together as he tried to read between the lines. ’What exactly does he mean by that?’
Meanwhile, Amara felt all the tension, sitting right beside Alexander. This was her first time seeing them like this. Not as distant figures, but as a complicated set of people, dangerous in their own ways.
’Is this how every family gathering goes...?’ she wondered silently while also thinking back to her family. Even though they no longer loved her, there was still peace at home.
Before the moment could stretch further, King Sebastian’s presence was announced, and everyone rose immediately.
Fortunately, that put an end to everything. Order was finally restored.
King Sebastian entered, his presence commanding but his expression surprisingly light. He looked around briefly before gesturing toward the adjoining hall.
"Let us move to the dining area."
His tone carried ease as though the tension in the room had never existed.
One by one, everyone followed.
Amara did not think too deeply about seating arrangements when they entered the dining hall. She simply followed Alexander, and just like before, she took the seat beside him without hesitation.
However, this time, her action did not go unnoticed. Queen Lysandra’s gaze fell on her almost immediately, and a faint smile curved her lips, one that carried more sharpness than warmth.
"My dear," Lysandra began smoothly, her tone light but deliberate, "that seat is reserved."
Amara paused mid-motion, her fingers tightening slightly around her cutlery as she turned to look at the Queen.
"Only the Alpha Prince’s mate has the right to sit beside him at the dining table," Lysandra continued, her voice calm, almost instructive. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "But since he has yet to find his mate, you may continue to act as the official wife... for now."
The words were spoken gently, but their meaning was anything but.
Amara felt the weight of it instantly. For a moment, she didn’t know what to do—whether to stand up or remain sitting. The uncertainty made her stiffen slightly in her seat.
Beside her, Alexander said nothing, but his gaze shifted toward Lysandra. It was cold, steady, and filled with quiet displeasure.
In his mind, the situation was obvious. Lysandra was looking for somewhere to release her frustration, and since she could not confront him directly, she chose Amara as her target.
Thankfully, King Sebastian intervened. "Lysandra," he said, his tone calm but firm, "this is not the time to dish out rules."
Lysandra turned to him, her smile returning as though nothing had happened. "My apologies," she replied gracefully. "I was only offering a friendly reminder. It simply came to mind."
Across the table, Elowen had clearly had enough, so she leaned slightly forward and called out, "Mother," then pointed toward the table, "your favourite plum juice is here."
The distraction worked. Lysandra’s attention shifted, and the tension that had been building quietly dissolved.
Amara exhaled softly, though the awkwardness still lingered in her chest.
Soon, the servants finished serving the dishes and withdrew from the room, leaving the royal family alone. King Sebastian then smiled faintly and looked around the table.
"I have two announcements to make," he said. "That is why I called for this gathering."
Everyone’s attention turned to him.
"As you all may have heard," he began, "one of my concubines is with child." He paused briefly, then continued, "I know many of you may have your own opinions about this, but you cannot blame me."
Then his gaze moved deliberately across his sons. "Since my sons are still unable to have their own offspring, I decided to have more for myself."
No one laughed at his misplaced joke. Not a single smile appeared at the table.
Queen Lysandra maintained her composure, but her expression tightened noticeably. The topic was clearly unpleasant for her, like a thorn she could not remove.
Elowen, however, refused to let the mood sink. "Well, I suppose I won’t be the last child anymore," she said lightly, even pretending to look a little sad.
The King chuckled at her remark, clearly amused. "The second announcement will come after breakfast. Let us eat," he said, picking up his cutlery.
With that, the meal began. For the most part, it remained peaceful, at least on the surface. However, Amara could still feel Queen Lysandra’s occasional glances.
The Queen was watching her closely, observing everything—how she held her cutlery, how she sat, how she ate—waiting for a mistake. But none came.
Lysandra found nothing to criticize. In her irritation, she seemed to have forgotten that Amara was raised in one of the most powerful aristocratic families in the Human Kingdom.
Proper etiquette and refined manners were not things Amara had to think about; they were simply a part of her upbringing.
Still, that did not make the meal enjoyable for Amara. The food was heavy, rich in a way that did not suit her palate. She ate only a little, choosing instead to drink more juice and pick at the fruits so she would not draw attention to herself.
Beside her, Alexander noticed this, but he said nothing. He simply continued eating in silence.
Eventually, the meal came to an end. As the servants cleared the table and withdrew once again, King Sebastian straightened slightly in his seat.
"The second announcement," he said and the room grew attentive. "The final hunt of the year will take place in two weeks."
The effect was immediate. The atmosphere shifted, becoming more lively. Interest sparked across the table. Zarek leaned forward slightly, Rowan lifted his gaze, and even Elowen looked intrigued.
Only Amara remained still, her brows knitting slightly in confusion. She had no idea what that meant.
