Chapter 66: The Most Normal Topic in the World
{Third Person}
Amara’s confusion did not go unnoticed.
Elowen, who had been watching her from across the table, immediately leaned slightly closer and lowered her voice just enough to keep the explanation between them.
"The Hunt," she began, her tone lighter now, "is one of our oldest traditions. It’s not just about hunting animals. It’s a display of strength, skill, and control. The royal family participates, along with selected nobles. Some compete, some simply observe, but everyone treats it seriously."
Amara listened attentively.
Elowen continued, "There are different segments—tracking, speed, combat in wolf form... sometimes even team challenges. It’s also a way for people to prove themselves. Titles, recognition, influence... they can all shift after a Hunt."
Amara’s brows relaxed as understanding settled in. "So it’s like... a public test of strength?" she asked quietly.
Elowen smiled. "Exactly."
Amara nodded, then said softly, "Thank you."
That brief exchange drew King Sebastian’s attention. His gaze shifted toward Amara, and a smile appeared on his face—measured, but not unkind.
"And how are you adjusting to life in my kingdom?" he asked.
Amara straightened slightly at being addressed so directly. She chose her words carefully.
"I am adapting well, Your Majesty," she replied politely. "Everything has been... a new experience, but I am learning."
Her answer was safe, respectful and pleasing to the ears. She was definitely good with words.
The King nodded, clearly satisfied. "Good," he said. "You should feel at home here." Then, after a brief pause, he added, "If there is anything you need, you may ask Alexander."
Amara forced a small, polite smile. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
King Sebastian inclined his head slightly before continuing, "Though you cannot participate in the Hunt, you may attend and observe. It is quite an experience. You may find it enjoyable in your own way."
Amara nodded again. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Satisfied, the King finally shifted his attention elsewhere. "Lysandra," he called.
The Queen looked up immediately.
"Inform the inner palace that all are permitted to travel for the Hunt this time. Concubines included," he instructed.
Lysandra’s smile returned effortlessly. "They will be delighted, Your Majesty," she said smoothly. "Thank you for your grace on their behalf."
The King spoke a little longer, making a few more remarks before finally rising to his feet. That was the signal.
The gathering was over. Everyone stood and waited for him to leave first before beginning to disperse one after another.
Just as Julia was about to follow Zarek, Lysandra’s voice stopped her.
"Julia."
She turned immediately. "Your Majesty?"
"Come with me, let us take a walk," Lysandra said.
Julia had no choice but to follow.
Meanwhile, outside, Elowen lingered for a moment, her eyes drifting across the courtyard. Almost immediately, she saw Alexander and Amara entering the same carriage and leaving together.
A smile slowly formed at the corner of her lips. Without wasting time, she turned to her attendant.
"Prepare the carriage. We’re heading to the Alpha Prince’s residence."
—
The atmosphere at the Queen’s quarters was calm.
Lysandra sat elegantly with a cup of tea in hand, while Julia sat opposite her, composed but cautious.
Then, without warning, Lysandra set her teacup down. "Tell me," she began, her tone casual, "how often do you and Zarek share a bed?"
The question landed abruptly.
Julia’s fingers tightened slightly in her lap, her face warming with embarrassment. She hadn’t expected this question at all.
How could she share details of her bedroom matters with her mother-in-law?
"How... often?" Lysandra repeated, as if it were the most normal topic in the world.
Julia hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "Your Majesty... I..."
Lysandra did not let her escape. "Answer."
There was no softness in that word, or room to avoid it.
Julia swallowed a gulp. "...Sometimes," she began carefully, "three times... a month."
Lysandra’s expression changed, shifting to instant displeasure. "That little?" she said, clearly dissatisfied.
Julia lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of the judgment.
Lysandra shook her head slightly. "You are his mate, yet you barely have access to him, while other women enjoy his attention freely."
Julia finally found her voice, though it was quiet. "I cannot force him."
Lysandra scoffed lightly. "Who is asking you to force him?" Then she leaned back, her tone shifting into something more instructive.
"Men are simple. They respond to attention, to presence, to stimulation. If you remain passive, others will take what should be yours," she said.
Julia listened, though every word made her more uneasy.
Lysandra continued, offering advice—subtle at first, then more direct. She spoke about appearance, timing, behaviour... even how to draw Zarek’s attention back to her.
"You must make him look at you. Not out of duty, but desire."
Julia remained silent. Then Lysandra added, her tone sharpening slightly, "If one of his concubines bears him an heir before you do, you will have no one to blame but yourself."
This statement struck Julia deeper. Her lips pressed together as a heavy burden slowly descended on her shoulders.
Lysandra shifted uncomfortably in her seat, exhaling slowly before speaking once more, this time with clear intent.
"Zarek needs an heir before Alexander produces one with that Human girl," she said firmly.
At that, her gaze hardened slightly because, despite everything, one thing still unsettled her: Alexander.
And the way he had spoken earlier, the way he had defended Amara, stayed in her mind. And she did not like it.
---
As soon as Alexander stepped into his residence and took his seat, the quiet barely had time to settle before it was broken.
"Alex!"
Elowen’s voice came before her. She swept into the room with her usual bright energy, as if nothing in the world could weigh her down.
In contrast, Alexander did not react much. He merely raised his gaze and regarded her coldly with an unreadable expression.
Elowen slowed slightly under that stare, but it didn’t stop her. She walked closer, clasping her hands behind her back as she tilted her head with a small, almost playful smile.
"You’re not still angry... are you?"
Alexander ignored her. That silence stretched just long enough to make her straighten.
"Alright," she sighed, dropping the act. "I’m sorry."
There was no response; nevertheless, she carried on regardless, words flowing more honestly from her mouth now.
"I shouldn’t have let her drink that much. I just... I wanted her to relax. She looked so lonely, Alex. I thought if she could just be herself for a while, it would help."
She paused, searching his face for any reaction before adding, "I didn’t think it would go that far."
