Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 52

Adelaide

Morning light filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting golden rays across my face as I slowly opened my eyes. As his newly appointed personal attendant, today would mark the beginning of my service to him—a position that was both an honor and a form of sweet torture, being so close yet unable to truly reach him.

I rose from bed with deliberate care, moving to my wardrobe to select the perfect attire. My fingers traced over the fabric until they settled on a deep blue dress that Thalia had gifted me—I found it was Lycanthar's favored color. I arranged my long hair into a simple chignon, leaving my face free of any cosmetics save for a single drop of moonlight perfume at the nape of my neck.

Standing before the mirror for a final inspection, I drew in a steadying breath. My reflection showed eyes filled with both anticipation for the precious time we would share and fear of facing another rejection. "At least I can still be near him," I whispered to myself.

With this slender thread of possibility sustaining me, I stepped toward the Wolf King's chambers. I found Lycanthar standing by the window, his silver hair catching the morning sunlight like spun moonbeams. He wore a simple yet elegant dark robe, his posture straight and regal. At the sound of my footsteps, he turned, and for a moment, something unreadable flickered in his golden eyes.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," I said, performing a perfect court curtsy, my voice gentle and steady despite my racing pulse. I began preparing his breakfast and selecting his daily attire with practiced grace, moving as though I had been born for this role.

Lycanthar watched my every movement, his body betraying a subtle tension, his brow furrowing occasionally. When I approached to pour his tea, he instinctively stepped back half a pace before forcing himself to remain still. "I am not accustomed to such... intimate service," he said, his voice low and restrained.

Sensing his discomfort, I maintained a respectful distance, yet as I handed him the teacup, our fingers brushed unexpectedly. An electric current seemed to pass between us at the point of contact, causing both of us to freeze. I saw confusion flash through his golden eyes while I quickly lowered my head to hide my burning cheeks, hastily withdrawing my hand.

After breakfast, Lycanthar rose and walked to the desk piled high with documents. "Tonight, the court will hold a welcoming ceremony. All nobles and legion commanders will attend to reaffirm their loyalty to the throne," he said, his back to me, his tone regaining its usual authority. "You don't need to stay by my side during the day. I have many affairs of state to attend to." He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "But you are the Moon Bride, and for the prayer ceremony to the Moon Goddess, I want you to be present."

I detected the deliberate distance in his tone, and my heart clenched painfully, though I maintained a composed smile. "As you command, Your Majesty," I replied softly, offering a respectful bow before turning to leave. As I walked away, I felt his gaze following me, but when I glanced back, he had already buried himself in his documents, as if the moment of connection had been merely my imagination.

Once outside the Wolf King's chambers, I leaned against a stone pillar in the corridor, breathing deeply to steady my racing heart.

"Adelaide!" A familiar voice called out. Thalia approached quickly, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight. She enveloped me in a warm embrace. "I've been looking for you since dawn. I wanted to see how you were faring." She stepped back, studying my face with concern.

We walked together through the keep's gardens, and I poured out my inner turmoil to her. "He looks at me as if I were a complete stranger," I said quietly, absently plucking petals from a flower. "Those three days we shared mean nothing to him, yet they changed my entire life."

Thalia grasped my hand, offering comfort. "Be patient, Adelaide. Memories may fade temporarily, but the connection between souls cannot be easily severed. I believe that someday, he will remember what you mean to him."

I looked at Thalia gratefully, managing my first genuine smile since Lycanthar's awakening. "I'm so fortunate to have you by my side." Then, changing the subject, I asked about her progress with Draven.

Talia's face showed a fleeting expression of unease. "Actually, that's part of what's been worrying me," she admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Ever since the Wolf King returned, Draven has been... distant. He barely speaks to me, and when he does, it's only about official matters." Her fingers twisted anxiously in her skirt. "I can't help but wonder if he's hiding something from me, or perhaps...perhaps he's realized he doesn't truly care for me after all."

I reached out to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Oh, Thalia, I'm certain that's not the case. You should have seen how he held you during my execution—there was such tenderness, such genuine concern in his eyes."

I paused, considering her situation carefully. "Think about it from his perspective. The Wolf King has been gone for three centuries, and now suddenly he's returned. Draven, as First Legion Commander, must be overwhelmed with reorganizing the kingdom, managing the nobility, and dealing with Garrick's ambitions. He's probably buried under responsibilities he never expected to face again."

Thalia's expression brightened slightly, hope flickering in her eyes. "You really think that's all it is?"

"I do," I said firmly. "But perhaps you should speak with him directly. Ask him what's troubling him, let him know you're there to support him. Sometimes men—whether human or werewolf—are too proud to admit when they're struggling." I smiled softly. "Trust me, after seeing how he looked at you, I have no doubt about his feelings."

As dusk fell, I knew I had to return. I squeezed Thalia's hand tightly and whispered, "I have to go to His Majesty now." With her encouragement, I turned and walked towards the ceremonial cleansing chamber, ready to fulfill my duties as the Moon Bride.