The Betrayed Princess Rising Chapter 38

Lylah's POV

The penthouse lay quiet in the pale hush of early morning. I moved soundlessly toward the kitchen, already planning breakfast, only to halt when I saw Alpha Ezra seated at the table.

The spread before him was excessive. Plates, bowls, covered trays, and far too much food for two people.

“Alpha-” I corrected myself quickly. “I mean, Ezra. Good morning.”

“Good morning, Lylah.” His gaze lifted to me, “Sit.”

I obeyed without thinking.

“How did the document process go?” he asked.

“It went smoothly. Thank you for everything.”

My eyes drifted back to the food. The aroma was rich, almost intoxicating, and the presentation flawless. Too flawless. Each dish looked identical to something out of a luxury catalogue.

“You woke up early just to make all of them?” I frowned. “Please don’t do that again. I told you I’ll handle our meals.”

A faint crease appeared between his brows. “Who said I woke up early?”

I blinked.

“With their assistance,” he continued calmly, “all I needed to do was give an order.”

Bambi. And his other creations.

Ah. I remembered then, he’d mentioned they had been managing his meals all this time. His inventions had quietly replaced what should have been Omega's care, Pack's care.

“You should try it,” Ezra said.

I nodded, a strange flutter of curiosity stirring inside me. I had never eaten food prepared entirely by machines before.

I ladled soup into my bowl and raised the spoon to my lips.

The moment it touched my tongue, my body went still.

“Well?” Ezra asked. “How does it taste?”

The silence stretches.

"Lylah? Are you still here?"

I forced myself to swallow. “Y-yes.” I reached for a tissue, wiping my mouth too quickly.

“The food displeased you,” he said quietly. It wasn’t a question.

I shook my head at once. “No, it’s good. Really.”

His gaze hardened, Alpha pressure pressing against my chest. “You’re lying.”

I hesitated, fingers tightening around the napkin. “It’s just a little too salty for me. That’s all.”

“Then try the steak. And the pasta.”

I nodded and did as he asked, giving the other two dishes another chance.

It made no difference.

One was bland to the point of emptiness, the other so heavily seasoned it burned my tongue. Beautifully plated and utterly lifeless. The kind of perfection that lacked warmth. And it struck me then that food made by hand, with care, could not be imitated.

How long had Alpha Ezra been eating like this?

The answer came suddenly, painfully clear.

This was all he knew.

He had never allowed maids into his home, never permitted anyone close enough to tend even to his meals. For three years, perhaps longer, these artificial creations had been his only comfort

My chest tightened.

“You don’t have to eat this,” Alpha Ezra said abruptly, standing. “I’ll have Damon bring something suitable. I’ll also hire professional chefs. There are plenty here in Lunaris.”

“No need, Ezra.” I rose as well, instinctively stepping closer. “I know how much you value your space, letting outsiders into your home would only disturb you.”

His aura spiked. The air thickened.

“Give me a few days,” I continued quickly. “Let me learn properly. Once I get used to it, it’ll be fine.”

Silence.

His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles whitening. The power rolling off him turned sharp, volatile. And fear slid coldly down my spine.

“Sorry, this is my fault,” he said at last, voice low and strained. “I’ll deal with it.”

“Please don’t apologize,” I said, forcing a light laugh that sounded wrong even to me. “This is nothing. I should get better at cooking anyway, when we eventually end this mating contract and go our separate ways, I’ll have to manage on my own.”

I looked at him, hoping for even the smallest smile.

Instead, the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Ezra pushed his chair back roughly. The scrape echoed like a challenge. His expression was carved from ice.

“Damon will arrive shortly with proper food,” he said. “Excuse me.”

Without another word, he turned and retreated to his room.

I remained where I was, heart pounding.

Selene have mercy. Had I said something wrong?