Chapter 94

Theodore

The crowd buzzed with restrained laughter, the tension shifting into something more bearable. Seraphine said absolutely nothing, but she didn’t need to.

Owen’s smirk was gone and his jaw tightened slightly.

“Your hospitality is as generous as ever, Alpha Dorian,” he said smoothly.

The crowd rippled with uneasy whispers. Violet told me that there were few among the noble class who hated Owen as much as I did—and he did. He might even hate him more than I did. His voice carried an air of a razor wrapped in silk.

“Give us a moment, we’ll make accommodations,” Dorian said, motioning toward one of the attendants. “Ensure that seats are prepared for our unexpected guests in center, hm?” His smile didn’t reach his eyes as he turned back to Owen and his party. “It’s only fitting that everyone enjoys the evening.”

Owen’s wife, practically glowing with excitement, clapped her hands together. “Oh, how wonderful! I’ve heard so much about noble events—they’re always so refined, so elegant. It’s an honor to be here.”

Seraphine didn't even address her, seething beside Dorian, her fingers curling and uncurling as if she was trying to rein in her temper. Her gaze darted toward Violet, almost pleading, but Violet simply gave her a slight shake of her head. Seraphine exhaled sharply through her nose, looking ready to explode.

“Darling,” she said under her breath, tugging at his sleeve, “a word. Now.”

Dorian didn’t miss a beat, his grin widening as he gestured toward the crowd. “Everyone, please, enjoy yourselves. We’ll rejoin you shortly.” He turned to Owen, nodding cordially. “Your Majesty, Alpha Lucas, make yourselves comfortable.”

The crowd shifted awkwardly but began to resume its previous rhythm as Dorian took Seraphine by the arm and led her away. Violet’s gaze followed them, shaking her head.

"If Owen doesn't regret this by the time lunch is served, I'd be surprised."

I chuckled. "Serves him right."

Before Violet could respond, Dorian returned, still wearing that infuriatingly polite smile. Seraphine trailed behind him, her expression stormy but smooth and gracious. If Dorian's tone had been a razor wrapped in silk, that razor was now glinting out from her eyes. He addressed the gathering again, his voice effortlessly commanding.

“We’re honored to have such distinguished guests with us today,” Dorian said, his tone rich with false sincerity. “This is an opportunity to share our traditions and strengthen ties across the packs. Please treat our newest guests with all proper due."

As he rejoined the crowd, he caught my eye and grinned—a sharp, knowing grin that made me want to grin back. If he didn't really like me before, he was at least on my side. He was up to something, and whatever it was, it was going to be vicious.

I couldn't fucking wait…

And then, I couldn't believe it. I had underestimated the sense of noble decorum. I had never had the patience for much subtly, but watching the entire congregation shift, respond, and react to the intrusion was like watching a master study in politics.

The subtle shift in the atmosphere was almost imperceptible at first, but as the day progressed, it became unmistakable. Lucas, Nora, Owen, and his wife were isolated, left alone and ignored. No one even pretended to let them into their conversation, either because they changed to a language that they didn't speak, or made very clear how they felt about the intrusion.

No one engaged them in genuine conversation, and the few who did were merciless.

A sharply dressed Luna, her voice dripping with feigned politeness, allowed them to approached the group she was with, swirling her own glass.

“How long after marrying into nobility did you pick up a mistress, Alpha Twining River? Or were you unfaithful from the start? The journalists haven't been able to pin it down."

Lucas stiffened, his jaw tightening.

Another noble, a silver-haired Alpha with a wine glass in hand, turned his gaze on Owen. “It is admirable, Your Majesty, for you to bring Alpha Twining River to give a public apology to Lady Donovan." Owen looked furious. "Though, for future reference, as I know you were never educated due to your father's choices, among nobles, it would be more meaningful to sanction Alpha Theodore the opportunity to challenge him for his transgressions with a formal pardon for murder already in place."

Owen’s eyes flashed, but his forced smile didn’t falter. His wife, however, paled visibly, her excitement from earlier replaced by nervous rigidity.

The whispers continued, each dagger of a question or comment landing perfectly.

“Do you plan to tell your bastard child how they were conceived, or will that be another secret swept under the rug?” one Luna asked Nora, her voice deceptively sweet. "I can't say I would have the heart to show my face being the mistress of a Consort."

Nora looked down, her face burning red.

I was impressed by the show of noble solidarity. It was nice to know that she was loved and card for, defended even. After it was clear that they would either have to bulldoze their way into conversations, i.e. Owen would have to order someone to talk to him, or keep to themselves, I had thought that Owen would take the hint and leave, but he had never been a gracious loser.

I had no idea that each couple was supposed to bring their own cutlery and things. Violet said it was something about it being a tradition from when the packs gathered socially and basically in place of mating balls. Ours bore the mark of the Donovan family, the glasses were imported crystal that kept the drinks cold, and I was certain that the every piece of it was enchanted.

Seraphine brought out table set and chair, it wasn't nearly as nice as all the others provided. Owen tried to argue, but Seraphine smiled.

"You're welcome to take your lunch elsewhere," she said as the attendants set up the table. "And will you be needing cutlery and plates as well?"

"I didn't think the Vainthott family was so low as to not have extra dishes.""

She smiled. "I would never attempt murder in my own home."

"Are you threatening me?"

"The wares of the Vainthott family are enchanted and bonded to the will of the alpha and luna." Her eyes hardened. "Given our current… unpleasant situation, they would cut your hands to bits you the moment you touched it, and there is no doctor on premise that would be able to help you. I am simply saving us from further unpleasantness."

I didn't know if she was bluffing or telling the truth, but Violet shook her head.

"You're welcome to go out and procure your own," Seraphine continued. "But we have a schedule to keep. Tradition as it were."

Owen snarled. "I will eat. You as host must feed your guests.

"Of course," She smiled. "What ever is left. You were not anticipated, so you will be served last. Part of the service rotation, but you will not be served without a plate, Your Majesty."

Owen’s composure cracked for just a moment, his hand tightening on the arm of his chair as a group of nobles nearby laughed.

"Shall ask the nobles in attendance if they have a non-enchanted set available or go looking in the attic?"

Owen snarled. "I will not be served on subpar wares."

She turned. "Esteemed guests. Has anyone brought an extra unenchanted set they would be willing to loan His Majesty and his guests?"

No one spoke, almost pretending not to hear the question. Then, she looked at Violet who sighed, shaking her head.

"I do, Lady Vainthott."

"Splendid," her gaze cut to Owen. "It is customary, Your Majesty to thank someone extend infinity grace to you."

Owen said nothing and the murmur of disapproval turned his face red, but Violet nodded at the attendants to bring the unbranded extras she'd apparently given to the serving staff. There were apparently just enough for the four them.

Had Violet known? It felt too perfect for a simple coincidence. Lunch was served and true to form, at every rotation of dishes, their table was served last with whatever was left in the pans. Owen's wife looked like she'd burst into tears. Nora looked queasy. The scent of food was probably too strong for her. Violet shook her head. Her gaze soft.

"You have too kind of a heart."

Violet glanced at me but said nothing. Dorian and Seraphine stood to make an announcement. They were grinning like foxes who had just raided a henhouse, their shared expression one of mischievous satisfaction.

“They’re up to something.” I glanced at her."

She smirked, giving me a mock toast. “You haven’t even seen the full form of noble solidarity yet. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.”

Dorian cleared his throat, raising his glass as Seraphine stood beside him, her smile razor-sharp.

“Esteemed guests,” he began, his voice carrying easily across the garden. “It’s been a pleasure hosting you all for this gathering, and we’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and camaraderie shown today.”

There was a polite murmur of agreement from the crowd, though many eyes flicked toward Owen and Lucas.

“I encourage all to eat their fill. As the combat pitch has been set up, and luckily, we’ve been able to make adjustments to today’s matchups to accommodate our unexpected guests.” His gaze swept pointedly toward Owen and Lucas, and the buzz of conversation around us grew louder. “Matches will begin shortly,” he finished, lifting his glass higher. “So, I encourage everyone to prepare. Let’s make this an event to remember.”