Chapter 220

I knew that I should've felt intimidated by Prince Alexander, but something about him made me feel at ease. His casual charm and youthfulness surprised me.

He was the complete opposite of what I thought the heir to the Alpha King throne would be like. His laughter and easygoing demeanor strangely reminded me of James. Sure, the two of them had many differences, but the way they carried themselves was the same.

Lucas hadn't been able to stop sending daggers at Prince Alexander all throughout dinner, although, it didn't seem like the prince even noticed. He was too busy keeping all of his attention on me.

"So, Shana, tell me who you've brought here with you," Prince Alexander asks while only looking at me. I find it a bit rude that he won't even acknowledge the other guests.

"I'm Lucas, Shana's boyfriend and closest friend," Lucas cuts in, his tone sharp and cold. I almost flinch.

Prince Alexander turns his head toward Lucas and gives him a lazy smile. "Is that why I can feel you burning the side of my head with your stare?"

My cheeks redden, suddenly embarrassed that the prince had noticed Lucas's jealousy all along.

"And you?" The prince's gaze falls upon Kendrick. "Don't tell me you're another one of Shana's... friends."

"No, I'm Kendrick Busch. Lucas's father."

"And your relation to Shana... is?" Prince Alexander eyes Kendrick suspiciously. It was clear he was wondering what Kendrick was doing there.

"I was the one who informed the Alpha King of Shana's wolf," Kendrick said, keeping his voice high. "I'm also here to serve as Shana's protector."

Prince Alexander snorts, picking up his wine glass. "Protector? I highly doubt that the White Wolf would need you to help protect her. She's completely capable of taking care of herself."

"I have security she can use," Kendrick continues. "I have many resources."

"Resources? Ah, yes. The Busch Empire. I've heard of it. Very impressive," Prince Alexander pauses in between each sentence as if he's trying to remember what he knows about the Busch family.

"Thank you." Kendrick bows his head. "My son and I are honored to be here. We wanted to ensure that Shana had a safe journey."

Prince Alexander seems to grow bored with Kendrick and returns his attention to me.

Prince Alexander's gaze, sharp and curious, locked onto me. It felt like he was peeling away layers, trying to uncover hidden truths.

Despite the casual atmosphere, there was an intensity about him that hinted at a deeper understanding. I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

"So, Shana," he began, his voice smooth and measured, "tell me more about yourself. I've heard many things about you; in the short few days I've known of your existence."

Prince Alexander's accent is thick as he speaks. It sounds like someone wrapping a warm blanket around you on a cold day.

I hesitated, glancing briefly at Kendrick and Lucas, who wore contrasting expressions. Kendrick's eyes conveyed a subtle warning, a reminder to be cautious with my words. Lucas, on the other hand, looked tense, as if he anticipated trouble.

"It's a long story," I replied cautiously, attempting to keep the details vague. I didn't want to delve into the complexities of my past, especially regarding my father.

The less Prince Alexander knew, the better.

The prince leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. "Long stories often have the most intriguing twists and turns. I enjoy a good tale. Humor me."

"I'm not that interesting, I'm afraid. I spent most of my life in the same town. My parents divorced and I went to live with my mother until her passing last year. I spent the past couple of months living with my father, and he recently passed as well."

A heavy silence fell over the room as I trailed off, my voice catching in my throat. The weight of my words hung in the air, and I could sense the tension escalating.

I avoided eye contact with the prince, choosing to focus on the intricate patterns of the tablecloth.

Prince Alexander cleared his throat, gathering my attention. His expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly in scrutiny.

The atmosphere became charged with unspoken questions, and I braced myself for whatever he might ask next.

"I'm sorry for your losses," Prince Alexander finally spoke, his tone surprisingly genuine. "It can't be easy."

"Thank you," I replied, offering a small, appreciative smile. The acknowledgment from the prince caught me off guard. I had expected a more dismissive response or maybe even a bit of humor.

You would expect a prince to always be serious, but Prince Alexander wasn't that. For once, I was seeing him as the quiet and poised prince I had conjured up in my head.

Kendrick, who had been observing the interaction in silence, broke in, his voice carrying an air of authority. "We all carry burdens, Shana. You are not alone in that regard. What you've had to experience at your young age is difficult, but you've managed to handle it well."

I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Kendrick's kind words. Even though he might be here for his own selfish reasons, I was happy that a small part of him still had my back.

The heaviness in the room lifted slightly, and the attention shifted away from me. Rigby came to Kendrick to refill his glass, and the two of them quickly engaged in a conversation about our journey.

Prince Alexander, however, remained fixated on me. "I really do find your story intriguing, Shana. The past months must have been challenging for you."

I nodded, still feeling the sting of recent losses. "It has been, but I'm adjusting."

"Adjusting to newfound responsibilities, no doubt," he remarked, his eyes narrowing again in a way that suggested a deeper understanding.

If anyone knew about the weight of responsibilities, I'm sure it had to be Prince Alexander.

Lucas, who had been observing the exchange in silence, finally spoke up. "Shana's had her fair share of challenges, but she's resilient. She's always been this way. She never lets difficulties bring her down."

Prince Alexander's gaze shifted to Lucas, and a glimmer of amusement danced in his green eyes. "Resilience is an admirable quality. I'm sure you play a significant role in supporting her through these challenges, Lucas."

Lucas nodded, though his expression remained guarded. I wasn't sure if Prince Alexander was truly complimenting Lucas, or scrutinizing him.

"Maybe, all of that resilience is the spirit of the White Wolf that lives within you," Prince Alexander says with a shrug. "Sounds unlikely, but it's possible."

Just as I begin to think Prince Alexander is going to ask me more questions to probe further, the grand doors swing open.

"All, please welcome Sir Edmund Frost, the crowned Alpha King and ruler of the Ethereal Palace," Liam announces from the open doorway.

We all rise to stand from the table.

"Such a dramatic entrance," Prince Alexander says under his breath as he too stands.

The shift in the room is palpable, and all eyes turn towards the regal figure making his entrance. His gaze first lands on his son, then on me, sparking immediate curiosity.