Chapter 224

The tour with Prince Alexander had felt like a long, intricate dance through the palace's many wings. I had to hand it to him, he was a pretty good tour guide, although I'd never admit it to him myself.

He effortlessly blended humor with informative anecdotes, occasionally flashing one of his cheeky smiles that left me both intrigued and slightly uneasy. I wasn't sure if it was intentional or not, but he could turn his charm on so easily. I didn't want to fall into the trap like I'm sure many others have before me.

The weight of his arm against mine felt peculiar. I couldn't tell what kind of body he had under his fine suit, but I'm sure it was impressive.

As he guided me past the intricately designed training rooms, Prince Alexander casually mentioned that he often engaged in two or three training sessions a day.

"That sounds a bit excessive," I remarked, surveying the extensive array of top-notch training equipment that far surpassed Kendrick's modest facility. "Why would you ever need to train three times a day?"

"To build endurance and strength," Prince Alexander explained, his voice echoing against the polished walls. "My body is accustomed to it at this point. You wouldn't know this since you're not in the same position as me, but you never know when a potential threat will strike."

"I guess I should start thinking that way though." I sighed, feeling the weight of newfound responsibilities settling on my shoulders. "Once people start to find out I'm the White Wolf, there's going to be a target on my back."

Prince Alexander nodded, his gaze meeting mine in a way that made me feel surprisingly understood. "If that happens, we won't let anything happen to you."

"Thanks," I replied sheepishly. "But you've only just met me. I don't think you'll be rushing to my aid so quickly."

"You don't know what we're like; nobody does." Prince Alexander blinked, his eyes tracing over my face. "I think it's a fair assessment to say that we've been accommodating thus far, don't you think?"

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, definitely. You aren't what I expected at all."

"What did you expect then?" he inquired, his curiosity genuine.

"A stuck-up snob who thought highly of himself."

Prince Alexander burst into laughter. "Well, the thinking highly of myself part is correct. The snob, not so much." His laughter echoed through the training halls, creating an energy that felt surprisingly genuine in the midst of the grandeur that surrounded us.

Prince Alexander's laughter lingered in the air, creating a lightness that defied the imposing surroundings of the training rooms. As the echoes subsided, he flashed a playful grin. "You see, Shana, first impressions can be deceiving."

I chuckled, appreciating the unexpected warmth in our conversation. "I'm learning that quickly, Your Highness."

"Ugh. Please don't call me that," Prince Alexander groaned.

"Why not?" I asked, raising my brows. "I only say it out of respect."

"I hate it. Call me Alex."

"I can't do that," I said. "It doesn't feel right."

"I don't care. I order you to call me Alex."

When I hesitated, the Prince smiled, knowing he had gained the upper hand. "You don't want to disobey my orders, do you?"

I rolled my eyes. "You're insufferable, do you know that?"

"Why not?" I asked, raising my brows. "I only say it out of respect."

"I hate it. Call me Alex."

"I can't do that," I said. "It doesn't feel right."

"I don't care. I order you to call me Alex."

When I faltered, the Prince smiled, knowing he got me. "You don't want to disobey my orders, do you?"

I rolled my eyes. "You're insufferable, do you know that?"

He led me through the meticulously organized training spaces, sharing stories about his rigorous routines and the different forms of physicality that he practiced.

This was much different than the training I had done. Swords lined the walls and other sharp weapons that you'd expect to see in battle.

The walls echoed with the sounds of clashing blades and the disciplined grunts of soldiers in training.

"As a future ruler, I must be prepared for anything," Prince Alexander explained, pausing near a sparring area. "That includes physical strength as well as strategic thinking."

I couldn't help but glance at the training equipment with a newfound respect.

It was a stark contrast to the simplicity of Kendrick's facility, revealing the scale of the responsibilities that awaited someone in Prince Alexander's position.

I couldn't help but compare him to Lucas.

The heir to a throne versus the heir to a wealthy empire... both were drastically different.

As we continued our stroll, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. "So, Shana, tell me about your life before all of this," Prince Alexander asked, a genuine curiosity in his eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, considering how much to reveal. "Like I've said, it wasn't anything to write home about. It was a quiet, mundane life away from politics and kingdoms. My biggest concern was our society, which hated people like me. Wolfless aren't treated like everyone else. More often than not, I was trying to escape it all."

"Escape?" Prince Alexander questioned.

I nodded. "I just hated living that way. Feeling like a freak."

"Hm. It's a stark contrast to the life you find yourself in now," he remarked, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"It is," I replied. "I guess life has a way of surprising you."

As we reached the end of the training wing, Prince Alexander gestured towards a secluded hallway.

"There's one last room I haven't shown you, but it's my favorite." Prince Alexander announced, redirecting our course towards an empty hallway.

We walked through a small alcove, and Prince Alexander's hand brushed the top of a painting hanging on the wall.

A subtle click resonated, and to my right, a door creaked open.

A secret passage revealed itself.

I stood there, blinking at the revelation. "Is this... a secret door? A secret room?"

Prince Alexander chuckled. "It is. A hidden gem within these walls... Come on, I'm trusting you by showing you this. Can you keep a secret?"

The gravity of his words hung in the air. This was a huge sign of Prince Alexander's faith in me.

I nodded, curiosity outweighing caution. Prince Alexander gestured for me to follow as he led the way through the mysterious door.

Beyond, the room unfolded like a small haven.

Soft candlelight flickered, revealing an treasures – antique books, artifacts, and peculiar trinkets. It was a sanctuary unknown to the prying eyes of the palace. I wondered how many people knew about this room.

"Welcome to my secret retreat," Prince Alexander said, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and vulnerability. "A place where I come to escape and immerse myself in the past."

I couldn't help but marvel at the authenticity behind his revelation. "It's incredible, Prince Alexander. How did you find this place?"

"It's Alex." He grinned, a genuine warmth in his expression. "Say it correctly."

"Okay... Alex," I repeated with slight hesitation. "How did you find this place?"

"Some secrets are passed down through generations. It's a refuge for those who need a moment away from the crown."

As I explored the hidden room with my gaze, I couldn't believe that Alex had chosen to share this with me.

I couldn't deny that it made me feel curious as more layers to the palace began to unfold.