Chapter 228

The King must've noticed the change in my demeanor and offered a kind smile. "Shana, I hope you enjoy the breakfast. It's a small token of our hospitality. We're thankful that you're here."

I nodded, grateful for the gesture, but the absence of Lucas lingered in the back of my mind.

Once my server completed putting items on my plate, I picked up my fork. I began to eat but found it difficult to fully savor the exquisite food spread out before me.

Alexander leaned in slightly, his eyes searching mine. "Is something bothering you, Shana?"

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to share my feelings. "I was just wondering where Lucas and Kendrick are. Won't they be joining us for breakfast?"

"No," the King answered simply. "They are off touring the ground of the Ethereal Palace with Liam. They've been up since dawn, and had breakfast much earlier this morning."

I gave a tight smile, trying to hide my disappointment. It seemed everyone had a schedule, not just me.

A whirlwind of emotions danced within me as I shoved some eggs into my mouth.

"Is it true that Lucas is your boyfriend?" the King asked, his eyes scrutinizing my reaction.

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. "Yes, Your Highness. We've known each other for a long time."

The King leaned back in his chair, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Friends turned lovers. That's quite romantic."

I felt Prince Alexander's gaze on me, watching my every move.

"It wasn't always like that, we've only recently begun dating," I said, keeping my eyes glued to my plate. "We were actually separated from each other for a long period of time. I moved schools when my parents divorced."

"Then you moved back?" Alex asked, seeming genuinely interested in my story.

I nodded. "Yes, I moved in with my father once my mother passed. Lucas and I attend the same school."

"That's right," the King nodded absently. "I almost forgot that you were still attending school. What was the name of your high school again?"

"Shadow High," my voice sounded small as I spoke. "It's my final year."

"Alexander finished high school just last year," the King said, his voice full of admiration. "Although, he's continued his studies."

"It's somewhat of a college experience," Alex said, and for the first time, I sensed a different emotion in him. Was that nervousness? Or perhaps, shyness? "I have a private tutor who teaches me."

"What are you studying?" I questioned, curious about the Prince.

Alex glanced at his father before answering, as if seeking approval or guidance.

The King nodded subtly, encouraging him to share. "I'm delving into the history of our realm, magic, and ancient civilizations. It's quite fascinating."

Images of the secret room that the Prince showed me yesterday flashed through my mind. That made sense. He seemed fascinated by the volumes of books he had in his possession.

I wondered how many of them he had read.

"That sounds interesting," I said, hoping that my tone didn't suggest I might already know some information on the subject. "Any particular reason for those subjects?"

"I believe understanding our past helps shape our future," he replied, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And magic, well, it has always played a significant role in our realm. I want to unravel its mysteries."

The King added, "Alexander has a keen interest in the preservation of our cultural heritage and the magical arts. It's a commendable pursuit."

"Besides, he's spent his entire life learning about diplomacy and law. Once he was old enough, we allowed him to make his own choice on what he'd like to study. Our realm and its secrets are what he settled on. He's a bit of a conspiracist if you will," the King continued.

"I must admit that the secrets of our world are very intriguing," I commented. "But, I'm sure that you know much more about that than I do."

"We don't need to keep talking about me," Alex said, shaking a strand of loose hair out of his face. "Let's go back to what you said about Lucas."

"What did I say?" I asked with a frown.

"You and Lucas attended the same school," Alex said. "When did the two of you reconcile?"

I briefly gave the Prince and King a quick rundown on my history with Lucas, stopping once Lucas asked me to be his girlfriend.

"That is pretty recent." Alex nodded slowly as if he was processing the information.

"Yes, well... things have been a bit challenging for us," I recalled, remembering all of the trials Lucas had gone through in the past few months.

"I'm sorry about the students at your school," the Prince interjected. "It's too bad they don't know who you really are. I'm sure they'd feel quite silly for treating you so horribly."

I stilled, not wanting to imagine what my life would be like if everyone knew I was the White Wolf.

"And Lucas was the first to discover that you were the White Wolf?" the King questioned, taking a sip of his glass.

I nodded. "Yes, he was the first."

"Interesting," the King mumbled under his breath. "He sounds like a good kid. I don't know too much about him, but I know enough about his father. The two of them don't exactly sound the same from the stories I've heard."

I bit my tongue from saying anything bad about Kendrick. It was no surprise that I wasn't a big fan of his, but he's been showing more kindness to me lately. I'll spare him by choosing not to say how I truly feel to the king.

"Yes, they're quite the opposite," I said instead, choosing a safer option.

"We'll discuss more about your history later, Shana. For now, we just want you to have a nice meal and enjoy your morning." The King raised his glass to me as if telling me to follow suit.

I raised up my own glass in silent cheers and took a sip of the flowery, sweet liquid. It was interesting and I had never tasted anything like it before.

Something about it had me taking another sip. It was quite addictive.

Was it a tea? Or maybe it was some kind of juice? I wasn't sure, all I knew was that I wanted to drink more of it.

"Lovely dress," Alex suddenly commented as a server poured more tea for me. "Blue is my father's favorite color."

"Oh yes, and you're wearing the exact shade!" the King added, nodding approvingly. "You have excellent taste, Shana."

A flush warmed my cheeks, and I shot a perplexed look at the Prince.

This dress was his doing, Miriam told me as much. Was he purposefully dressing me in the King's favorite colors to gain favor?

His wink only deepened the mystery, leaving me to wonder what his motivations were.

"Blue is my favorite color as well," I said instead, looking away from Alex.

"Did you choose the royal colors?" I asked the King. I noticed on our tour yesterday that black and blue flags adorned the walls with the royal crest.

"No, those have been the royal colors for centuries," the King said. "But whoever chose them has excellent taste. They're strong colors, don't you think?"

I nodded, taking another sip of my addictive tea.