Page 31 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

The healer left, closing the door behind him. The bedroom suddenly went quiet. So quiet I felt cold. My wolf stopped talking. Her tail, which had been wagging so wildly, drooped behind her. She whimpered softly.

So that's it. I'm just a tool. Something he uses to satisfy his needs.

I drank it all in one go. Bitter. It burned from my tongue straight down to my stomach.

The dregs clung to the bottom of the bowl. I stared at them for a moment, then set it on the nightstand. I sat there for a long time without moving.

I didn't go to the study for the next few days. I stayed in my room as much as possible. Even when I passed Lucifer in the halls, I only curtsied quickly, then kept my head down and hurried away. In my peripheral vision, I saw his hand twitch. Maybe he wanted to stop me, say something.

But I didn't care anymore.

I heard about my mother's situation too. The Gray family business was thriving, which in turn benefited the Hale royal house—a positive cycle. This marriage gave everyone what they wanted. Except me.

That afternoon, a maid knocked on my door.

"Luna," she sounded excited, "there's a royal dinner tonight. You're to attend." She clapped her hands, and maids filed in. I watched them wheel in racks of gowns that sparkled under the lights, each dress different from the last, along with jewelry, accessories, and high heels.

"His Majesty ordered these for you," the maid said, showing me one. "He said you should pick whichever you like."

I looked at the deep blue gown. Every pearl sewn onto it was round and lustrous. "This is from the mermaid tribute," the maid said eagerly when she saw me staring. "It would suit you beautifully."

I nodded, my voice flat, almost tired. "This one, then."

If this were the old me, I would've been thrilled and excited. I would've carefully mixed and matched, all for Lucifer.

I let the maids style my hair and apply modest makeup. When I stepped out into the waiting corridor, Lucifer was already there. Unlike me, he'd clearly dressed with care. I approached and curtsied. "Your Majesty."

Lucifer had seen me the moment I appeared. His gaze settled on me, something bright flashing in his eyes. He coughed, lifting his elbow slightly. I blinked, unsure what he meant.

"Take it."

I looked up. When our eyes met, Lucifer turned his face away. He seemed uncomfortable, his ears tinged red. "The rest of the royal family will be there," he explained. "We can't let them think we're having problems."

I see.

I slipped my hand into the crook of his arm, my fingertips brushing the fabric of his suit. Lucifer's arm tightened. Silence stretched between us until he spoke again.

"You haven't come to the study." His voice was muffled, emotionless.

"You said," I replied flatly, as if discussing someone ease's business, "the study isn't my place."

Lucifer pressed his lips together. His jaw set in a hard line.

I thought the conversation was over, but then he spoke again. "Why have you been avoiding me?" His voice was low, the tone even lower, sounding almost... hurt? I thought my ears were playing tricks on me. Just then, the great doors opened, and all the royal wolves rose.

"Alpha, Luna."

I held Lucifer's arm as we walked past them toward the two thrones at the far end. Beside the thrones, Liam clung to Lina. When he saw us, he waved.

The crystal chandelier blazed overhead. I sat beside Lucifer. Lina and Liam were on the other side. She straightened his collar—the little bow tie had come askew. She adjusted it with two quick flicks of her fingers. Liam tilted his head back for her, a piece of fruit still in his mouth.

The banquet began.

I ate the food in front of me. Political matters weren't my domain. Liam didn't need my care either, because of the boy, Lucifer leaned toward Lina's side.

I was just a figurehead.

Time dragged on. Liam was clearly tired. He swung his knees restlessly, squirming in his seat like it made him uncomfortable. "Mommy Lina," he rubbed his eyes, "I wanna sleep." Lina smiled and picked him up, saying something to Lucifer. Lucifer nodded, indicating they could leave—