Page 25 of The Alpha King’s Hidden Mute Mate

I walked down the long corridor, my footsteps echoing off the empty stone walls. Sunlight through the windows was so bright it made me want to cry, but no tears came. I just kept walking, kept walking, until I reached an empty terrace. I gripped the railing, gasping for breath. Wind blew through, tangling my hair, loosening the white flower from behind my ear.

It fell to the ground, petals scattering like a crushed heart.

Chapter Six

Zane

After everyone left, I turned to Elder Alden, the fury in my chest threatening to burn right through me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" My voice came out low, but every word ground through my teeth. "Announcing the wedding in front of all the envoys—you didn't even tell me first."

Alden bowed slowly, his posture impeccably respectful, but the glint in those cloudy old eyes told me he didn't think he'd done anything wrong. "Your Majesty, I merely responded to circumstances. The envoys were all present. They saw the young lady. They needed a reasonable explanation. A grand wedding consolidates your image in neighboring kingdoms and silences unnecessary gossip."

"So you just took it upon yourself?"

"I've served this kingdom for forty years, Your Majesty." His tone remained as steady as a weather report. "Everything I do is for the good of this nation."

I stared at him, fingers tapping twice on the armrest—a telltale sign of the irritation churning inside me.

"Your Majesty, you yourself called her a maid." His words came measured and deliberate. "Which means you know perfectly well she's not suited for public view. Miss Taylor is the one fit to stand at your side—she has looks, breeding, and most importantly, a healthy voice. As for the other one..." He paused. "She needs to stay out of sight. It's better for everyone."

I drew a deep breath, forcing down the surge of anger. He was right—those words had come from my mouth. In front of the envoys, I'd called my fated mate "the maid." Not because I wanted to, but because I didn't know what else to say. "This is my mate, but she can't speak"—say that, and by tomorrow the whole continent would know the King of Moonhowl Kingdom had bonded with damaged goods.

I hated that every word he said was true.

"The wedding," I said. "I didn't agree to it."

"But you didn't refuse either." Alden stepped forward. "And besides, Your Majesty, there's something more important to consider. The fated mate bond has been established, but it's not strong enough yet. You need to forge a deeper connection with her soon—to stabilize the power within you, and to ensure an heir."

Heir.

The word landed in my stomach like a stone.

"I know you're displeased with these arrangements," Alden's tone softened slightly, "but please understand—as king, your personal wishes must yield to the kingdom's needs. That young woman... whoever she is, since fate chose her, she must bear her responsibilities. As must you."

I closed my eyes, silent for several seconds. "Are you done?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then get out."

He bowed again and shuffled out of the room, leaning on his cane. The door closed behind him with a dull thud.

I stood there, staring at the dancing flames in the fireplace, feeling like a massive stone pressed against my chest. Every step wasn't mine to choose, every word forced from my mouth by someone else. I was king—but I lived like a puppet on strings.

And I'd humiliated her in front of everyone.

That mute girl.

The look on her face when she heard me say "maid" in the dining room doorway—it stuck in my chest like a thorn. I'll admit, part of it was deliberate. I needed her to understand her place, not harbor unrealistic fantasies. But those eyes...

I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away. What was the point of dwelling on it now?

The next afternoon, Leah asked me to help select wedding attire.

The tailor had spread fabric samples across the floor—ivory silk, pale gold brocade, deep red velvet—all gleaming softly in the afternoon light. Leah wore a light blue dress, her hair loosely pinned back, looking elegant and proper.

"Your Majesty," she lifted a porcelain cup from the table and offered it to me, "try this. I made it myself."