And more than that, even though he already knew Addison had fated mates, and he wasn’t one of them, he couldn’t bring himself to give up so easily. He knew all too well how it felt to walk away from someone he loved, how unbearable it was to think he’d never see her again. So yes, maybe it was selfish... maybe even foolish to defy the Moon Goddess’s design, but his heart refused to listen to reason.
As for Addison, the one caught in the middle of it all, she had no idea what storm was quietly building around her.
While they talked, they eventually arrived at Addison’s palace. Just like Lance had said, he waited downstairs in the guest receiving area, where the Omegas promptly served him tea and snacks. Meanwhile, Addison returned to her chambers.
Without wasting time, she slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the shower. The warm water helped rinse away the tension, and more importantly, Zion’s lingering scent. She knew her father had a sharp nose and an even sharper tendency to jump to conclusions. If he caught the faintest trace of Zion on her, he’d assume she was already giving in to the mate bond and forgiving Zion far too quickly. And Addison could already hear the teasing remarks or, worse, a smug lecture.
Once she was done, perfectly timed with an Omega’s arrival to collect her used clothes, she stepped out of the bathroom. A soft towel was in her hands to dry her hair, but she made no effort to cover herself with it as she walked around her room, naked.
The Omega passed by her calmly, as if used to her unbothered demeanor, and quietly closed the door behind her. Addison, unfazed, continued drying her hair as she casually walked across the room, droplets of water still glistening on her bare skin while she browsed her wardrobe for something fresh to wear.
"Addison, do you have a minute?" Mila’s sudden voice behind her made Addison flinch and turn around quickly, her heart skipping a beat.
"What is it?" she asked, her brows drawing together slightly as she faced Mila, who stood just two steps away. Addison hadn’t even heard her come in. She must have entered quietly with the Omega and stayed silent until the servant left.
Mila’s eyes dropped to the floor, her long lashes casting shadows over her gaze, making it hard for Addison to read her expression. Her face was calm, too calm, but something about her energy felt... off.
"I heard from Auntie, the Queen, that you’re officially taking the position of heir apparent," Mila began, her voice soft and hesitant. "She’s already preparing for the coronation. It’s to announce your return and show everyone that you’re stepping into your role..."
She trailed off, nervously fidgeting with her hands. Addison could sense the tension, even a flicker of envy woven into her tone, but she stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue.
"I was just wondering," Mila finally said, looking up with uncertain eyes, "if you could maybe... talk to your father and mother about postponing the coronation?"
Addison’s brows immediately drew together in a frown, but before she could say anything, Mila panicked and rushed to explain, her voice trembling and eyes wide with worry.
"Wait—I... I didn’t mean anything by it! I’m just scared," Mila admitted, wringing her hands. "Right now, my family’s eyes are all on me. If they realize I haven’t even had the chance to make a name for myself inside the Royal Palace, they’ll come for me. Especially my halfsiblings, they’re ruthless. I’m terrified they’ll try to assassinate me out of jealousy or just plain viciousness."
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