***************
Chapter 299
~Zara’s POV~
The day had been perfect, as far as outings with my mother went. We’d visited the farmer’s market, stopped by that quaint café she had been raving about, and even indulged in spa treatments that left me feeling more relaxed than I had been in weeks.
But deep down, I knew this was it. My final day here.
As we pulled into the packhouse driveway, I spotted an elder waiting by the grand entrance. The moment he saw the car, his expression lit up.
"Luna Zaria! And Princess Zara!" he called out as we stepped out of the vehicle.
I winced slightly at the title but managed a polite smile. "Elder Faris," Mum greeted warmly, striding toward him.
He bowed slightly before turning his attention to me. "Princess Zara, it’s so wonderful to see you here. Your presence truly lifts the spirit of this pack."
"Thank you, Elder Faris," I replied softly, avoiding my mother’s sharp gaze.
"Luna Zaria," Faris continued, his tone shifting to one of urgency, "I’ve come to discuss the final arrangements for tomorrow’s ceremony. The opening of the new foundation is a historic event for our pack. Your leadership has been instrumental, and, of course..." He glanced at me again. "It would be an honour to have Princess Zara present as well."
"Princess? Last I checked, we aren’t a kingdom."
Elder Faris smiled at me. "We used to be."
"But not anymore," I interjected.
He parted his lips to retort but smiled instead. Quickly, Mum interjected. "Well, concerning your idea..." she beamed at him, clearly pleased. "Of course, Elder Faris. Zara would be delighted to attend, wouldn’t you, darling?"
I offered another polite smile but didn’t commit to anything. "We’ll see," I murmured vaguely, hoping to keep my exit strategy under wraps.
The elder nodded, satisfied with my noncommittal response. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mum excused herself, leading me inside.
As soon as we entered the packhouse, I turned to her with a forced smile before she could suggest any more fun activity. "I need a shower after such a long day. I’ll see you at dinner."
"Don’t take too long," she advised in a tone still laced with that motherly authority I couldn’t shake.
"Of course," I replied, heading upstairs to my room.
Once inside, I wasted no time. I locked the door and grabbed my phone, dialling a trusted maid’s number.
"Hello, Lady Zara," the maid answered promptly.
"Is everything ready?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
"Yes, My Lady. Your luggage has been taken to the airport as per your instructions. Silvia is waiting for you there."
A wave of relief washed over me. "Thank you, Mariam. You’ve been a great help."
"It’s my pleasure, Lady Zara," she said warmly.
"Sure. Please come to my room quickly and carefully to avoid any suspicion."
Fuck.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow