Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King (Emilia) novel Chapter 169

ADELE’S POV

I sat in the sun-drenched morning room with Queen Emilia, a half-finished cup of tea cooling between my hands.

Emilia looked radiant even in a simple linen dress, her hand resting protectively over the gentle swell of her belly. Pregnancy agreed with her; she glowed like the moon itself had settled under her skin.

She tilted her head, studying me with that knowing smile she always were when she was about to poke at something tender. “So… tell me. How’s your relationship been with Lucien?”

I sighed, long and heavy, setting my cup down. The sound felt louder than it should have. “I can’t say we’re good yet.

Not really.”

I traced the rim of the saucer with my fingertip, avoiding her eyes. “He’s trying, I know he is. Last night he had a nightmare. He kept whispering ‘stop’ like someone was hurting him. I held him until he calmed down, but… he’s so scared, Emilia. Terrified of something. And he hasn’t told me what it is.”

Emilia reached across the small table and squeezed my hand. Her touch was warm, steady. “I’m sure hell tell you when he’s ready. Give him time, Adele.””Yeah,” I muttered, “but I hope he doesn’t push me away again. Because I swear, I won’t survive it this time. Four months of him shutting me out nearly broke me.”

“He won’t,” she said firmly, like she could command it into truth just by saying it. “Lucien’s many things-cold, stubborn as hell…but he’s not stupid. He knows what he almost lost.”

I managed a small laugh at that. “Stubborn as hell. That’s putting it kindly.”

Emilia grinned, then leaned back in her chair, one hand still on her belly. “By the way… I’m hosting a ball. The first one since I became queen. Every alpha and their luna will be here. Every ranked member. The whole kingdom, basically. I want it to be perfect.”

My eyes lit up. Finally-something I could sink my teeth into. “That’s amazing.”

She laughed softly. “I was hoping you’d say that. I want you to help me with the preparations. Actually…l want you to run them.”

“Done,” I said immediately. “But I also want you to take your pregnant self and relax. I’ll take care of everything-flowers, menu, music, seating charts, all of it.”

Emilia’s face softened. “Adele-”

“No arguments.” I stood, moved around the table, and bent to press a gentle kiss to the small curve of herstomach. “Aunty loves you already, little one,” I whispered, “And I’m not letting your mama stress herself out.”

Emilia’s eyes glistened as she pulled me into a hug, arms tight around my shoulders. “What would I do without you?”

“Probably drive the king insane,” I teased into her hair.

She laughed against my neck. “Probably.”

A soft knock interrupted us. One of the maids curtsied in the doorway. “My queen, the king would like to speak with you.”

Emilia rolled her eyes so hard I snorted. She leaned in close, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper only l could hear. “He’s so dramatic. He could just mind-link me.”

I bit my lip to keep from laughing out loud as she stood, smoothing her dress. She gave me one last squeeze before gliding out of the room, regal even in her playful exasperation.

I settled back into my chair, alone now, staring out at the gardens. My smile lingered. Emilia and the king were everything I hoped mates could be-playful, devoted, unafraid to show the world how much they loved each other. I wanted that. Goddess, I wanted that so badly it hurt.

A shadow fell across the table.I turned-and there he was.

Lucien.

He stood just inside the doorway, hands in his pockets, looking unfairly gorgeous in a simple black shirt that stretched across his chest. The morning light caught in his dark hair.

“Hey,” he said, voice low and rough.

I rolled my eyes, turning back to the window. “Hey.”

He didn’t leave. I heard his footsteps, slow and deliberate, until he was right beside me. Then he pulled out the chair Emilia had vacated and sat-close. Too close. His knee brushed mine under the table and heat shot straight up my thigh.

“Listen, Adele,” he started, voice softer now. “I know l’ve been nothing but a jerk.”

“You can say that again,” I muttered, still not looking at him.

Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. I could feel him staring, could feel the weight of everything unsaid pressing down.

Then his hand moved-slow, careful-and warm fingers – closed around mine on the tabletop.

My breath caught.”I didn’t want to drag you into my darkness,” he said quietly. “So I hurt you. I pushed you away because I thought it would keep you safe from… me.” His thumb stroked over my knuckles, sending sparks dancing across my skin. “But Adele… I promise to be a good mate. I promise never to push you away again. Please-please forgive me.”

His voice cracked on the last words, raw and pleading. I finally turned to look at him.

“don’t think I’m going to make this easy for you. You’llhave to win me over, Lucien.”

His eyes flared, pupils blowing wide. “Really?” he murmured, lips curving into a dangerous, delicious smile.

We were so close now could feel his breath on my mouth.

My whole body tingled, every nerve ending awake and begging.

“Yeah,” I whispered. Our lips almost brushed-almost. ”

Since I spent four months trying to seduce you… think it’s your turn to seduce me.”

His gaze dropped to my mouth. A low growl rumbled in hiş chest-quiet, possessive, hungry.

He leaned in the last fraction of an inch, lips hovering over mine, heat and promise and restraint all wrapped together.

He didn’t kiss me.

He just stayed there-lips almost touching mine, breath mingling, bodies inches apart-letting the tension build until it was unbearable.

Until I was the one burning.

Until I was the one aching.

And right when I thought I couldn’t take another second…

He smiled.Slow.

Wicked.

Hungry.

“Then be ready tonight, little mate.”