Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King (Emilia) novel Chapter 186

ADELE’S POV

The music swelled, soft and elegant, strings weaving through the air like silk. Everyone’s attention turned to the raised dais where Emilia stood beside the king, her silver gown catching every flicker of candlelight. She looked like a queen straight out of a fairy tale-radiant, confident, hand resting lightly on her small belly bump.

She raised her glass-sparkling cider, of course-and smiled out at the crowded hall.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight,” she began, voice clear and warm. “It means the world to me-to us-that you traveled from near and far to celebrate with us. I am deeply honored to stand here as your queen, and I promise you this: we will continue to Live in peace, to grow stronger together, and to protect what we’ve built.”

The king gazed at her like she was the only person in the room. His eyes never left her face, soft and full of so much love it made my chest ache. The way he looked at her-Like she was the very air he breathed-was the kind of love stories were written about. Beautiful. Real.

Everyone raised their glasses. “To peace!” Emilia finished, and the hall erupted in cheers and applause.

I clapped along, smiling, but my eyes scanned the crowd again. Still no Lucien.

He’d only gone to check security. How long could that take?

A tiny knot of worry twisted in my stomach. He wouldn’t avoid me tonight, would he? Not after everything we’d shared earlier-his hands on me, his mouth, the way he’d looked at me like I was his entire world. No. He wouldn’t go back to pushing me away. Not now.

The king led Emilia down the steps, and the music shifted to a slow, romantic waltz. He pulled her into his arms, and they began to dance-graceful, perfectly in sync, lost in each other. The crowd watched, admiring, some couples joining them on the floor.

I stayed near the edge, sipping my champagne, trying to Look relaxed while my gaze kept drifting to the doors. Still nothing.

Come on, Lucien. Where are you?

More couples filled the dance floor, laughter and conversation blending with the music. I was about to go find Lucien when I saw him-Alpha Derek-walking straight toward me, that easy smile on his face.

My stomach dipped.

He stopped right in front of me, extending a hand. “May!. have this dance?”

I opened my mouth to say something-anything-but the words stuck. I glanced around quickly. No Lucien.Nowhere.

I didn’t want to cause a scene. Didn’t want to be rude in front of everyone. So I forced a small smile and placed my hand in his. “Sure.”

He led me to the floor, one hand settling at my waist, the other holding mine. We moved to the slow rhythm, steps smooth and practiced. He was a good dancer…confident, steady..but I couldn’t relax. Not with the way his eyes kept drifting to my neck.

“So,” he said quietly, voice almost too casual, “he still hasn’t marked you.”

My throat tightened. I swallowed, trying to keep my tone light. “We have all the time in the world.”

He hummed, a low sound that felt too knowing. Then, without warning, his hand at my waist tightened, pulling me closer-much closer than proper.

I stiffened. “Alpha Derek, what are you doing?”

His eyes locked on mine, serious now. “Adele, you know I’ve always liked you.”

On how close we were.

And they were shooting pure fire.

Jealousy. Possession. Fury barely leashed.

My breath caught.

He started moving-slow, deliberate steps through the crowd. People parted for him without realizing why. His expression stayed neutral, polite even, but those eyes… they never left us.

My pulse raced. Derek was still talking, something about timing and chances, but I couldn’t hear him anymore. All I could feel was Lucien getting closer, the air crackling with tension.

Ten steps away.

Five.

Three.

He stopped right beside us, voice smooth as silk but edged with steel.

“Excuse me,” he said, eyes fixed on Derek. “May I have my mate back?”