The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268

Cora’s POV

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Finished

“What do you mean Lylah lost control and acted uncivilized?” Rowan surged to his feet before I could even speak, his presence swelling like a storm about to break. “That’s not who she is. She was never like that when she belonged to me!”

The words struck harder than a slap.

Heat flooded my face, sharp and humiliating, as if every pair of unseen eyes in the room had turned toward me. My wolf stirred uneasily beneath my skin, bristling at the careless claim in his tone.

“I knew it,” Rowan went on, pacing now, restless, predatory. “It’s that male she’s mated to now. He ruined her. If she had stayed in Blackfang, if she had stayed with me, she would still be the gentle, graceful Lylah I knew.”

Griselda had chosen the worst possible moment to arrive.

Rowan had already been in a foul temper when I asked him to dine with me. Now, the air itself felt charged, thick with the tension of an Alpha on edge.

‘Griselda,” I said quickly, forcing my voice into something steady. “Let’s speak outside.”

I swallowed the sting Rowan had left behind and led her away, out of his suffocating presence.

‘Lady Cora, what happened to Alpha Rowan?” Griselda asked once we were alone, her voice soft with concern. “Were you two arguing before I arrived? I’m sorry if I came at the wrong time.”

‘It’s nothing,” I replied smoothly, though my chest still burned. “Rowan is just exhausted. He’s been dealing with endless matters lately. After all, disagreements between mates are common, right?”

She seemed reassured enough, nodding before launching into her story.

I listened in silence as she recounted everything about what happened at the boutique without hesitation.

When she finished, I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

‘Don’t worry,” I said. “I can buy another necklace. I’ll speak to Jude as well. He won’t hold this against you.”

Her expression faltered. “But he made me promise not to tell anyone, Lady Cora.”

A faint smile touched my lips, cool and measured. “Then I simply said I didn’t hear it from you.”

Understanding dawned instantly.

Relief softened her features, and before I could react, she threw her arms around me.

Her sudden touch sent a jolt through me-unwelcome. The scent of a lower-ranked wolf clung to her, setting my instincts on edge.

I endured it for a heartbeat before she pulled away.

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Chapter 268

Finished

Once Griselda disappeared down the corridor, I brushed a hand over my dress, smoothing expensive fabric that needed no fixing. The faintest trace of her scent still lingered, and my wolf recoiled in disgust.

That’s when my phone rang.

Father.

I answered at once, composing my voice. “Yes, Father?”

“Cora,” he began, his tone measured, “your mother was wondering if it would be possible for you to celebrate the Night of Renewal at Ironcrest this year.”

I hesitated only briefly. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I need to remain in Lunaris with Rowan. And Professor Vale has given me an assignment I must complete.” I lowered my gaze slightly. “I’ll return another time.”

“Very unfortunate,” he replied.

Then, after a beat, his tone sharpened. “Have you spoken to Rowan about my proposal? The collaboration you suggested that day. It’s been days since he’s contacted me. He used to initiate such matters himself.”

My pulse quickened.

“Yes,” I said, forcing steadiness into my voice. “Rowan has agreed. He’s just busy. Please, be patient.”

A lie.

I had asked Father not to reach out to Rowan first too. What I didn’t say what I couldn’t admit-was how much Rowan had changed lately. I refused to let the truth pass my lips that Rowan was beginning to crawl back to Lylah.

“Daughter,” Father continued, “there is another matter I wish to discuss.”

My heart began to pound. “What is it?”

“It has been quite some time since you and Rowan have been together,” he said evenly. “Most of the Pack knows, and you are often seen at each other’s side. And yet…” His voice hardened. “There is still no formal claim, no ring on your finger. Wolves are beginning to question-I have even heard your name compared to Lylah’s.”

“I will not have my precious daughter reduced to whispers across Verdanth,” he continued. “It is time, Cora. You and Rowan must begin planning your mating ceremony.”

The words settled heavily, like iron chains locking into place.

“And if that is not possible,” he added, his tone leaving no room for argument, “then an engagement ceremony will suffice.”

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The Betrayed Princess Rising