The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 264

Lyra

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The palace rises before us, gleaming white against the afternoon sky. After days in forests and mountains, its manicured perfection seems almost unnatural–too orderly, too controlled. Guards snap to attention as our small party approaches, their expressions shifting from alert wariness to shock when they recognize Alexander.

“Your Highness!” The captain of the guard rushes forward. “We’ve had search parties combing the kingdom for days.”

Alexander straightens in his saddle, exhaustion visibly pushed aside as he assumes royal bearing.” Inform my parents of our return. We’ll speak with them immediately.”

“And the others, sire?” The captain’s gaze slides over me, lingering longer on Kieran with undisguised suspicion.

“They are under my personal protection,” Alexander states firmly. “Escort us to the royal chambers.”

As we enter the palace grounds, I feel eyes tracking our every move. Servants pause in their duties to stare, courtiers whisper behind hands, guards assess Kieran and me as potential threats. The weight of their judgment presses against me like physical force.

“Ignore them,” Elara murmurs, riding close beside me. “They stare at anything new or different.”

But it’s more than curiosity driving their stares. I see the calculations, the assumptions, the immediate dismissal in many eyes–particularly when they notice my simple clothing, my obvious status as an outsider. The temporarily stabilized bond between Alexander and me flickers uncomfortably, as if responding to the hostile environment.

We dismount in the main courtyard, where a flurry of activity greets us. Royal advisors descend on Alexander immediately, urgent matters apparently requiring immediate attention despite his obvious exhaustion. Dominic is pulled aside by other members of the royal guard, leaving Elara as our only familiar connection in the sudden chaos.

“Come,” she says, taking my arm gently. “I’ll find you proper quarters while Alexander deals with this.”

Alexander looks up from the cluster of advisors surrounding him, his expression apologetic as our eyes meet. Our bond pulses briefly stronger before fading again to its fragile state. “I’ll find you as soon as possible,” he calls over the heads of those demanding his attention.

Kieran steps closer to me, his unease in these surroundings evident. “I don’t like this,” he murmurs. We’re being separated within minutes of arrival.”

“It’s fine,” I assure him, though uncertainty gnaws at me. “Alexander has responsibilities we can’t imagine.”

“Responsibilities that will always come before you,” he observes quietly, too low for others to hear. Before I can respond, Elara leads us through grand marble hallways that make our footsteps echo Uncommonly loud. Palace staff watch our passage with barely concealed interest, whispering behind

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Chapter 264

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cupped hands as soon as we pass. Self–consciousness creeps along my spine, making me acutely aware of my travel–worn appearance, my simple clothing, my obvious outsider status.

Elara brings us to a luxurious guest chamber in the east wing. “These rooms should be comfortable,” she says, opening doors to reveal a sitting area larger than most homes in my community. “I’ll have baths prepared and suitable clothing brought for both of you.”

“Suitable clothing?” Kieran questions, one eyebrow raised.

“Court standards are…” Elara hesitates diplomatically. “Traditional. Your current attire would attract unwanted attention.”

After she leaves, Kieran and I stand in awkward silence, taking in our gilded surroundings. Everything feels excessive–too ornate, too formal, too distant from the natural world that has always been our home.

“This is where he lives,” Kieran says finally, running a finger along an intricately carved table edge. This wealth, this separation from ordinary life.”

“It’s not his choice,” I feel compelled to defend. “He was born to this position.”

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“And you were born a healer in a hidden community,” he counters. “Oil and water, Lyra. No matter how much fate decrees your match, your worlds remain fundamentally different.”

His words settle uncomfortably because they echo my own doubts. The gap between Alexander’s life and mine seems to widen with every passing minute in this place.

Servants arrive with steaming baths and clothing as promised. I’m shown to a private bathing chamber with sweet–scented oils and soaps I’ve never encountered. The luxury should be comforting after days of hard travel, but instead feels alienating–a stark reminder of how little I belong here.

The clothing provided only heightens this feeling. The handmaiden who helps me dress explains each layer of the elaborate gown as if speaking to a child, her polite smile never reaching her eyes. The finished ensemble weighs heavily on my shoulders, constraining movement in ways my simple tunics never did.

“Is this really necessary?” I ask, struggling to breathe comfortably in the tightly laced bodice.

“Of course, my lady,” she replies with practiced neutrality. “The King and Queen have requested your presence for dinner. Court protocol requires proper attire.”

When I emerge from the dressing room, Kieran stares, momentarily speechless. He too has been outfitted in court clothing–a formal tunic and trousers that somehow make him look both handsome and uncomfortable.

“You look…” he begins, then shakes his head. “Not like yourself.”

“I feel like I’m wearing a costume,” I admit, attempting to adjust the bodice for the tenth time.

“Perhaps that’s exactly what it is,” he says thoughtfully. “A costume they expect you to wear to fit into their world.”

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Chapter 264

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Before I can respond, a royal page arrives to escort us to dinner. The Great Hall buzzes with activity as we enter–nobles and courtiers gathered in their finery, conversations halting momentarily as all eyes turn to assess the newcomers. The scrutiny makes my skin prickle with discomfort.

Alexander sits at the high table with his parents, engaged in what appears to be intense discussion. He looks up as we enter, his expression brightening visibly. Through our bond, I feel a pulse of warmth and recognition that momentarily cuts through the room’s chill atmosphere.

The King and Queen regard me with careful neutrality as I’m presented. Queen Sage’s violet eyes–so like Alexander’s–seem to look beyond my elaborate costume to something deeper.

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