The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 32

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 32: Old Flame**

(Evelyn’s POV)

In that moment, I found a flicker of gratitude for Wendy, who was trying her best to salvage the remnants of my dignity. Honestly, the instant I learned that Alexander wouldn’t be attending, I should have concocted an excuse to avoid this chaotic gathering altogether. The thought of facing everyone without him felt like walking into a storm without an umbrella.

Just as I was about to lose my balance, Wendy stepped in, saving me from what would have been a mortifying tumble. She gave my arm a reassuring pat before turning her attention to the Queen, her demeanor shifting to one of warmth and respect.

“Hello, your Majesty,” she greeted with a cheerful smile.

Queen Luna’s face brightened, her eyes sparkling with delight. “When I heard that Wendy Kingston was in attendance, I nearly dashed here on foot!” Her laughter rang through the air, infectious and joyous.

Wendy chuckled lightly, her spirit lifting the atmosphere. “And may I say, only you could manage a marathon in those heels, your Majesty.”

I couldn’t help but admire the camaraderie between these two women, both exuding a sense of grace and strength. Meanwhile, I stole a glance at Princess Rena, my cheeks heating up from the embarrassment of my earlier blunder. To my surprise, she returned my gaze with a small, encouraging smile.

“It’s alright,” she said softly, her voice soothing. “The first time I attempted to curtsy, I ended up on the floor.”

A wave of relief washed over me, and I felt some of the tension in my shoulders ease.

“I’m sure it wasn’t easy to master,” I offered, trying to lighten the mood.

For a brief moment, Rena’s eyes lingered on me, curiosity etched into her expression. Surely, I was reading too much into it… Why would someone like her take an interest in me?

“Is it true that you’re married to Alexander Kingston?” she asked, her tone direct and unyielding.

“Uh, y-yes,” I stammered, the weight of her question pressing down on me.

“Perhaps you and I could meet again sometime,” she suggested, a hint of unexpected eagerness coloring her words.

I nodded, more than willing to accept her invitation, as if a breath of fresh air had finally filled my lungs. As the two royals moved on to the next group, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, as though I had navigated the worst of the social minefield that evening.

“Would you mind getting us some tea, dear?” Wendy asked, her voice warm and inviting.

“Of course, I’ll be right back,” I replied, eager to help.

As I made my way to the refreshment table, a chilling sensation crept over me, like a dark shadow lurking just out of sight. Suddenly, a sharp, venomous voice sliced through the air. Fiona.

“You may be the Moonstone Pack’s Luna, but you’ll never be Alexander’s true love,” she hissed, her words dripping with malice. “That gentle, perfect Luna Princess, Rena… she is Alexander’s first love and unforgettable ex. You will never compare to her.”

And just like that, she vanished, leaving behind a lingering dread that settled heavily in my chest.

Why should I care what she says?

I had learned, through our unfortunate encounters, that Fiona thrived on inflicting pain and sowing doubt in others. Who could say if her claims about Alexander were even true?

Yet, the problem was that my rational mind struggled to combat the insecurities that gnawed at me.

Alexander and I were hardly intimate—hell, we weren’t even on speaking terms most days. My thoughts spiraled back to Fiona’s cruel words, haunting me like a ghost that refused to be exorcised.

Was it true that Alexander had settled for me out of a lack of confidence stemming from his injuries and physical state?

Was Rena the reason he never seemed to show any interest in dating or marriage?

Out of the corner of his eye, Alexander spotted a figure he had hoped to avoid.

Rena…

Damn it, she looked just as beautiful and enchanting as he remembered. With her usual air of confidence, she glided over to the car, peering through the window to catch a glimpse of him. Alexander fought to suppress the tumult of emotions threatening to surge within him.

Evelyn, silent and observant, couldn’t help but witness the interaction between them. Fiona’s words echoed in her mind, and she found herself searching for any trace of lingering affection he might still hold for the Princess. A sense of foolishness washed over her. Before Alexander’s arrival, she had been debating whether she should even care about Rena and their past relationship.

What did it matter if he still had feelings for her?

It mattered because Evelyn had come to realize that a subtle pang of jealousy had taken root within her. It bothered her deeply that her husband might still harbor feelings for another woman.

“Hello, Alexander,” Rena greeted, her voice smooth and inviting.

“Princess,” he replied, keeping his tone neutral.

Rena’s features tightened with an intensity that caught his attention. “How have you been?”

“As good as I can be, I suppose,” he answered vaguely, his mind racing. “I apologize for cutting this meeting short; I need to get these two back home.”

Evelyn hurried to step into the back seat, but Alexander swiftly maneuvered her movements, spinning her around so she landed beside him. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close in a half-hearted embrace.

“Next time, I promise I’ll be here to introduce you to the Alpha King,” he said, a hint of warmth in his voice.

All Evelyn could manage was a nod, her mind racing. Rena, on the other hand, was left stunned by the entire interaction, feeling tense and uncomfortable as she found herself practically manhandled to be at Alexander’s side.