Their Hidden Princess (Zora and Maximus) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Zora’s POV

I thought mother might take us back to the palace before seeing us off, but to my surprise, she instead had the limo drive us to a non–descript warehouse at the edge of town. After pulling into one of the tall buildings, we found a smaller car waiting for us.

“Keys are in the ignition,” mother said, as we all exited the limo to look at the smaller coupe.

Max immediately started forward, heading toward the driver’s seat.

I lingered back, glancing over at my mother. There was so much to say, and I didn’t know where to begin. I wanted her to start it. I wanted her to find a way to fix all the broken things between us.

Seeing the orphanage had hurt me, breaking open wounds that had only barely just scabbed over. Neo’s anger over my abandonment had rekindled my own rage.

For so many years, I had prayed my family would find me, or come back for me. Eventually, I had given up hope. Then and only then, did Victoria finally return to claim me.

My mother was a good Queen. She had lived through a war, saved the werewolves. Likely, she had thought, as she claimed, that ditching me in the human realm had been for my own protection, so that I wouldn’t be a target. If I was feeling generous, maybe I could even believe that she had hoped I would have a normal childhood, away from the weights and responsibility of being a princess.

But I didn’t think she had realized the importance and necessity that love was for a child. I could have handled the weight of responsibility, and the fear of being a target, as long as I had my mother’s love. Instead, I had spent so much time doubting myself and my ability to be loved that even with five mates, I still doubted at times.

My mother wasn’t the creator of all my problems, but she hadn’t been there for me when I had needed her. Still, she came when I called her today. If only to remind me that I needed to train.

Why couldn’t that be enough?

“Thank you,” I told her.

She placed her hand on my shoulder. “I’m always here.”

I wanted to believe that, but I didn’t. Would she be saying that if I wasn’t her weapon? Would she care about me at all?

“Sure,” I said, not wanting to start a fight.

I stepped away, heading toward the car. But I stopped at the passenger door, when my mother called out for Thorne.

Thorne stood before her, his head lowered in respect. My heart ached, seeing his loyalty to her, even now, even after he had sworn himself to me. I understood it, in a way. My mother had saved him, given him the chances she had denied me.

“I’m glad that you came around to supporting Zora, rather than hindering her,” Victoria said. “I hope you will continue to keep her safe.”

“I’ve made terrible choices in my past, and I regret them,” Thorne said. Though he was speaking to my mother, he looked over at me, and our eyes met. “But my allegiance is now with Zora above all else.”

My breath caught.

To Victoria, he said, “I am grateful for you, your Majesty for all that you’ve done for me, but I have pledged myself to Zora’s service. She is my mate, and I am her knight alone now and forever.”

Victoria smiled softly. “Good. Protect her well.”

“With my life,” Thorne said.

Chapter 373

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“Good luck,” she told him, and then to me, “Good luck, my daughter.”

I didn’t hate her, even though I wanted to, so I told her, “Don’t get yourself killed while I’m gone.”

She smiled, though worry settled in her gaze. “I should be telling you that.”

While my feelings toward my mother remained complicated, I knew she was the leader this kingdom needed. Strong. Brave. Able to make decisions that I didn’t think I could. The werewolves couldn’t lose her.

And… neither could I.

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