Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 76

**Thorne**

In his two-plus years at Alpha Academy, Thorne had never witnessed a sparring match escalate to such brutality. Usually, the overseer of the practice would swiftly intervene, breaking up the combatants before any serious harm could befall them. But today was different, and Thorne was utterly perplexed as to why the Headmaster remained a passive observer, particularly with a student as valuable as the Princess involved.

On top of that, he found himself stuck tending to his un-fated mate while his betrothed was gallivanting with Lunerly. It was infuriating, especially since Lunerly seemed to harbor an undeniable infatuation for Zora. Thorne let out a frustrated huff as he meticulously wrapped a bandage around the other woman’s injured leg, ensuring it was secure.

“I believe proper blood flow is essential for healing,” Zora snapped down at him, her tone sharp and demanding.

“It has to be tight to stem the bleeding,” Thorne shot back, tugging the wrap once more. Zora hissed in pain, glaring daggers at him from her elevated position.

“She’s absolutely dreadful,” Zora complained, her voice laced with venom. “I didn’t expect rainbows and butterflies, but—hell, she’s just terrible.”

“What do you mean by ‘expect’?” Thorne asked, shifting his focus to wrapping Zora’s shredded thigh. Most of the injury was already mending, but the blood made it appear far worse than it truly was.

“I mean, as her servant, she completely ignored me,” Zora explained hastily. “I had heard the rumors, but actually having to interact with her—” She shook her head in disbelief.

Thorne tightened the bandage again, and Zora winced in response. Her hand descended to clutch his shoulder, urging him to ease up. His gaze shot up to meet hers, and he noted the grimace on her face, though thankfully, no tears pooled in her eyes. He resumed his task, her hand lingering on his shoulder, sending an unexpected jolt through him.

“Is that really what you want to be stuck with?” Zora asked, incredulous.

“I don’t have a choice in the matter,” Thorne grunted, feeling the weight of his situation. “The Queen asked, and I accepted. There’s nothing else for me to do. I live to serve. I owe Victoria everything.”

“So that’s why you broke it,” Zora said, her voice softening.

Thorne blinked in surprise, sitting back on his heels. “What are you talking about?”

“The bond,” Zora clarified. “You severed it because you feel indebted to Victoria. You didn’t want to go against her wishes.”

Thorne narrowed his eyes at her, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “Assuming I’d want to discuss this with you is quite bold,” he snapped, securing the wrap around Zora’s leg. “For all you know, I could have broken it simply because I didn’t find you attractive.”

“Ouch,” Zora replied, amusement flickering in her tone. “But I understand why you did it.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Thorne muttered, standing to admire his handiwork as Zora tentatively rolled her ankle. “Can you stand?”

“Did you know it was Amara?” Zora asked, completely disregarding his question.

“I had my suspicions. She’s the only known Princess,” Thorne replied, his annoyance growing. “Can you stand?”

Zora shot him a pointed look. “Had you met her?”

“Fuck you,” she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. “Stay away from me. I have no interest in associating with Amara’s minions.”

Thorne opened his mouth to retort, but she was already on her feet, storming away as if nothing had transpired between them. He blinked in disbelief as he watched her go. A typical Alpha would have been incapacitated for at least an hour after sustaining such injuries, yet Zora seemed to heal within mere minutes.

In a fit of frustration and confusion, he kicked at the pile of medical supplies strewn about the floor. He sighed heavily, tugging at his hair in exasperation, cursing the Gods for placing him in such a predicament.

Later that evening, as Thorne returned from his late-night class, he spotted two figures training in the outdoor fields. One was unmistakably Maximus, recognized by his imposing build. Thorne noted that his former friend had been scarce since the incident in the cafeteria. It seemed Maximus was now seeking solace with Zora, deliberately avoiding Thorne and Kairos in the process.

As he drew closer, his suspicion was confirmed; Zora was attempting to take Maximus down. She managed to gain the upper hand, wrapping her arms around his neck and climbing up his body with impressive agility. They tumbled through the grass, a chaotic mix of limbs entangled in playful combat.

Thorne initially thought they were still sparring until the sound of laughter echoed through the quiet night air. He watched, his heart sinking, as Zora rolled on top of Maximus, her legs straddling his hips. She intertwined her fingers with his, pinning him playfully to the ground.

A scowl twisted Thorne’s features as anger surged through him. How dare Maximus betray him like this? How dare he allow Thorne’s fated mate to touch him in such a familiar way? Thorne’s wolf growled deep within, a mix of possessiveness and fury igniting in his veins.

But then, a rational voice broke through the chaos in his mind. It was the same voice that spoke of honor and duty, reminding him that Zora was no longer his. He had no claim over her.

As he glanced back at the duo, he saw Maximus had rolled on top of Zora, and they appeared to be a couple in love, completely lost in their own world. A pang of guilt washed over Thorne, but he brushed it aside, shrugging his backpack higher on his shoulder and turning to head home.

The small voice of honor lingered in his thoughts, battling against the primal instinct of his wolf that cried out for its fated mate.