The Alpha’s Rebellious Fiancee novel Chapter 21

Lyra (Seraphina)

The butterflies hadn’t gone away.

Days had passed since the banque and what happened in the kitchen… since Lucien whispered that our almost-kiss meant nothing. And still, my chest ached.

I told myself I was stupid for even feeling anything. For thinking, for a split second, that maybe he felt the pull too. That maybe the kiss we didn’t share had meant something to him.

But it was a mistake. Just heat. Just a stupid moment. At least that’s what he said. Then why did the memory still make my heart race?

Why did I still feel that pull every time he walked into the room?

Why did the butterflies explode in my stomach when he touched me—even when it was just by accident?

I hated that feeling. I hated that he had power over me, even now.

This marriage is a strategy, I told myself over and over again. It’s not about love. It never was.

That evening, I was alone in the council chamber, sorting through patrol reports, trying to bury myself in something logical. Something that didn’t involve Lucien, or stolen glances, or stupid butterflies.

A knock echoed through the quiet hall.

I looked up.

One of the palace guards stepped in, face pale.

“My lady,” he said carefully. “A messenger has arrived. He says it’s urgent. From your homeland.”

My stomach dropped.

“Send him in,” I said quickly, rising to my feet.

The doors opened again, and a man stepped in wearing the royal crest of the Northern Kingdom. He was older, dusted with snow in his beard, his eyes downcast as he approached me.

He held out a scroll, sealed in silver wax.

“My lady,” he said softly. “It’s your father.”

I took the scroll with shaking hands.