chapter 7

The morning sun streamed through the towering windows of Lucian's dining hall, painting the grand space in hues of gold and amber. The air smelled of fresh bread, sizzling bacon, and rich coffee, but the Alpha King wasn't in the mood to appreciate any of it.

Seated at the head of the long, mahogany table, Lucian toyed absently with a fork, his golden eyes scanning the spread before him. It was a feast fit for a king—his usual breakfast—but today, it all felt excessive.

Especially since she was there.

Amily lounged at the opposite end of the table, legs crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. Her hair was slightly tousled, and she had helped herself to a plate piled high with pastries, sausage, and fruit. She looked entirely at home, which only added to Lucian's growing annoyance—and reluctant amusement.

"You know," Lucian began, leaning back in his chair, "most intruders don't stick around for breakfast."

Amily popped a grape into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully before responding. "Most intruders aren't me."

Lucian rolled his eyes. "Clearly."

Edgar, ever the composed butler, entered the room at that moment, carrying a silver tray with more tea. He placed it gently by Lucian's side before casting a pointed glance at Amily.

"Will our... unexpected guest be staying for long, Your Majesty?" Edgar asked, his tone as polite as ever.

Amily grinned, raising a croissant in a mock toast. "Don't worry, Edgar. I'll be gone before you start missing me."

"Unlikely," Edgar muttered under his breath, though his expression remained neutral.

Lucian suppressed a smirk and turned to Amily. "So, are you going to tell me why you're here, or do I have to guess?"

Amily leaned back in her chair, propping her boots up on the edge of the table. Edgar visibly twitched, but Lucian waved a hand, signaling the butler to let it go.

"I wanted to see if you'd really sent people to find me," Amily said casually, biting into her croissant. "Imagine my surprise when I found out you had. You're a persistent one, I'll give you that."

Lucian set his fork down, his gaze sharp. "I don't appreciate being toyed with, Amily. If you didn't want to be found, why come back?"

She tilted her head, her playful demeanor softening just a fraction. "Because I was curious. And because you're not like most kings I've met. You're actually... interesting."

Lucian blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Interesting?"

Amily shrugged. "Yeah. You're broody, you're stubborn, and you've got that whole tortured hero vibe going on. It's entertaining."

Lucian let out a dry laugh. "Glad I can be your personal amusement."

"You should be," Amily replied with a grin. "Not everyone gets that honor."

Before Lucian could retort, the doors to the dining hall burst open, and Olivia swept in, her royal gown flowing dramatically behind her. She froze the moment she spotted Amily, her perfectly painted face contorting into a mixture of shock and fury.

"What is she doing here?" Olivia demanded, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.

Amily raised a hand lazily. "Good morning to you too, dear sister."

"Amily," Olivia hissed, storming toward her. "You are not supposed to be here. Do you have any idea how inappropriate this is?"

"Inappropriate?" Amily echoed, pretending to be shocked. "Oh no, was I supposed to send a formal invitation for my own visit?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Olivia snapped, her cheeks flushing. She turned to Lucian, her tone softening slightly. "Your Majesty, I must apologize for my sister's behavior. She—"

"She's fine," Lucian interrupted, waving a hand.

Olivia blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Fine?"

Lucian nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Amily may be unconventional, but I don't mind her company. She's honest, which is more than I can say for most people around here."

Amily smirked, clearly enjoying Olivia's discomfort. "Hear that, sis? I'm a breath of fresh air."

Olivia looked like she might explode. "She's a disruption! Lucian, this is exactly why she shouldn't be allowed to roam freely. She—"

"Olivia," Lucian said, his tone firm but calm. "Enough."

The princess froze, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. Finally, she straightened, her composure returning. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll leave you to... whatever this is." She shot Amily one last glare before sweeping out of the room.

As the doors closed behind her, Amily let out a low whistle. "Wow. I think I actually saw steam coming out of her ears."

Lucian chuckled despite himself. "You have a talent for getting under people's skin."

"Years of practice," Amily said with a mock bow.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the tension from Olivia's outburst fading.

"So," Lucian said finally, "what's your next move, Amily? Are you planning to disappear again?"

Amily considered this, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. Maybe. Or maybe I'll stick around for a while. Your palace has excellent whiskey, after all."

Lucian smirked, his golden eyes glinting. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you haven't kicked me out," she shot back, winking.

Lucian shook his head, his smile lingering. "Not yet."