Zephyrine I picked one of Lycannar’s shirts from where he had hung them and slipped it on, watching it fall to my knees. I reached to pull my hair up, but his fingers wrapped around my waist, pulling my hands down. “Leave your hair down. I love them that way.” He placed a soft kiss on my neck, then pulled away, compelling me to turn. He was fully dressed for dinner and pouring a potion into a cup. I watched him drink it, then lower the cup, waiting as though he wanted it to settle. “What’s that for?” I asked, and he hesitated before replying. “To dull my beasts.” Beasts. He made it sound as though he had more than one. I was about to question him when the sound of footsteps reached us and the clatter of cutlery being set drifted through the hall. At the doorway of the bed chamber, Princess Mearez appeared, stopping at the threshold. She smiled happily. “Zephyrine, come in. Dinner is ready.” I walked toward her at once, letting her guide me out of Lycannar’s living room and into the hall. “How do you feel?” she asked softly as we walked. “Fine.” She pushed a door open into an outdoor space. Four chairs surrounded a small table, and I paused when I saw the dinner laid out. Princess Serena was pouring a drink as I approached. She smiled at me. “She is here.” “Come sit. You must be tired.” Princess Mearez pulled me down into a seat, taking hers beside me, searching my eyes. “Did he hurt you anywhere?” I swallowed hard at what she meant. “Just a bruise that refuses to heal on my neck.”Princess Serena rushed over to check, letting out a frustrated groan. “Have you both talked about it? I mean… your sex life?” she asked, and I nodded. “He’s gentle when we made love an hour ago.” Princess Mearez sighed in relief, and I felt warmth spill from her touch. Before I could move, I noticed the bruise on my neck fading completely. She had healed me. “My love, are you on birth control?” I stared at Mearez at the question, and Serena added, “You might end up being pregnant if you’re not.” I shook my head. “I’m not.” The sisters exchanged a glance before turning back to me. “Have you both discussed bearing pups yet?” Princess Mearez asked, and I shook my head slowly. “How about I give you a potion that will delay any pregnancy?” I paused at her words, sighing shakily. I had never thought that far but now, after hearing them, I understood its importance. Lycannar and I had made love three times only today, each time leaving me filled with his release. “I’ll discuss it with him before I take any potion, Princess Mearez,” I finally replied. Just before anyone could respond, footsteps approached, and Lycannar appeared in the doorway. His sisters quickly settled down, and I felt him walk closer. He sat beside me, eyes on the prepared meal. Slowly, I saw the corner of his lips curve into a small smile. “What’s the occasion?” he asked, lifting his eyes to his sisters. Princess Mearez smiled. “Your first time at the council meeting as king.” “We’re also celebrating your relationship with Zephyrine,” Princess Serena added. “I still can’t believe he found a woman he wanted.” Lycannar didn’t respond. Instead, he studied the cutlery and glanced at his sisters, as though asking for permission. “Go on,” Princess Mearez said, then turned to me. “Go on, Zephyrine.”I picked up my cutlery and began. I hadn’t eaten in a while, so I ate without shame, savoring the lovely dinner. I reached for a ceramic cup, but Lycannar passed it to me, filling it with water. As I drank, I noticed the two princesses fidgeting, picking at their meals, stealing glances at Lycannar, who was focused on his own plate. I wondered why they seemed hesitant. “Uhm… Lycan?” Princess Serena finally called. “Hmm?” He replied without stopping. “Lycan, I… actually, we… Mearez and I want to speak with you.” Lycannar paused, meeting their eyes steadily. He nodded, listening. “I… uh…” Serena tried, but under his gaze, she couldn’t continue. The fear in her eyes was clear. Lycannar turned to Mearez, who lowered her gaze and pretended to focus on her plate. “What’s wrong?” he asked softly. The sisters exchanged an uneasy glance before swallowing. “It’s about… Mearez,” Serena began again, and Lycannar turned to his eldest sister. “Speak.” Princess Mearez sighed shakily and looked quietly at her younger brother. “Lycan… I… it’s about…” She hesitated, then shook her head. “Serena also have something to say...” “No!” Serena quickly blurted out. “No.” Lycannar stared at her for a long moment, refusing to take his eyes off her. Finally, he nodded and continued eating. Awkward silence followed. I knew Princess Mearez and Serena had something important to say but simply couldn’t. The fear and the unspoken tension between them was palpable. A glimpse of the Lycan Royal Family’s power dynamic. “Eat your dinner, Mearez,” Lycannar said softly, and she obeyed quietly. Neither Serena nor I spoke. I glanced at Lycannar, noticing him slowing his pace. Beads of sweat dotted his face, and he swallowed hard, hiding discomfort. Gently, he drank from his cup, then rose from his seat, kissing his sisters’ foreheads. “Thanks for the dinner. Good night.” He straightened and turned to me, brushing a few strands of my hair aside before walking out. His departure left the air thick with lingering coldness and silence.