Page 132 of Alpha's Impostor Bride

Cedric just looks proud, as if his prowess has been praised.

“Sit down, Finn.” I pull out a chair for myself next to his as the staff begins to serve the meal. “Cedric, I wanted to ask you about the ball that’s coming up.”

“What about it?”

“Is Vivian going to be attending?”

His eyes tighten on the corners. “Yes.”

That word is like a punch to my gut, and my blood goes cold. “Oh.”

He rises half out of his chair. “That’s not what I meant.”

“What Cedric means to say is that it is necessary for Princess Vivian to attend this time,” Erik cuts in smoothly. “Cedric has not attended a single ball in the last eight years. However, this year, you two will be announced together, and Finn will be introduced as the heir. To force the noble families of the Northern Kingdom into a difficult position, it is necessary that at least one of the other kingdoms recognizes your legitimacy as the queen, Leanna. The Human Wolf Kingdom will do that. The Eastern Kingdom is going to cause problems, anyway.”

“And what if Vivian and the elders go after Finn?” I demand, furious that their little plan was not communicated to me before now.

“Finn will be protected,” Erik says calmly. “Since he has spent eight years in this kingdom, and it is well known that you and he visit the palace often, a lot of rumors have surfaced. Not only will they be put to rest, but it will be implied that the king of the Human Wolf Kingdom is fond of the young heir of the Northern Kingdom. That means your son will be under the protection of two kingdoms.”

They’ve clearly thought this through. Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at them. “And when were the two of you going to clue me in? On the day of the ball?”

My mate has a wonderful heart, but he is dense as a rock sometimes. Instead of sensing my anger, he says, “I was going to tell you once Harriet had the dresses ready.”

“Dresses?” I stare at him. “What dresses?”

“The ones you will wear to the ball.”

“Don’t you think you should have let me know so that I could mentally prepare myself in advance?” I growl.

“Prepare for what?” Cedric asks, confused.

I let out a sigh. Dense as a rock when it comes to some things.

Erik is trying his best not to smile.

“Okay, so, who will be at the ball aside from Vivian?”

“The heads of the noble houses, the elders,” Cedric tells me. His expression grows serious. “You will be announced as queen, and there will be backlash.”

“But I will be there to deal with it,” Erik interjects.

“And so will I,” Cedric adds.

I look between the two men, raising my eyebrows. “I’m not some fragile little bird that has to be protected. If Vivian says anything to me, I will reply in kind.”

From the look on Cedric’s face, it’s obvious that he’s worried.

I smile at him. “Trust me, I’ll be fine. You’re my mate, and I’m your queen. I can take care of myself.”

“But your history with Vivian—”

My heart warms as I realize what he’s worried about. “It’ll be fine. I’m not the same little girl Vivian picked up on the street. I have a mate who loves me, a son I have to protect, and friends who care for me. I’ll be fine.” Cedric looks tense, but I reach out and touch his hand. “Trust me, Cedric. I’ve got this.”

I’m not going to let that woman get her way.

Cedric is mine.

Chapter 26

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