Page 110 of Chased By My Grumpy Alpha
The news should concern me. It should send me racing back to the capital to smooth things over, to play the dutiful prince and heir. Instead, I find myself glancing back at the inn, toward the room where Astra is probably sitting in that careful, quiet way she has perfected.
“How is my father handling the pressure?”
“He’s furious with you.” Seth steps closer, lowering his voice. “Lucian, what the hell are you doing? You’re throwing away everything you’ve worked for.”
“I’ll be back in the capital in two weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Seth stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “The Council meeting is—”
“In two weeks,” I say firmly. “I’ll be there.”
My friend opens his mouth to argue, then seems to think better of it. Instead, he studies my face with the close attention of someone who has known me since childhood.
“This is about your mate.”
It’s not a question. I start to turn away, but Seth catches my arm. “There’s something else. Lady Zari has heard rumors that you’re traveling with another female.”
I shrug, unconcerned. Zari has been an irritation since her father first suggested a match between us five years ago. She isnothing but the spoiled daughter of a powerful lord who thinks her beauty and connections make her irresistible.
“She’s fuming,” Seth continues. “Making threats about what she’ll do if the rumors are true.”
“Let her fume.”
“Lucian.” Seth’s grip tightens on my arm. “Just because you’ve always seen Zari as harmless and annoying doesn’t mean she’s not dangerous. Her father has the King’s ear, and she has resources you may not expect.”
I consider his words. It’s true that I’ve never taken Zari seriously; she’s like a persistent fly that won’t stop buzzing around me, more irksome than threatening. But her father, Lord Vance Tashina, does have significant political influence.
“She’s a spoiled girl who’s never been told ‘no,’” I say finally.
“Spoiled girls who’ve never been told ‘no’ can be the most treacherous of all,” Seth replies grimly.
I glance back at the inn again. The question that has been eating at me for days finally breaks free.
“How do you make up with a woman?”
Seth is stupefied. “Are you asking me for relationship advice?” I give him a narrow-eyed look, and he grins. “Aha. So, our Crown Prince has already managed to estrange his mate. You have a gift, Lucian.”
I stare at him coolly. “You and I haven’t had a one-on-one sparring session in a while.”
My friend winces. “Straight for the jugular.” Clearing his throat, he looks at the inn over my shoulder. “What did you do? Most of the time, it’s the man’s fault. Just apologize.”
“Apologize? Me?” Irritation buzzes through my brain. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You probably did.” Seth gives me a look that says he knows exactly how full of shit I am. “Try buying her gifts, then. Jewelry, flowers—”
“She’s not interested in gifts.” The words come out sounding as bitter as I feel. “I’ve tried everything.”
“Then, woo her,” Seth says simply. “Court her properly. After all, she’s your mate. You’ll win her over eventually.”
I blink at him. “Are you telling me to grovel?”
Seth grins. “Yes.”
“I’m the future king. I don’t grovel.”
“And she should be the future queen.” My friend snickers. “Fine, don’t grovel. See where that gets you. But whatever you do, watch your back. The Tashina family has one of the best spy networks in the kingdom. It rivals the crown’s. If Lord Vance finds out you’re roaming around with a woman, he can easily spread the word. I think you should return to the capital as soon as possible. There, you can deal with your mate in private. Whatever your issues may be, resolve them inside the palace, where you’re safe.”
I’m aware of how greedy the Tashina family is. The only reason I agreed to the engagement with Zari was because the Council insisted I either take a mate or give up my position as crown prince. My father agreed with them, mostly because he’s not ready to step down, and he assumed that, with my violent disposition, I wasn’t going to tolerate any female, especially Zari. It was sheer stubbornness and a desire to prove him wrong that pushed me to agree to the Council’s terms.
