I couldn't believe my ears. Lucindabella has always been vile. I wanted to stay as far away from her as possible for as long as possible. However, she turned out to be my mate.

I felt that the Moon Goddess was punishing me when it manifested on her 21st birthday. She was everything I loathed, personified.

Tonight, she once again sneaked into my room, but it was different than before. She wasn't wearing lingerie, nor was she made up. Instead, her hair was in its natural state, and her face was bare.

I was a bit startled when I first saw her this evening, but I knew this was one of her schemes again.

Running my fingers through my hair, I went out of my room to the dining room. My father, Osiris, was reading his usual newspaper, with my younger brother, Lucio, next to him. As I sat in my usual seat, I felt myself frown. For once, Lucinda wasn't here.

"Where's your fiancée?" my father asked.

Lucio placed down his utensils loudly. "No wonder it's so peaceful this evening. She isn't here."

The old man sighed and adjusted his glasses, placing down his newspaper. "It's strange. She's usually the first one here."

I sighed and downed the glass of water in one go. "Let's just eat."

Lucio smirked and continued eating, appearing satisfied with her lack of presence. I, too, would have been more relaxed. However, I couldn't help but think about our interaction inside my room.

I had gone on a trip to the southern part of Algard to help the victims of the flood. It was a week-long venture, but Lucio always reported Lucinda's wrongdoings, even from afar.

Clara only started working in the household a month ago, but I already felt protective of her. She had suffered so much because of Lucinda, making me want to cherish her even more.

Even though we weren't connected by fate, I couldn't deny that the attraction was there. I accidentally kissed her the night I took her out for dinner on her 22nd birthday, and I knew Lucinda saw it.

That must be why she was doing all of this.

Yes, I cannot trust her at all. Even if she says she'll break off the engagement, I knew, deep down, that she was only trying to make me relax.

"The wedding dress has arrived."

My father's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I felt my temper rise then, but I controlled myself.

The wedding was bound to happen in two months and would be announced to the public in a week's time just in time for my 26th birthday.

Lucio cleared his throat. "Will the wedding really proceed?"

"Yes," my father answered right away. "The preparations have already started."

"But they're not yet done," Lucio interceded. "It is obvious that Rome does not want to marry Lucinda. Be honest, Dad. You also don't want Rome to marry her, right? She's not fit for the crown."

"Just because she's a Beta-"

"You know it's not that," he cut the old man off. "She has a terrible personality, and even our servants have been a subject of her acts."

My father sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "We are indebted to the Pendragons."

"No," Lucio said, slamming his fist on the table. "We are indebted to Dragon Pendragon alone."

"Well, without him, this family would cease to exist," my father said in a tone that left no room for argument. "Besides, Rome and Lucinda are mates. They are destined by the moon. They are lucky to have a bond that is evident. Your mother and I had a bond so weak that we didn't even realize it. Without Dragon's help, we wouldn't be able to conceive the three of you."

"Can you still say that when a Pendragon killed Mom?"

A painful look passed through my father's eyes.

"That's enough," I said, cutting off their conversation. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and leaned against the chair.

"I am not going to marry her."

"What?"

My father stood, looking at me incredulously. "What are you talking about, Rome? We already had a deal with Lord Gideon. We cannot go back on our word."

"Lucio is right," I casually said. "She is not fit for the crown. No matter how we look at it, our family will be respected less if she becomes one of us. I also cannot bring myself to love her."

"It's because you fell in love with that omega maiden, is that it?" he asked.

"Clara," I said. "That's her name. It doesn't matter what I feel about her. All that matters is I am not going to marry Lucinda. Didn't you hear about what happened in the manor this morning? She nearly killed Clara. The innocent girl was just cleaning the staircase when she was pushed to the bottom."

My father bit his lip. There was conflict in his eyes, and I knew the exact reason why. It wasn't because he was particularly fond of Lucinda. No, I knew that he also didn't see her as fit for the crown. However, she was the youngest daughter of Gideon Pendragon, the Lord Justiciar of the Court of Justice.

The COJ had always given us a difficult time in leading Algard, apprehending our men without proper warrants just because of petty reports from packs that wanted to abolish the royal family. However, when I got engaged to Lucinda, their hold on us loosened.

I knew my father was only worried about the repercussions that breaking off the engagement would bring. However, I had already made up my mind. I would face all the challenges, no matter how difficult they may be, if it meant I wouldn't marry Lucinda.

"Listen to me," my father said, but stopped at the end of the statement, appearing hopeless. He knew it was useless to convince me.

With that, he turned to a servant. "Call Lucinda here."

"Yes, Alpha," the servant bowed and walked briskly upstairs. The dining room was silent, not even the sound of utensils breaking through it. After a couple of minutes, the servant arrived, breathless and appearing frantic.

We all turned to him with curious gazes.

"Lady Lucindabella..."

"... is not in her room, Your Highness."

Chapter 7 Dazed and Confused

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