Chapter 26
Joe's POV
I roll my eyes so hard I think I might actually go blind. "I'm not ready for this conversation, Ivan," I mutter, already walking toward the window for some air.
I doubled over in mock agony as Ivan's stern voice echoed in the throne room.
"We need to discuss your future, Joe."
I straightened and rolled my eyes. "Uncle, can this wait? I'm not in the headspace for a… matchmaking session."
Ivan didn't budge, but his lips twitched. "You will prepare yourself now, because your future wife is outside that door."
I laugh. "Ha! You're bluffing."
But the door swung open.
And in walked Perseus Ironwolf, one of the most powerful men in the wolf realm. My shoulders stiffen as soon as I see him. He's got this commanding presence that makes even the walls feel like they should stand straighter. Beside him is his daughter, Jane. She was stunning, had this strange confidence about her, a pair of intelligent eyes that scanned me in a way that's too calm, too calculated. She was tall, statuesque, with fierce green eyes and a controlled smile that held a challenge.
But the weirdest thing? Was my wolf.
It was silent.
No growls. No rage. No rebellion. Just... quiet. The only other time my wolf has ever been quiet was with Lily, but that silence felt like peace. This one feels like war just waiting for a signal. A silent curiosity.
Ivan gestures for me to sit, and I do, out of sheer curiosity.
"This is Perseus Ironwolf," Ivan says, his voice level. "He's not just a business tycoon. He's got alliances everywhere. His connections span from Shadow Claw to Nightwind packs. He comes as our ally. And this…" he turns to the girl beside him, "...is Jane Ironwolf, your betrothed."
I gulped, "Betrothed?". My voice nearly caught. "Uh… What do you mean by "Bethrothed?."
Jane stepped forward,her smile polite and soft. "Prince Joe. It's an honor."
I stared at her awkwardly. "Nope!! Not interested."
Perseus nodded gravely, with a weird smile on his face. "Our packs have many shared interests. This union will strengthen them." He winked at me. "Of course, we begin as friends."
"She'll be transferring into your school starting tomorrow. So you two can... bond.". My uncle added
I almost choked. "Are you serious?"
Ivan gives me a side-eye. "Relax. They're not asking for your hand in marriage right this second. Just be friends. The rest will follow."
I wanted to object, but something about Jane's gaze silenced me.
Her green eyes met mine. "I look forward to getting to know you, your highness"
I just stared at her, at my uncle and then back at her.Something about her is off, i just couldnt place it, and the quietness of my wolf still lingered, I don't like it one bit.
"Okay". Ivan said, breaking off the tension. "This has been fruitful. Mr Perseus Ironwolf and his daughter will leave now." Ivan dismissed us. "We'll allow you some privacy. Have a productive day, your highness."
As the doors closed, I sagged on the throne,my mind racing.
"Betrothed?. Wow"
My wolf was…still silent.
The following day, after a majestic compulsory breakfast, I change and head out to school.
But everything is... off. The teachers are suddenly smiling too much, like I'm some fragile porcelain heir.
"Good morning, Your Majesty!" Ms. Kingsley, the stern history teacher, greeted with an awkward bow.
I managed a small nod. "Morning."
In the hallway,all the male students gave me space like I'm contagious. And the girls? Winking. Giggling. Leaving me gifts like it's Christmas morning.
I hated it, but I stuffed them into my backpack.
By lunchtime, I'd fielded more compliments than on a royal parade day. I barely made it to the cafeteria.
Finally, classes end. Training is next.
The classroom emptied out slowly. Everyone grabbed their stuff and rushed off. Except me.
And Lily.
We're the last two packing our bags. The silence between us is louder than a thousand screams. I wanted to say something, anything, but my lips won't part. She looks... tired, distant. But still very beautiful.
Then, she starts walking toward me. Or maybe the door, and it seems like she wants to tell me something, maybe congratulate me on being the prince apparent. Or maybe give me her condolences about my dad.
My heart stumbled as she moved closer and closer.
But before a word could leave her lips, Jane strutted into the room like a storm in heels. She held a perfectly wrapped lunchbox, and her smile could blind a god.
"There you are," she says sweetly, handing me the box. "I couldn't possibly let my husband eat what the average students are eating again. I made this myself. You can eat this after practice"
Husband. Did she just call me….
I glance at Lily.
She paused, her gaze locking with mine for a second. Then she walked past without a word and disappeared through the door.
Shit.
I'll never know what she wanted to say. Or if she wanted to talk to me.
Anger flared inside of me, and I turned to Jane sharply. "Hey, stop calling me your husband. I'm not your…. You're too beautiful for this. You should go for a guy who actually wants you. One who has a heart. I believe you are smart enough to know this"
Her smile doesn't falter. "Oh Prince Joe. Your highness, I don't care if you don't want me.". She said, her hand trailing up my shirt. " Because, I have a feeling you'll grow to dote on me once you get to know me."
She handed me the lunchbox. "You're welcome by the way. I will see you later your majesty" Then, with a nod, a smile and a slight bow, as regal as her first entrance, she turned and walked away, her short skirts swaying to the rhythm of her heels.
And for some reason… my wolf flinches.
It's… it's scared of her.