Chained to the Enemy Alpha

Lily's jaw dropped as they approached the grand palace gates. The royal residence stood before them, even more majestic than she had imagined. The royal guards stood in perfect formation, their eyes tracking their every move.

A tall, thin man with graying hair stood at the gates. He welcomed guests with a warm smile. However, when he spotted Zayn, Lily, and their entourage, his expression was stern.

"Alpha Zayn of Obsidian Moon," he greeted in a clipped tone. "I am Corin, Head Servant of the Royal Palace. May I see your invitation?"

Zayn nodded curtly. "Of course." He reached into his jacket and produced an elegantly folded parchment, handing it to Corin with steady fingers.

The head servant took the invitation, his eyes scanning over it carefully. His lips pursed, and his eyebrows drew together. Without warning, he raised his hand in a sharp gesture.

"Guards!" Corin called out. "Arrest them immediately!"

The royal guards sprang into action, surrounding Zayn and the others with weapons drawn. Lily felt her blood turn cold.

"What is the meaning of this?" Zayn growled, his eyes flashing dangerously. Lily could feel the rage radiating off him in waves.

Corin held up the invitation between two fingers as if it were something disgusting. "This invitation is a forgery. A poor one at that."

Ezra stepped forward, his hand hovering near his weapon. "That's impossible! We received it directly from the royal messenger."

"The paper quality is inferior," Corin stated coldly. "And the seal is clearly not authentic. Attempting to enter the royal palace with forged documents is punishable by death."

Zayn's muscles tensed, and Lily could tell he was seconds away from shifting. She reached out, placing her hand on his arm, trying to calm him. His skin burned hot beneath her fingers.

"The invitation is genuine," Zayn snarled at Corin, "I suggest you check again."

"I've served the royal family for twenty-five years. I can assure you, Alpha. I know a genuine invitation when I see one," Corin retorted.

Zayn bared his canines, hands curled into fists. He could not stand to take the insult, but creating a scene here could cause trouble. Lily looked around frantically. Zephyr had been walking with them just moments ago, but now he was nowhere to be found.

If he were still there, he might be able to help them figure out what was going on.

"What on earth is happening here?" A sharp voice cut through the air.

Everyone turned to see who it was. An elderly woman approached. Despite her age, she carried herself with remarkable grace and authority. Her silver hair was elegantly styled, and she wore rich purple robes with golden embroidery.

Lily recalled what Martha had taught her. Only a member of the royal family could dress in such finery.

Corin stepped aside and bowed low as he greeted the elderly woman, "Elder Princess Tilda, Alpha Zayn, and his pack presented forged documents in an attempt to attend the Crystal Moon Ball."

The elder princess raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Show me."

Corin handed Tilda the invitation with both hands. She examined it carefully, her sharp eyes scrutinized every detail.

Lily's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the Elder Princess. Without warning, Tilda raised her hand and slapped Corin across the face. Some flinched, others gasped.

"Corin, perhaps you should retire from your position," She hissed.

Holding up the invitation in her hand, she continued, "While the quality of the paper may differ from standard royal invitations, the signature of the Alpha King cannot be forged. Have you forgotten your own master's signature?"

Corin touched his cheek, stammering, "But Your Highness—"

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Princess Tilda cut him off. Her voice was soft but laced with poison.

"No… no, Your Highness," Corin whispered, lowering his eyes.

The commotion had drawn quite a crowd. It even caught the attention of the Alpha King himself. He approached the crowd with several advisors trailing behind.

"Aunt Tilda, what seems to be the problem?" His voice was smooth and controlled, but Lily caught the flash of annoyance in his eyes.

Princess Tilda turned to face him. "Dace, would you care to explain why Alpha Zayn's invitation differs from the others that were sent out? Corin here was about to have them arrested."

Alpha King Dace glanced at the invitation, then at Zayn. A shiver ran down her spine. She could feel the tension beneath her skin.

"A simple misunderstanding," Dace said with a dismissive wave. "The printing press ran out of our standard paper during preparation. Some invitations were produced on alternative stock paper."

Lily watched as Zayn's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. She quickly slipped her hand into his, a silent reminder to stay calm. His fingers gradually relaxed around hers.

Princess Tilda's eyes narrowed. "How convenient that Alpha Zayn's invitation was among those affected."

"Merely a coincidence," Dace replied smoothly. "I assure you, all our guests are equally welcome."

"Then they should be treated as such," Princess Tilda said pointedly. "Isn't that right, nephew?"

Alpha King Dace's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. I apologize for any confusion, Alpha Zayn. Your party and you are welcome in the Capital."

Zayn nodded stiffly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Corin cleared his throat. "I'll show them to their accommodations immediately."

"Excellent," Dace said, already turning to leave. "I look forward to seeing you all at tonight's welcoming feast."

With that, Alpha King Dace left the courtyard with his advisors. The crowd started to disperse.

Zayn straightened his collar and took a step forward. But once again, Corin stood in his way.

"Now what?" Zayn asked in annoyance.

"Your accommodations aren't here, Alpha Zayn," He said.

"What? Aren't all guests staying in the palace?" He asked.

"Yes, but given the… late nature of your confirmation, the only available accommodations are outside the palace."

Princess Tilda, who'd been watching from the sidelines, clicked her tongue, "Enough of this nonsense. Alpha Zayn and his party will stay in my quarters as my personal guests."

Corin blanched. "Your Highness, that's not protocol—"

"I wasn't asking permission, Corin," Princess Tilda interrupted. "My quarters have ample room, and I rarely receive visitors these days."

Zayn shook his head. "Princess Tilda, we don't want to impose—"

"Nonsense," she said with a wave of her hand. "You're my nephew, after all. Family should stay together."

Lily's eyes widened, and she turned to stare at Zayn.

Her nephew?