Chained to the Enemy Alpha

Lily stole a glance at Zayn. He walked beside her with his usual stern expression, betraying nothing of his thoughts. She turned her attention to the walls, marveling over the intricate tapestries depicting werewolf battles.

Princess Tilda led them down a wide hallway that seemed to stretch endlessly. Servants bowed deeply as they passed, their eyes downcast in respect. When they finally reached Tilda's personal quarters, Lily's jaw nearly dropped. The entrance alone was twice the size of their bedroom back at the packhouse.

"Come in. My servants will attend to your luggage," She said, invitingly.

Summoned by her words, several servants appeared. They quickly relieved them of their bags before disappearing. Lily watches as they carry everything inside without a word.

The interior of Tilda's quarters was even more impressive. High ceilings with crystal chandeliers, furniture crafted from rare woods, and artwork that must have cost fortunes adorned the space.

"Please, sit," Tilda said, leading them into an elegant drawing room. "We have much to discuss."

Zayn gave Ezra and the others some orders, leaving him, Lily, and Tilda in the room. Lily turned to Zayn and tugged on his sleeve. A question burned in her mind, and she had to know the answer.

'Zayn, are you royalty?' She asked through sign language.

Princess Tilda watched the exchange with sharp eyes. "Does your mate not speak, Zayn?" she asked, her voice carrying no judgment, merely curiosity.

Zayn placed his hand over Lily's. "Lily lost her voice when she was young," he explained. "She communicates through sign language."

"I see," Tilda nodded, studying Lily with renewed interest. "And what was she asking?"

"She wants to know if I'm royalty," Zayn replied, his voice even.

Zayn turned to Lily. He hesitated before confessing, "Technically, I am. But I don't hold any official royal title."

Elder Princess Tilda nodded along, confirming Zayn's words. Lily's brow furrowed. She had never heard him mention it before. She had never known he was royalty.

"She seems confused," Tilda observed. She settled into her chair with perfect posture as she began to explain, "Zayn's mother, Vivian, was my half-sister. We were both daughters of the previous Alpha King.

Lily's eyes widened. She glanced at Zayn, who remained silent, his jaw tight.

"When our father died," Tilda continued, "one of our brothers took the throne but later abdicated in favor of his son, the current Alpha King, Dace." She paused, taking a sip from the tea a servant had placed before her. "Vivian chose to give up her royal title, against our family's wishes, to marry your mate's father."

Princess Tilda's eyes grew distant, clouded with memories. "Vivian and I exchanged letters for a while after she left. But eventually, we lost touch." She looked directly at Zayn. "I was deeply saddened to learn of her death."

Zayn remained quiet, his expression unchanged. But Lily could see it in his eyes. Pain from a distant past, memories he'd tried to bury, resurfaced. She placed her hand over his, hoping to provide him with what comfort she could give.

His eyes met hers, softening momentarily. He turned his hand to squeeze hers back, the smallest of smiles touching his lips in gratitude.

"I must say, Zayn, I expected you to choose a more… suitable mate," Tilda sighed in disappointment.

Lily felt her chest tighten.

"You might not carry the title, but royal blood still flows through your veins," She continued, "Use the mate bond to your advantage. Build alliances through marriage to strengthen your pack and you."

Zayn's expression hardened. "Lily is my mate."

"Fated mate, yes? Keep her by your side if you want to, but you can always take another. You need a strong Luna by your side," She chided.

Lily swallowed hard, the princess's words cutting deeper than she dared to admit. She kept her eyes down, focusing on their interlocked hands.

"We've had our difficulties," Zayn acknowledged, his voice firm. "But Lily has stood by my side through everything. I won't abandon her now."

Princess Tilda sighed. "Your loyalty is admirable, nephew. But you have enemies circling you like vultures. The Alpha King himself cannot wait to see you fail." She leaned forward slightly. "A strong mate, one with influence, resources, and abilities would be a valuable asset in the battles to come."

The princess gave Lily a glance, expression cold, "She doesn't even have a wolf."

Lily bit her lip. She knew her own shortfalls.

Was she really a burden to Zayn?

Would he be better off with someone else? Someone who could speak, who had a wolf, who understood the intricacies of pack politics?

"You need someone who can fight alongside you," Tilda added, her gaze drifting to Lily. "Not someone you must constantly protect."

Lily straightened her spine, pushing away her doubts. She might not have a wolf or a voice, but she had proven herself time and again. She had survived when others wanted her dead. She had stood her ground against Victoria. She had earned the respect of warriors like Ragnar and Jett.

She raised her hands, her movements deliberate as she signed to Zayn.

'I have something to say, will you be my voice?' She signed.

Zayn nodded, watching her hands carefully.

Lily turned to look at Tilda as she began to sign, hands moving with determination. Zayn, was her voice.

'I know I'm not what you expect me to be. But I will stand by Zayn's side. To fight for him, to do everything in my power to help him achieve his goals.'

Zayn translated her words, his voice growing stronger with each sentence. Princess Tilda listened, her face expressionless, giving away nothing of her thoughts.

When Zayn finished, Princess Tilda studied Lily for a long moment. The silence stretched between them, heavy and uncomfortable.

"You say you'll fight for him? How can someone who cannot even speak for herself hope to fight for others?" Tilda asked as she folded her arms.

Her words pierced through Lily's heart.