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Chapter 258
~Zara’s POV~
The morning light illuminated my chamber through the large windows, down to the thick silk, resting a beautiful view. However, the tranquillity of the scene was insufficient to quell the brewing storm within me.
Pacing back and forth across the rug, I wrung my hands together, my mind racing with thoughts of Zara. My daughter. My heart. My heir.
The door creaked open, and Courtney, my trusted lady-in-waiting, stepped inside. She bowed respectfully before speaking. "You called for me, my lady?"
I spun on my heel, nodding sharply. "Yes, I did. Come in, Courtney."
Courtney stepped closer, her expression curious but composed. "What is it you need, ma’am?"
I sighed and walked over to the adjoining sitting room in my chambers, motioning for her to sit, but she remained standing.
Resigning myself to her ever-proper nature, I sat down instead, my fingers tapping anxiously on the armrest. "First, tell me—what’s my schedule for the day?"
Courtney adjusted the clipboard in her hands, quickly scanning the list. "You have a meeting with the pack elders at noon to discuss the upcoming alliance treaty. After that, the charity banquet planning committee will need your input on final details. And... the director for your new movie is set to arrive this afternoon for a private discussion."
I waved a hand dismissively. "Fine. Push the banquet committee to tomorrow. I’ll deal with the treaty and the director today. But Courtney, that’s not why I called you here."
Courtney tilted her head slightly, her brow arching in curiosity. "Then, what is it, ma’am?"
Leaning forward, I clasped my hands together. "It’s about Zara."
"Princess Zara?" Courtney asked, her tone instantly alert. "Is she alright? Has something happened to her?"
"She’s fine," I said quickly, though my tone betrayed my frustration. "But I want her back here. In this pack. And not just for a short few days visit—I want her to stay with me for a while."
Courtney blinked, clearly surprised. "Why not simply ask her?"
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "Do you think Snow would allow that? He’s too protective of her, especially after what happened. He’d never agree."
Courtney’s expression turned thoughtful. "Then, my lady... perhaps you could use that to your advantage."
"What do you mean?" I asked, intrigued.
Courtney took a step closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "You could remind him that Zara was hurt under his care. It might create an opening for you to suggest she spend time here, where she’ll be safe."
I clapped my hands, a spark of excitement igniting within me. "Brilliant! But Snow is stubborn, Courtney. He won’t give in so easily."
Courtney nodded in agreement, her gaze distant as she considered our options. "In that case... why not frame it as a celebration? Use the princess’s return as an opportunity to welcome her back in grand style. You haven’t introduced her to the pack properly and the world."
"What if he complains that we are exposing her too much to the world?"
Courtney twisted her lips a little while she thought and then her eyes gleamed beautifully in the way they always did when she had a nice thought.
"It is important. It will boost and bring joy to your people, seeing their princess."
My eyes widened with delight as the idea took root. "A ball," I whispered, the thought blooming into a full-fledged plan. "Yes, a grand ball to announce her return to the pack. Her debut as the Alpha’s daughter. Even Snow couldn’t object to that."
Courtney smiled, pleased with my reaction. "It would be the perfect way to bring her back without raising suspicion. And once she’s here, you can work on convincing her to stay long with you."
I stood abruptly, pacing the room again but this time with renewed energy. "Yes! A grand celebration—one the entire pack will remember. Call it her homecoming. She deserves to be honoured as one of my heirs, as the daughter of the Golden Claw Pack’s late Alpha."
Moving to the bed, I grabbed my phone and dialled the number for my event coordinator. Courtney watched as I spoke rapidly, issuing orders.
"Begin preparations immediately," I commanded. "I want the grand ballroom decorated in gold and crimson. Send invitations to all allied packs, the nobles, and any Lycans of note. Make sure they know the Alpha’s sister is returning home in style."
The person on the other end assured me everything would be taken care of, and I ended the call, turning to Courtney with a triumphant smile.
"Make the calls, Courtney. Spread the word. My daughter is coming home."
Courtney nodded, her expression one of admiration. "Right away, my lady. This will be an event to remember."
"It had better be." I was already imagining the look on Zara’s face when she arrived. "She deserves nothing less."
As Courtney hurried out to begin her tasks, I settled onto the couch. Zara was my daughter. My blood. And I wouldn’t let anyone—Snow, Kaid, or fate itself—keep her away from me for much longer.
"This should be great." I smiled, glancing around and already imagining how the event would be. "Oh yeah, I should send her a text, informing her of the party."
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~Kaid’s POV~
Meanwhile, stuck in his palace with no way to speak to Zara, Kaid sought other measures, filling his thoughts with options to ease off her steam.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth of my chambers as I leaned back in the plush armchair with a glass of whiskey in hand.
I stared into the amber liquid, my thoughts swirling like the drink in the glass.
The confrontation with Delia earlier still lingered in my mind, but my focus had shifted to Zara. Her strength, her defiance, her destiny—it all fascinated me. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to do more and also support her.
An ally or an obstacle. I needed to choose.
Couldn’t I just be a little of both?
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Enter," I called out.
Richard stepped in, keeping his ever-composed demeanour intact. Sensing my mood, his brows drew together as he approached. "You summoned me?"
I gestured for him to sit, which he did reluctantly. His sharp eyes studied me, already sensing I had something significant to discuss.
"I’ve been thinking," I began, setting the glass down on the side table. "We should host a feast. A celebration in honour of Zara."