The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 164: Challenging the authority (2)

A few moments ago,

Radulf stormed out of the mansion, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Yet, rather than seeking confrontation, he resolved to uncover Leon’s true intentions. Taking Zenna’s advice to heart, he decided to use this opportunity for growth.

As he arrived at the palace, curious gazes followed him, but he paid them no heed. With determined strides, he made his way to Leon’s manor.

Inside, the Crown Prince was immersed in official documents when a maidservant informed him of Radulf’s arrival.

"Let him in," Leon instructed, his brows drawing together. A flicker of suspicion crossed his mind. ’He must have heard about my visit. The servants must have told him,’ he mused.

Radulf entered and bowed respectfully.

Leon dismissed the maidservant and gestured for him to sit.

"Thank you," Radulf said as he took a seat across from the Crown Prince. His gaze was unwavering. "Your Grace must already know why I’ve come."

"Because I visited your mansion this morning?" Leon asked.

"Yes," Radulf confirmed.

Leon exhaled, leaning back slightly. "I wanted Zenna to keep my true identity a secret."

"And you even told her not to get pregnant," Radulf added. "Isn’t it because you want the throne for yourself? Are you so certain the Alpha King will never grant it to you? You even warned Zenna that we would be dead the moment the pup fell into the Alpha King’s hands." His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward. "Should I take that as a genuine concern, or just selfish ambition?"

"What are you trying to say, Radulf? Be clear," Leon said.

"You already know what I want to hear," Radulf stated firmly. "Why did you suddenly warn Zenna?"

"Because I don’t want her to be harmed," Leon replied. His eyes flickered around, wary of unseen ears. Lowering his voice, he added, "This isn’t the right place to discuss such matters. Let’s talk later, somewhere more private."

"There’s no one around to overhear us," Radulf countered.

Leon shook his head. "The palace is filled with spies, some you wouldn’t even suspect," he said.

Radulf studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Zenna wants me to befriend you. Can that be possible?"

Leon stiffened, momentarily caught off guard. Zenna wanted that? But why would she wish for such a thing?

"However, it depends on you, Leon. You need to be honest with me if you truly intend to fight the Alpha King," Radulf declared firmly.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. The same maidservant rushed in.

"Your Grace, there’s been a confrontation in the Alpha King’s private chamber," she informed them breathlessly.

"A confrontation?" Leon’s frown deepened. "Between whom?"

Radulf, too, leaned forward, intrigued.

"The Alpha King and Lady Zenna," the maidservant revealed.

"What?" Radulf shot up from his chair. Why didn’t he feel Zenna’s scent? Was it because of the distance between them? And then, he felt a strange sensation in his chest as if someone was taking his breath away. Not his, but Zenna’s. Radulf’s eyes shone green, and he left the Crown Prince’s sight in a hurry.

~~~

**The Present Time**

Radulf dragged Zenna to the horse that was standing near the palace gates and finally stopped. "Get on the horse," Radulf said.

Zenna quietly followed his command and tried hopping onto the horse. Radulf helped her sit up and then settled behind her. As he pulled the horse’s rein, it started running, bringing them out of the palace’s gate.

Radulf didn’t keep the speed too high or too low. His blood was boiling in rage. How he wanted to slit Phillipe’s throat and pull out his eyes right there. Only he knew how he had controlled himself.

Zenna, on the other hand, trembled in fear. Her heart pounded with worry, not for herself, but for Radulf. He had openly defied the Alpha King, challenging his authority without hesitation. The memory of what Phillipe had done in the past haunted her, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that history was about to repeat itself.

A storm of questions swirled in her mind. Would Phillipe retaliate? Would he go to any lengths to destroy Radulf? She shouldn’t have rebelled. She should have answered her father more carefully. Regret and fear twisted inside her, and tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill any moment.

"Don’t cry, Zenna," Radulf’s voice broke through her thoughts. It was as if he could read every single emotion coursing through her, sensing her distress even without looking at her.

"The fight has just begun. Trust in my abilities," he assured her. "Phillipe won’t survive for long."

His face was so close that his breath ghosted against her cheek, and his grip around her waist tightened, anchoring her to him.

Zenna swallowed back her tears, silently praying for the journey to end. When they finally reached the mansion, Radulf wasted no time, leading her straight to his chamber.

Once inside, he released her hand, but instead of stepping away, he gently tilted her chin up, his gaze darkening as he examined the bruises forming on her neck. His jaw clenched.

"That bastard," he spat, fury simmering in his voice.

Zenna hesitated before speaking. "Why did you do it?" she asked, searching his face. "Why did you say you would fight for me? I think you shouldn’t have..."

Radulf’s sharp gaze locked onto hers. "Zenna, you are my mate. I told you in the beginning if anyone could hurt you, then it was me. Moreover, you’re underestimating me," he said and took a brief pause.

"I’m not the same Radulf from four years ago—the one that bastard could crush without effort. The war changed me. It awakened my true strength as a dominant Alpha. Phillipe was going to imprison you, and that was the last thing I would allow."

His fingers traced over the bruises again before he stepped back, his expression hardening. "He never raised a loyal dog. He created a beast that has always been waiting to attack him. And now, it’s the time."

Zenna sighed, doubt flickering in her eyes. "How are you going to convince everyone? I don’t think anyone will stand against my father."

Radulf smirked, the glint in his eyes dangerous. "Why not? Every pack is suffering under Phillipe’s reign. Starting a war is better than waiting for the ’right time’ that will never come."

He recalled his last request to Selena to come to the capital, and in the morning, he received a reply too. The High Priestess was the one who would definitely help him.

"Phillipe made the biggest mistake of his life by hurting you a second time. The first time, I let it go. But this time, I will make sure to sever his head and lay it at your feet, Zenna. That’s my promise to you."

Radulf’s eyes shone with determination. "So, be strong. You need to be strong to fight against him."

"Alpha, the Crown Prince wants to see you," Pia’s voice came from outside, thus interrupting them.

"Why is the Crown Prince here again?" Zenna murmured.

"Didn’t you want me to befriend him?" Radulf asked. "You were right. Leon is suffocating in the palace. And it’s the right time to bring him to my side. I will make sure Phillipe’s tyranny ends soon," he affirmed.