The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 44: Bound by her father

Radulf rinsed his hands thoroughly after applying another layer of medicinal paste to Zenna’s injured back. The fading sunlight filtered through the curtains, signaling the approach of evening, yet she still hadn’t regained consciousness. He gazed at her pale face, his brow furrowing with concern.

The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Savio entered the room as he greeted Radulf with a bow, maintaining a careful distance from the Alpha.

"I’ve gathered information about the incident," Savio began, his tone tinged with unease. "It seems the Alpha King summoned Luna Zenna to discuss a private matter. What I could uncover is that their discussion ended poorly, enraging the Alpha King. He ordered her punishment shortly after. Unfortunately, since the conversation took place behind closed doors, no one knows exactly what transpired."

Radulf’s jaw tightened, his gaze shifting back to Zenna. "Did she challenge her father again with that fiery temper of hers?" he murmured to himself.

He exhaled slowly, then addressed Savio. "Thank you for your efforts, even if the full truth eludes us for now. You’ve done well."

Savio had never seen Radulf this quiet, his usual commanding presence replaced by a somber stillness. Concerned, he hesitated before speaking. "Are you alright? What’s the update on Luna’s condition?"

Radulf didn’t immediately respond, his gaze fixed on Zenna. Finally, he said, "Josiah came earlier to examine her. The wounds... they’ll take time to heal. Strangely, her healing is slower than it should be, even for an omega."

"That’s troubling," Savio said, frowning.

"It is," Radulf replied.

Savio hesitated, then dared to voice the question that had been weighing on his mind. "Does the Alpha now realize how difficult it was for his Luna to survive all these years?" His words hinted at guilt, a reflection of how Zenna had been treated in the past.

Radulf’s head snapped toward him. His grip on Zenna’s hand tightened. "You should leave, Savio," he said. He was already burying under the weight of the wrong he did to Zenna, so he didn’t want to hear more lecture from the others, especially Savio.

Understanding the dismissal, Savio bowed his head respectfully. "Yes, Alpha," he murmured before quietly retreating, leaving Radulf alone with Zenna once more.

Not long after, Pia entered the room, her expression cautious. "Alpha, Lord Gregor is here to see the Luna. He appears deeply worried and refuses to listen to anyone outside. Should I bring him in?" she asked carefully.

Radulf considered this for a moment before giving a curt nod. "Hmm."

Pia bowed and exited the room, only to return moments later with Gregor following closely behind. The man’s concern was evident in the furrow of his brow and the restless glint in his eyes. However, he stopped a few feet away from the bed, heeding Radulf’s subtle gesture.

"Her back isn’t covered," Radulf said, wanting Gregor to not look at Zenna in that state.

Gregor glanced toward Zenna, his fists clenching. "How did this happen? Why didn’t you intervene before it reached this point?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger and anguish.

"I heard she was whipped fifty times before she collapsed to the ground," Gregor continued, his voice rising slightly. "When will she wake up?" The panic in his tone betrayed the depth of his worry for his friend.

Radulf’s grip on Zenna’s hand tightened subtly. "Josiah has examined her. She’s stable, but the healing process is slower than expected," he said, his voice steady but low. "And Gregor, this is not the time to question me about what happened. Zenna needs rest."

"I know," Gregor replied through gritted teeth, his fists clenching tightly. His gaze lingered on Radulf for a moment longer before he turned to leave.

"Where are you going?" Radulf’s voice stopped him mid-step.

Gregor glanced back, his eyes blazing with determination. "To the palace."

"Don’t be foolish, Gregor, unless you want your pack to face destruction," he warned.

Gregor frowned as his frustration mounted. "You expect me to stand by and do nothing? She’s my friend, Radulf. She didn’t deserve this!"

Radulf couldn’t help but chuckle at how foolish he sounded. "The Alpha King ordered the punishment, Gregor," he said. "Do you think you can challenge him and walk away unscathed? I’m warning you—for the sake of your pack, stay out of this matter. You don’t want to ignite a bloodbath that no one will survive."

Gregor’s jaw tightened, his resolve faltering under Radulf’s words. He looked away, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "This isn’t justice. Zenna should have run away with me when I asked her," he muttered, not realizing what he was speaking.

Radulf frowned at Gregor’s words but chose to maintain his composure. "Then, why didn’t Zenna run away?" he probed.

Gregor’s eyes flashed with anger as he met Radulf’s gaze. "What do you think?" he shot back sharply.

Radulf took a deep breath, steadying himself before answering. "She’s bound by her father to stay in this marriage, Gregor," he began. "She has nowhere to go—no place where she’d be acknowledged or loved for who she is. And even if she had managed to escape, do you think she would’ve survived out there?"

Gregor’s sharp glare faltered, but Radulf continued, "I suspect she’s seen the consequences of defiance firsthand. Maybe she would have even witnessed a friend—a loved one—paying the ultimate price for trying to protect her. That’s why she stayed. Not because she was weak, but because she knew what leaving might cost her and others."

Gregor’s shoulders sagged, his clenched fists relaxing at his sides. He looked down, unable to argue against Radulf’s words. The truth hit him hard, and his anger gave way to a deep sadness.

"You should go back. Once Zenna wakes up, I’ll send someone to inform you about her," Radulf said.

"I will stay," Gregor lifted his head, hoping for a positive response.

"I don’t want you to stay here. You should understand why I am saying so," Radulf said, his green eyes shimmering for a moment before he averted them.

Gregor understood what he meant. "Fine. I’ll leave now. Take care of Zenna," he said and with a saddened look left for his house.

Pia gazed at her alpha and saw his eyes were only at Zenna. "Everyone treats Luna like that in the royal family. I am surprised that the Alpha finally saw it," she whispered, the tears threatening to fall off her eyes.

"Didn’t you tell Zenna about my strength?" Radulf asked.

Pia knitted her brows together in confusion. "I didn’t understand the Alpha’s statement."

"Nevermind. You can leave. Don’t allow anyone here anymore. I want some peace," Radulf told her. Pia bowed respectfully and walked out of the chamber, closing the giant doors behind her.

Radulf ran his hand over Zenna’s hair as his fingers entangled in it. "Wake up, Zenna. For some reason, I want to hear you speak." His gaze lingered on her closed eyes for longer than he expected. Unable to resist himself, he lowered his face and pressed a kiss on her cheek. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

He lay down next to her. "If you weren’t my enemy’s daughter, the story between us would have been different. Please wake up soon," Radulf murmured.