The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 27: The Welcome Banquet (I)

{Third Person}

A long line of sleek black vehicles rolled through the grand gates of a massive private estate within the Werewolf Kingdom.

The residence stood like a fortress—stone walls, towering structures, and guards stationed at every visible point. It was less of a guesthouse and more of a controlled domain.

One by one, the cars came to a stop. Doors opened, and the Humans, well-dressed and composed, stepped out. At least on the surface.

From one of the front vehicles, Anthony Caldwell stepped out, followed by Matilda. Both carried themselves with practiced dignity, their expressions carefully neutral as they took in their surroundings.

Behind them, another car door opened, and Lila stepped out first. Her heels touched the ground with quiet precision, her posture straight, her expression already edged with disinterest.

The diamond ring on the middle finger of her left hand caught the light, flashing briefly as she adjusted her hand.

Her cold gaze swept over the estate, unimpressed.

Then, from the other side of the same car, Torin Fisher stepped out, dressed in a tailored black suit, polished and composed, appearing entirely at ease. He adjusted his cuff slightly before lifting his gaze forward.

Ahead of the arriving Humans, a group was already waiting.

At the front stood two males. The Second Prince, Lord Zarek, and the Third Prince, Lord Rowan.

Both dressed in formal attire befitting their status, their presence commanding in very different ways.

Beside them stood several high-ranking ministers of the Werewolf court, and behind them, a line of royal guards stood like unmoving shadows.

As the Humans began to approach, Zarek’s lips curved into a polite smile. But beneath his breath, just low enough, he muttered, "What a bunch of pathetic cowards."

Rowan didn’t react. In fact, he pretended not to have heard anything.

Then the distance closed. The Human representatives—parliament ministers—stepped forward first, forming the front line. They greeted the Werewolf princes and ministers with diplomatic smiles, extending hands.

Zarek received them easily, his expression flawless. Rowan followed with quiet politeness, his demeanour far more restrained.

Formalities were exchanged. Hands shaken. Words measured.

When the greetings concluded, Zarek stepped forward slightly.

"You will be staying here during your visit," he said smoothly, gesturing to the massive residence behind them. "His Majesty has made the necessary arrangements for your comfort."

The Human spokesperson inclined his head respectfully. "We thank King Sebastian for his generosity and hospitality. This is most appreciated."

Zarek’s smile widened just enough. Then Rowan spoke, his tone calm and courteous.

"The welcome banquet will commence at seven this evening. Carriages will arrive by six to escort you to the palace."

The Humans nodded in agreement. Everything was proceeding... perfectly.

Meanwhile, at the back of the gathering, Lila stood beside Torin, her expression unchanged.

’Carriages?’ Her lips pressed together slightly. ’They are so Outdated.’

At the same time, her eyes drifted toward the residence they were meant to stay in, curiosity replacing her earlier disinterest, though only slightly.

’Let’s see if they at least did this part right.’

Beside her, Torin remained quiet, his gaze fixed ahead. He didn’t look impressed either.

---

Back at the Alpha Prince’s residence...

Alexander sat where he usually did in the late hours of the day, the atmosphere around him quiet, controlled, untouched by the activity happening elsewhere in the kingdom.

Then Jasper entered. "Your Highness."

Alexander didn’t look up immediately. "Speak."

"The Humans have arrived," Jasper reported. "His Majesty sent Lord Zarek and Lord Rowan, along with several court ministers, to receive them."

Alexander leaned back slightly, finally lifting his gaze. "Father sure knows the right people for the job."

The disinterest in his tone was clear.

Zarek handling diplomacy? That alone said enough.

Jasper remained silent for a moment before adding, "His Majesty also sent word earlier... reminding Your Highness to attend the banquet tonight."

A faint scoff left Alexander’s lips. "We will see about that."

Attending the banquet solely depended on which mood he would be in when the time came.

Jasper wasn’t surprised by his master’s actions. There was a time Alexander would have shown up without question, if only to assert control over the court.

Unfortunately, that version of him no longer existed, not after everything that had been taken from him.

Now, whether he appeared or not... was entirely his choice. And everyone knew it.

—

On the other side of the residence, Amara sat in her room with Ginger resting in her arms.

Her fingers moved absently through the cat’s fur, though her mind wasn’t on it. There had been a quiet tension in her all day—something restless she couldn’t quite explain.

Moments later, a gentle knock sounded on the door, then Mrs. Woods entered with a smile that already carried news.

"Lady Amara," she said gently, "your people have arrived."

Amara froze. For a split second, she just stared at her. Then she stood so quickly she nearly dropped the cat in her arms. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Ginger let out a sharp meow in protest.

"Oh—sorry, sorry," Amara murmured, adjusting her hold and briefly soothing it before setting it down.

But her attention snapped right back to Mrs. Woods. "They are here?" she asked, her voice already bright. "How do you know?"

"His Highness’s right-hand man informed me just now."

That was enough; Amara’s smile widened fully, the kind that reached her eyes without restraint.

"They’re really here..."

Mrs. Woods watched her with a small warmth in her own expression. "I’m sure you can’t wait to see your friends."

Amara let out a soft breath, almost like a laugh. "I’ve missed them. It’s been a month... since I last spoke to any of them."

A month. It felt longer.

Mrs. Woods chuckled lightly. "You will see them soon. Just a few more hours."

Amara nodded quickly. "The banquet—what time does it start?"

"Seven in the evening."

Amara glanced toward the window, mentally calculating.

Mrs. Woods continued, "The stylists will arrive in an hour or two to prepare you."

Amara nodded again, more composed now, but the excitement hadn’t left her. Not even close.

She really had something to look forward to today.