The Cursed Alpha Prince's Replacement Bride-Chapter 28: The Welcome Banquet (II)

{Third Person}

Amara’s preparations began not long after.

Her room was soon filled with quiet activity—stylists moving in and out, fabrics laid out, jewellery boxes opened with care. The atmosphere was busy, but controlled.

Amara sat still as they worked on her, though her fingers occasionally tightened in her lap. She was nervous, and Mrs. Woods noticed.

"The event for tonight will be held outdoors," she said, standing nearby as the stylists finished arranging Amara’s hair.

Amara glanced at her reflection in the mirror. "Outdoors?"

"Yes. The first day is more... ceremonial and cultural."

Amara paused for a moment to actually accept that fact before asking, "What other things should I expect tonight?"

Mrs. Woods thought for a moment. "There will be traditional performances. A folk dance—something unique to us. You may also see ceremonial singing, storytelling performances about their ancestry, and possibly ritual toasts."

She paused briefly, then added, "Sometimes, they showcase symbolic acts as well—like oath recitals, musical performances using our traditional instruments, or even a formal introduction of notable figures within the court."

Amara listened carefully. ’At least there will be no combat. No danger.’ She thought to herself, then trailed off. "That sounds..."

"Manageable?" Mrs. Woods offered gently.

Amara gave a small nod.

Not long after, the stylists finished and stepped aside, letting Amara stand and slowly turn toward the full-length mirror.

She simply looked at herself. Her hair fell in soft, elegant curls over her shoulders. The off-shoulder gown hugged her figure perfectly, flowing down to the floor in a way that made her look almost ethereal.

The colour of the dress brought out the blue in her eyes, making them stand out vividly. She looked... different. Dreamlike. Beautiful.

A small, genuine smile formed on her lips. "I like it," she said quietly. "I like everything. The jewellery pieces are so beautiful."

Mrs. Woods waited until that moment before speaking. "The jewellery set was gifted by His Highness," she revealed.

Amara froze. Her gaze shifted slightly before she turned to look at Mrs. Woods. A brief silence followed. Although she said nothing, her expression conveyed everything.

’You did that on purpose.’

Mrs. Woods only offered a polite, knowing smile.

Right at this moment, a small blur of ginger fur darted into the room. Ginger circled around Amara’s feet, meowing softly.

Amara’s attention softened instantly. Then, she bent down carefully and picked it up. "You came at the wrong time," she murmured gently. "You can’t follow me to this event."

Her fingers brushed its head as she thought to herself, ’I’m afraid of causing trouble tonight.’

Just then, Sonia quietly stepped forward and took the cat from her arms. Mrs. Woods, also dressed modestly but suitably for the occasion, led the way out for Amara. They exited the building.

A single carriage waited outside.

Amara paused for a moment, her gaze drifting across the courtyard as if in search of something... somebody.

Mrs. Woods followed her line of sight and asked, having not seen anything on sight, "Is something the matter?"

Amara shook her head lightly. "No."

Without pressing further, Mrs. Woods took her hand and guided her toward the carriage. Amara stepped in first, followed by Mrs. Woods.

The carriage doors closed, and it began to move.

A soft sigh escaped Amara’s lips as she leaned back slightly. At this hour, she finally confirmed how things worked here in the Werewolf Kingdom.

Carriages weren’t outdated, they were simply... part of life within the palace.

She exhaled again. Across from her, Mrs. Woods resumed her quiet instructions.

"For tonight’s banquet, only official wives of the royal family will be present. Concubines are not permitted to attend state events like this."

Amara nodded, absorbing the information. But before her thoughts could wander too far, Mrs. Woods continued.

You must stay attentive. Watch your words and actions. Do not give anyone a reason to criticize, especially not with His Highness.

Amara listened and said to herself, "He must really be hated by everyone." Then, she glanced at Mrs. Woods. "Is his reputation that bad?"

Mrs. Woods’ expression changed immediately. A hint of helplessness crossed her face. "Lady Amara," she said, almost sighing, "are you paying attention to my reminders at all?"

Amara paused. Thereafter, she gave a small nod, dropping the teasing. "I am."

Mrs. Woods studied her for a moment, then continued her guidance as the carriage rolled on.

—

Back at the Alpha Prince’s residence, Alexander lay stretched across a couch, a newspaper in his hand.

He was relaxed and absolutely unbothered.

Jasper stood in front of him, giving reports. "Your Highness, Ms. Caldwell has left for the banquet."

Alexander didn’t bother to look up and just nodded once.

Jasper waited a moment, but no further instructions came, so he bowed slightly and then withdrew. The message was clear.

Meanwhile, Alexander turned a page as if nothing important was happening at all.

---

The Second Prince’s residence~

Zarek stood before a tall mirror, already dressed for the evening. His attire was immaculate—dark, tailored, commanding. Every detail was intentional, from the cut of his coat to the subtle glint of the accessories at his cuffs. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

He adjusted his sleeve just as a guard entered and dropped to one knee.

"My Lord."

Zarek didn’t turn. "Speak."

"The Alpha Prince does not appear to be attending tonight’s banquet. Only the political bride has left his residence."

Zarek’s hand paused for just a moment, then he let out a scoff. Slowly, his expression sharpened with interest.

"He’s not attending?" There was disbelief in his tone, but beneath it, amusement stirred. "How can he not attend tonight’s banquet?" he muttered, almost to himself.

Then his lips curved. ’Ah. So this is how it is going to be.’

He took a few steps forward, his hands moving behind his back as he began to pace slowly.

"After I went through the trouble of preparing something entertaining for our dear human guests..." he said lightly, though the edge in his voice was unmistakable.

He stopped, and his smile deepened. "The Alpha Prince must not disappoint." His gaze darkened slightly as he added, "He has to live up to his reputation. Otherwise, how will the Humans be thoroughly entertained on their first night?"

Then a low, wicked laugh escaped him.

Behind him, the guard remained kneeling. "My Lord... only His Majesty can compel the Alpha Prince to leave his residence."

Zarek’s laughter faded, but the smile stayed. He tilted his head slightly, considering that. Finally, he said, "Seems Father needs to hear this."

The decision was made, and once it was, Zarek didn’t hesitate.