Page 19 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

Before I can say anything, Carolie hugs me from the side and clings to my arm. “Did you forget me, chéri?”

“How could I?” I chuckle. “You look fantastic, Coralie.”

She really does. She has curled her blonde hair and tied it back, and she is wearing a lavender-colored dress that accentuates her body. She also smells fantastic. It must be a new perfume.

For a split second, I remember Vander’s reaction from when I told him about her. I know he didn’t mean to say that I wasn’t a catch… but he is right. I’m not an obvious choice for a stunning girl like Coralie.

Now, Vander is attractive and has girls flocking to him, so I was surprised he went for a shy girl like Léna, but they have a connection. They share something, and I feel bad for having such shallow thoughts to begin with.

But why does Coralie like me?

It can’t be because I am the alpha’s son. That hasn’t brought me any popularity so far. I know she just wants to have some fun, so maybe that’s it, and I shouldn’t look too deep into it. I met her when I felt lonely and isolated due to not having any friends, and maybe she felt lonely for another reason.

I offer her my arm and smile at her. “Let’s go to our table.”

Our pack is seated close to Prince Eric’s table, and we are sitting together with an allied pack. Their alpha is older but an intelligent leader, and I’m actually pleased to be seated with him. I’m starting to believe that Eric might have done it on purpose to prove his point about atypical alphas.

One by one, more guests drop in. There are a lot of higher-ranked royal lycans from the council, which makes Coralie and Léna whisper excitedly. Prince Eric and Princess Valerie earn a lot of whispers once they appear. Typical for Eric, he has chosen a moment where the hall is already pretty full, and most guests are already seated for their entrance. It pays off because he is an incredibly handsome man and Valerie a delicate beauty. Eric calls her his Snow White due to her porcelain skin in contrast to her dark hair.

It shows that he is royalty and owns his rank. A lot of it is for show, however. Eric is a master at dealing with social situations and drawing everyone to him. My gaze shifts from the couple to the two people behind them.

Eric and Valerie come with a guest of theirs, who is being led into the room by Eric’s beta, Emilien. I know her. She is a lycan with a special gift, an oracle. Eric told me she is of royal heritage, though not from the direct lineage of princes and princesses. The room is silent for a moment while they take in her regal appearance.

“Wow,” Léna whispers. “She is beautiful. Who is she?”

“Lady Leila,” I tell her. “She arrived here a few weeks ago and is Prince Eric’s guest.”

“I heard she is an oracle,” the other alpha says.

I nod. “She is. A very rare talent indeed.”

Soon, I find myself becoming engulfed in a talk with him. Occasionally, Coralie asks something, too, but most of the time, she just rests her hand on my leg. I’m starting to think that this is the first social gathering that’s not going to make me feel horrible.

Chapter seven

Just Another Betrayal

*ARDEN*

Ichuckle when I watch Vander and Léna dancing. She was nervous and shy at first, but when more and more pairs pooled onto the dance floor, Vander was finally able to convince her. They are adorable. Vander has been to one dance class so far, but he is trying his best to lead his girlfriend.

Leila and Beta Emilien are on the dance floor now, earning them curious gazes from all over the room. She is probably the most wanted, unmated she-wolf here today, and with her powers and beauty, I bet some high-ranking wolves would love to have her as a chosen mate. But she keeps everyone at arm’s length and mostly sticks to Eric, Valerie, and Beta Emilien.

“What about us?” Coralie asks with a wink.

“I don’t have the best sense of rhythm,” I admit. “For obvious reasons. But if you don’t mind—”

“I don’t mind,” she hurries to reassure me.

I offer her my arm. “Then allow me this dance, milady.”

Coralie giggles at my silly antics. I’m surprised she finds me funny. It’s not a trait I think I truly possess. But I decide not to question it and lead her to the dance floor. As an assistant for Eric, I know the basic dance moves. Eric wants all his assistants to be able to attend basic social functions without sticking out like a sore thumb. He doesn’t ask the impossible, and while I’m not the best dancer, I can see why he wanted me to learn it.

Coralie snuggles against my body, looking up at me with a smile. Her scent enters my nostrils, catching me a bit off guard. It doesn’t smell like her usual scent… it’s better.

“You said you were bad,”she says. “But you dance really well.”

“Are you surprised?” I tease.