CHAPTER 133: BUSINESS DEAL

Hailee’s POV

The door opened, and my birth mother walked in. Her long gown brushed softly against the floor as she stepped closer. She paused, studying me for a moment, her face calm but filled with unspoken questions.

"Hailee... Robert and his family are here," she said. Her voice was low and gentle.

My stomach tightened, but I kept my face blank. No smile. No excitement. No worries. Nothing.

"They’re waiting in the pack hall," she added. "Your father wants us to join them soon."

I glanced at the mirror. The girl staring back at me looked like a princess—dressed in beads, expensive gold, and but inside I felt empty, like all the life had been pulled out of me.

"Alright," I said quietly. My voice was flat, without emotion.

I stood slowly, the beads on my gown making soft sounds as I moved. My eyes met hers, but I gave her nothing—no warmth, no anger, just emptiness.

"Lead the way, Mother," I whispered.

And then I followed her, step by step, toward the hall where my fate was waiting.

The walk to the pack hall felt heavy. Every step I took, the beads on my dress clinked together, echoing in the silent corridor. My heart pounded harder the closer we got.

At the wide double doors, two guards bowed low and pulled them open.

Inside, the hall was bright and grand, filled with golden light from the chandeliers. The long red carpet stretched toward the main seats where my father sat, his presence commanding as always. Beside him, my brother had already taken his place.

And there they were—Robert and his family.

They sat proudly, dressed richly in silks and jewels. Robert himself wore a fitted black tunic embroidered with gold. His sharp jawline, confident posture, and calm smile gave him the air of a man who already believed everything in this room belonged to him—including me.

Beside him was his father, the Western Lycan King, his silver crown gleaming under the lights. His aura filled the hall, powerful, overwhelming. His queen stood by his side, graceful yet sharp-eyed, scanning me from head to toe like she was measuring my worth.

I froze for a moment under their gaze, my breath catching. Everyone’s eyes turned to me—the princess returned after four years. Dressed like a bride. Dressed like a prize.

I lifted my chin, forcing my face into a blank mask. If they expected me to bow, to smile, to look like a willing bride, they would be disappointed.

Robert stepped forward slightly, his smile deepening as his eyes locked on mine. "It’s good to finally meet you again, Hailee," he said smoothly, his voice carrying across the hall.

I kept my face unreadable. Inside, my stomach twisted, but outside, I gave nothing.

"Good evening," I replied softly, but my tone was flat.

He lifted my hand and pressed a soft kiss to my knuckles. The few people around hummed in approval, but my stomach twisted. His touch wasn’t tender—it was a performance. Irritation built up inside me, and before I could stop myself, I pulled my hand away.

Robert’s smile wavered for the briefest moment, then returned as if nothing had happened. He offered me his arm, and after a heartbeat of cold hesitation, I placed my hand on it. Grinning, he guided me to the seat beside him at the long table.

The weight of the entire room suffocated me as we sat. The room grew heavy as we sat down. Servants poured wine, the soft clink of cups filling the silence. Then Father’s deep voice carried across the hall.

"Now that we are all here, let us begin. This meeting is about the future of both our kingdoms. The East and the West must stand as one."

The Western Lycan King nodded. "A marriage will seal this bond. Our enemies will think twice before moving against us."

Some elders nodded in agreement. One spoke, "It is a wise choice. The East has strong warriors, the West has wide lands. Together, we will be stronger."

Father turned his eyes on Robert. "And what do you say, son of the West?"

Robert bowed his head slightly. "I agree with the union. Hailee will make a fine mate, a fine queen for the Western throne."

The Western King smiled proudly at his son, while my father’s eyes shone with approval.

But then an elder leaned forward, his inquisitive eyes on me.

"And our princess? Does she agree?"

The hall fell silent. All eyes turned to me.

Before I could speak, my mother rushed in, her smile fixed and gentle. "She agrees," she said quickly.

My fists clenched under the table. Heat boiled in my chest.

My father quickly added, "Of course Hailee agrees... Robert is every woman’s dream... he will be the perfect choice for my daughter, and besides, he is the only man worthy of her." Murmurs of approval circled the room. The few council members and family exchanged smiles like businessmen who had just sealed a profitable deal. Like they had signed a multi-million contract.

My frown deepened, my pulse racing, because I knew the words I was about to unleash would strike like a bombshell.

Father cleared his throat. "Now, let us discuss the bride price—"

"No." My voice was loud as I stood. My chair screeched against the marble, loud and sharp in the silence.

"I have something to say."

Every gaze pinned me in place. My mother went pale. Robert’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

I looked straight at him, lifting my chin. "Tell me, Robert—is it true you can only marry a virgin?"

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall. Robert frowned, then nodded once. "Yes. That is our law. Our queen must be pure before the bond."

"Hailee," my mother hissed, panic in her voice. "Why are you asking this?"

I turned to her, then to them all, and let the words fall like stones.

"Because I’m not a virgin."

The air cracked. Gasps filled the room. My voice rose sharper, louder.

"I’ve been with a man. Not just one. Three."