CHAPTER 53: 53 - A WORD

53

~Belinda’s POV

"I need to be in the palace," I said to my father, my arms crossed tightly against my chest.

He turned to me slowly, his eyes tired but stern. "Belinda, what do you want now? You’ve stirred enough trouble already."

"No, Father. Listen to me," I insisted. "I need to go back. Lisa is there, and I can’t leave my mates around that human girl. I know what I’m doing. I need to protect what’s mine."

He sighed heavily and walked away, waving me off. "Do whatever you want. Just don’t get us humiliated again."

I didn’t even wait for another word. I ran to my room, already yelling at my maids.

"Get in here! All of you!"

Three girls rushed into my room, their heads bowed low. "Yes, my lady?"

I didn’t waste a second. "I’m going back to the palace," I said sharply, already walking toward my mirror. "And I need to look perfect. Not good, perfect. Gorgeous. Like the Luna that I am. Start bringing out the best gowns. Now."

At once, they scattered like birds in a storm. Drawers flew open. Wardrobes creaked. Fabric rustled as they started pulling out dress after dress, silks, velvets, sequins, lace. Some were still in garment bags. Others were laid on the bed. My room was already a mess, and it quickly turned into a battlefield of clothes. Shoes lined the rug like a parade. Jewelry boxes opened. Makeup trays clattered. The air was thick with perfume and tension.

"No, not that one!" I snapped, yanking a burgundy gown from a maid’s hands. "Too dull! I said I want to shine, not look like a funeral guest!"

She flinched and hurried off to try again.

I turned toward the full-length mirror and examined my face. My skin was already flawless, but flawless wasn’t enough. Not today. Not when that human girl was still breathing in the same space as my mates. Not when she dared to walk freely in the palace. Not when she was getting close to them.

"That one’s too bright! I’m not trying to blind them, just steal their breath," I hissed, throwing another dress onto the floor.

I kept pacing, hands in my hair. "Ugh! That makes me look short! What are you all doing?! You’ve seen me dress before... why is today different?!"

My voice rose, and I didn’t care. I was too worked up. My heart thumped wildly in my chest. Every time I thought of Ramon smiling at her, of Damon walking past without noticing me, of Kael looking distracted, I felt like screaming. Lisa had no idea who she was dealing with. I was their mate. Their Luna. Their future. And she? She was nothing but a temporary entertainment.

Finally, after four failed attempts, one of the girls held up a cream-colored silk gown. My eyes landed on the high slit that ran up one thigh and the neckline, sweetheart-shaped, deep enough to tease but not enough to cheapen.

"That one," I breathed, stepping forward and gently running my fingers over the fabric. "Yes. That’s the one."

The girls helped me into it carefully. The silk clung to my curves like it had been sewn on my skin. I turned slowly in front of the mirror and smiled.

"Perfect."

My makeup followed. I told them to keep it soft but sharp. My cheekbones were dusted with golden highlighter that caught the light with every move I made. My lips were painted a deep, glossy red that made them look full and kissable. My lashes were long, long enough to brush my brows with every blink.

Finally, they styled my hair in loose, voluminous waves that cascaded around my shoulders like silk ribbons. Every strand was in place. Every angle was stunning.

"Bring my clutch. And tell the driver to pull up now."

My heels clicked against the marble floor as I walked out like I owned the entire estate.

The car ride felt too slow. My hands kept tightening around my purse as I imagined Lisa trying to charm her way into their hearts. I wasn’t going to allow that.

The moment we arrived at the palace, I stepped out gracefully and walked straight in without waiting for anyone to announce me. The guards at the door bowed as I passed.

I headed straight to the kitchen.

There she was.

Lisa.

Struggling with trays and bowls, her forehead glistening with sweat. Her eyes darted around nervously, trying to balance everything.

I smirked.

"Lisa!" I called, folding my arms.

She jumped a little. "Y-yes?"

"Bring my food to the triplets’ study room. I’ll be waiting."

I turned on my heels and walked away before she could say anything else. I didn’t even glance back.

Let her carry it like the maid she was.

I walked into the study room where all three of them were: Kael, Damon, and Ramon. They were dressed sharply, focused on some paperwork.

The moment I stepped in, I smiled brightly.

"You’re all working too hard."

They looked up.

Damon’s eyes lit up slightly. "Belinda. You look... stunning."

Kael nodded. "Very elegant today."

Ramon just smiled. "Did you come to distract us? Because it’s working."

I walked in and hugged them one by one, making sure to press myself lightly against Ramon last. He smelled so good. I could feel his warmth, his strength.

"Maybe just a little distraction," I said with a flirty smile.

Just then, the door opened and Lisa came in, holding the tray.

"Um... your food, my lady," she said quietly.

I turned and smiled sweetly at her, but then turned to Ramon.

"Ramon," I whispered, leaning in closer, letting my lips hover near his cheek. "You smell like home."

He froze slightly, not moving.

Lisa stood still, tray in hand, clearly unsure if she should place it down or run out.

I tilted my head, pretending to be lost in Ramon’s scent, and looked sideways to make sure Lisa saw it.

Perfect.

"Thank you, Lisa," I said without turning. "You can go now."

She placed the tray gently and walked out quickly, not saying a word.

I smiled to myself, turning to face the boys.

"I missed you three."