Trapped with the Alpha King-Chapter 261: Because of Him

At the Kingdom of Lunaris

Uriel released a deep, satisfied breath after inspecting the rebuilding of the fortified walls around the royal estate, especially the sections that had been damaged during the chaos inside the grounds.

Once he was done, he slumped into a nearby chair, closed his eyes, and massaged his temples.

He had taken over Gavriel’s duties for more than a week now, and honestly, he felt utterly exhausted. Still, he could not help but admire his cousin even more.

Gavriel had been carrying everything on his own all this time, without a single complaint.

“That man deserves more respect from me,” Uriel muttered absentmindedly. “I’ll definitely treat him better once he returns.”

“Here. Have some refreshments.”

Hearing Simon’s familiar voice, Uriel opened his eyes and immediately accepted the coconut juice handed to him. He drank it in one go. He had not realized just how thirsty and drained he was, both physically and mentally.

“You look like you aged ten years in a few days,” Simon said casually as he sat beside him. “But at least, you’re doing a good job. Our King will be pleased once he’s back...”

Uriel sighed. That was typical Simon. Straightforward, blunt, and lacking Osman’s habit of softening jabs with humor.

“Thank you for the lovely compliment, my dear friend,” Uriel replied with a wry smile.

“At least things are finally settling down,” Simon said. “Now we just have to wait for our king to arrive. I hope they have a smooth voyage.”

“Indeed,” Uriel nodded. “You probably miss your mate already.”

Simon said nothing and simply let out a long sigh. A heavy silence settled between them, almost deafening, before Simon finally broke it.

“The Queen Mother is personally involved in organizing the masquerade ball for Lady Beatrice,” Simon added. “Looks like she’s finally giving up on you.”

Uriel turned toward him with a frown. He knew very well how obvious it was that the Queen Mother was trying to play cupid, deliberately placing Beatrice close to him even when it was unnecessary. But Simon was the last person he expected to comment on matters like that.

Simon met his gaze and asked directly, “So are you really not interested in Lady Beatrice? I heard the ball is meant to help her find a suitable man for marriage.”

Uriel’s frown deepened. It was really rare for Simon to meddle in personal matters. Unless...

“Did Riela put you up to this interrogation?” Uriel asked suspiciously.

Simon sighed deeply and scratched the back of his head. That alone was answer enough.

“Seriously,” Uriel muttered, irritated. “I can’t believe Riela still has the habit of using you to gather information about me.” Then he added, “You should stop doing her favors like that. You already have a mate. Melva might misunderstand if you and Riela keep—”

“Stop right there,” Simon cut in.

“Princess Riela is a close friend. You know that. And I am still sworn to serve the royal family. If they ask something, I have to respond, even if I don’t like it.”

He glanced at Uriel. “Also, what does me asking about your feelings for Lady Beatrice have to do with my relationship with my mate?”

“Well, I meant you doing favors for Riela, getting close to her again like before,” Uriel started. He was well aware of Simon’s unrequited love for Riela in the past, back when Simon was willing to do anything she asked, even if it went against his own will.

“Even if Melva were here,” Simon said firmly, “she would probably ask me to check on you too. She and Lady Althea are close to Lady Beatrice as well.” Then he added seriously, “And for your information, my relationship with my mate is solid. We have already talked things through. I am loyal to Melva.”

“Women are complicated and fickle,” Uriel said. “You should communicate better. They want both actions and words at the same time.”

Simon shook his head as he stood up. “You’re surprisingly good at giving love advice for someone who can’t even sort out his own love story.”

Uriel’s brows knitted together and he scoffed. “I don’t have a love life, and I don’t plan on having one, Simon.”

“Well, I just hope you won’t end up with regrets,” Simon replied. “Also, Princess Riela said this Masquerade Ball will definitely be grand. She and the Queen Mother are completely determined to find Lady Beatrice a suitable match for marriage since you’ve been too cowardly to make a move. Also, all bachelors from noble families will come after all, Lady Beatrice is a fine young lady...”

Uriel was left standing with his mouth slightly open as he watched Simon walk away. After a moment, he released a slow breath, then rose to his feet and headed straight toward Moonwell Cottage.

It was no longer the abandoned, eerie place it once was after Rizza’s death. Althea had personally overseen its renovation. Now, flowers bloomed around the cottage, and rows of herbal plants flourished, filling the air with faint, soothing scents.

It had been more than seven years. Yet he still could not move on.

To Uriel, Rizza had died because of him. Because of his carelessness. Because he had lost control of his inner wolf under the influence of the mate pull.

But that bond no longer existed. He was no longer a werewolf. There was no mate pull anymore in the future. No invisible force that would dictate who someone must love. Now, they had the freedom to choose who they wanted to be with. Freedom for heart, body, and mind to belong to one person purely by choice.

And yet...

Even with that freedom...

Fear still clouded his heart.

He turned away and headed back toward his quarters, so lost in thought that he barely noticed the servants greeting him as he passed by.

But as he crossed the main palace corridor, his gaze shifted toward the courtyard. His steps slowed. Beatrice stood there. She was laughing heartily while speaking with Leoric, the Minister of Finance. Her expression was bright, relaxed, almost carefree.

Uriel’s eyes narrowed slightly. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

“Since when did she become so close to him?” he muttered without realizing it, a faint frown forming between his brows.