Orionn's eyes rested on Melody with unmistakable disdain, as if to say, I don't like you. I don't want you here. You're nothing but a nuisance.
But it was his father's gaze that truly unsettled her.
There was something in it—something rapacious—that made her skin crawl.
Melody breathed a silent sigh of relief when the music ended and Korvus finally walked away.
Then a blond-haired man with dark eyes approached her. There was something different about him, unlike the rest of the people she had met here. He radiated positive energy, with an effortless charm, a warm smile, and a playful spark in his gaze.
"May I have the honor of a dance, my Queen?" he asked, bowing slightly.
Melody hesitated, then nodded. "You may."
"The name's Nathan," he said as they moved into the rhythm of the music.
She studied him carefully. "What's your relationship with Orionn?"
She had seen him with her husband earlier—close enough to stir her curiosity.
Nathan grinned. "I'm Orionn's right hand. Though, truthfully, we're more like brothers."
Melody arched a brow. She couldn't quite picture Orionn having that kind of relationship with anyone.
"He doesn't strike me as the brotherly type," she said plainly.
Nathan chuckled. "You're not wrong."
Melody leaned in, her tone casual but probing. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied easily.
"Does the sun even rise here?"
Nathan blinked, then burst into laughter. "That's the question?"
She nodded seriously. "The sun is important to a fae."
"Well, my Queen," he said with a playful bow of his head, "the sun rises in every land of Deveria, and that includes Tharenos—every single day. Except, of course, in Valkor, the Vampire Kingdom. Rumor has it the sun is their greatest weakness."
Her eyes lit up, curiosity sparked. "How do you know about vampires?"
Vampires were a forbidden subject in the Fairy Kingdom. Their history was shrouded in mystery, and books about them were nearly impossible to find.
"There are still a few books about them in the castle library," Nathan said.
For the first time since her arrival, Melody felt a flicker of excitement. Books were her sanctuary. Her escape.
"You're like a ray of sunshine in Orionn's dark world," Nathan said thoughtfully.
"I doubt that," she muttered. "He's cold. Physically and emotionally."
Nathan smirked. "Even the coldest soul has something—or someone—they care about. Sometimes it just takes time to find out who or what."
As the music wound down, Nathan released her hand gently.
"It was an honor to dance with you, my Queen," he said with a slight bow.
Melody smiled, a genuine one. Nathan was the first person in the Wolf Kingdom to treat her like more than a symbol or a duty.
With renewed confidence, she made her way toward Orionn, who hadn't spoken a single word to her since their marriage. She wasn't going to let his silence intimidate her.
She stopped in front of him, raising her chin slightly.
"Can I have a drink?"
Orionn turned toward her, brows lifting in surprise. "Are you talking to me?" he asked, his voice layered with disdain.
"I don't see anyone else here," Melody replied calmly.
He scoffed. "If you want a drink, little princess, you can pour it yourself."
Then he turned and walked away, leaving her staring after him in stunned frustration.
Melody exhaled slowly, her jaw tight.
So that was how it was going to be.
She had finally summoned the courage to speak to him, and he dismissed her like she was nothing.
She needed a drink. A strong one.
Because she knew what was coming next—the part of the night she dreaded most.
Their wedding night.
She wasn't naïve. She knew what was expected of her as a bride. Come morning, the sheets would be inspected. She would be expected to have bled for her husband.
The very thought made her stomach twist.
She had no desire to share a bed with Orionn. Not tonight. Not ever.
She needed something—anything—to dull the dread curling in her chest.
The rest of the night passed in a blur.
Melody barely remembered what was said or who she interacted with. She kept drinking, trying every wine and spirit she could get her hands on. Back in her father's palace, she wasn't even allowed near wine. But here, no one stopped her.
Much later, her personal maid, Amah, appeared at her side, worry etched into her features.
"I think that's enough, Your Majesty. Let me take you to your chambers."
Melody rose unsteadily, swaying as the room tilted beneath her feet.
"Is it just for me," she slurred softly, "or will I have to share it with my dear husband?"
Amah hesitated. "I don't know, Your Majesty. I was only told to escort you."
They walked through long hallways until they reached a gothic door carved with the image of a lone wolf surrounded by its pack.
Amah pushed the door open. "You should go in now."
Melody turned to her, voice low. "Can you come with me?"
"I can't," Amah said gently. "This is something you must face on your own. You're no longer an ordinary girl, Melody. You're a queen now."
Melody signed. I don't want to be queen.
Just then, a voice echoed down the hallway.
"I think that's enough, don't you?
It was Orionn.
Her husband.