Melody smoothed down the front of her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. She had chosen it for tonight—her first major outing among the elite families of the werewolf kingdom since her marriage.
Over the past few weeks, she had attended smaller gatherings, fulfilling her duties as queen. Smiling when required. Speaking when necessary. Listening more than she wished to.
But this was different.
It was the birthday celebration of the Freder family's daughter, and Orionn would not be accompanying her. According to him, he had "more important matters" to attend to. So she would go in his place, representing the royal family alone.
Her maid, Amah, stepped into the room quietly.
"Ready to go, Your Majesty? The carriage is prepared."
Melody inhaled slowly.
She knew exactly how the elites of society operated—polished smiles, sharpened tongues. She had dealt with enough of them in her father's kingdom to last a lifetime. The thought of spending an entire evening in their midst already drained her.
But it was her duty.
And she would not shrink from it.
"Let's go."
The carriage ride to the Freder estate was long enough for her irritation to simmer beneath her calm exterior. She truly did not care about the girl's coming-of-age celebration. But the Freders were closely tied to the royal family, and her presence would signal continued favor. Since her beloved husband could not attend, she had to.
When they arrived, the estate did not disappoint.
Grand columns framed the entrance. Rose-lined pathways curved elegantly toward towering doors. Lanterns cast warm golden light over polished stone. Wealth clung to the air like perfume.
The rich always wore their fortune like a second skin.
A servant hurried ahead to announce her.
"The Queen has arrived!"
The double doors opened, revealing a ballroom drenched in gold light and expensive fragrance. Conversations halted mid-sentence. Every guest bowed as she stepped inside.
Whether they respected her was another matter entirely.
Many still held quiet prejudice against her for being an outsider. But none would dare show it openly.
"Your Majesty," Mrs. Freder greeted, her smile stretched just a little too wide. "How lovely to have you in our humble abode."
Melody returned the smile with practiced grace. "The honor is mine, Mrs. Freder. I am pleased to celebrate your lovely daughter."
"Oh, you flatter us."
Mr. Freder approached next, reaching as though to take her hand. Melody subtly withdrew before he could touch her. She disliked strangers claiming familiarity. He noticed and adjusted smoothly, as if it had been his intention all along.
"I have brought a gift for the birthday lady," Melody said.
"Of course. I'll call her at once," Mrs. Freder replied.
As they moved away, Melody leaned slightly toward Amah.
"Here we go again," she murmured.
Amah's lips twitched. "Insecure rich people, Your Majesty."
Melody nearly laughed but composed herself.
Moments later, Isabella Freder appeared. She was draped in layers of delicate fabric, her face painted flawlessly, posture stiff with rehearsed modesty.
"Your Majesty," Isabella said, curtsying deeply. "Thank you for gracing my coming-of-age ceremony with your presence."
Melody gestured, and one of the guards stepped forward with the gift box. It had been selected by the palace staff. Melody had not personally chosen it.
"You look radiant, Isabella. Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Enjoy your evening."
"I hope you will as well."
Melody doubted that very much.
She was not permitted to drink. Orionn had delivered an entire lecture about behavior and appearances before she left. So she wandered the ballroom with a glass of untouched juice, watching people laugh too loudly and smile too brightly.
Most of them looked as though they were performing in a play they had rehearsed since birth.
"Hello."
She turned.
A tall young woman stood before her. Striking blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her dark eyes held sharp curiosity.
"I hope I'm not overstepping," the girl said carefully, glancing at the guards.
Melody gave a small nod, signaling for them to remain at ease.
"You are beautiful," the girl said bluntly. "I've never met someone from outside the kingdom before. My name is Mari."
"Nice to meet you, Mari. I'm Melody."
Mari grinned. "Everyone knows who you are."
There was no mockery in her voice. Only honesty.
"Aren't you tired of this party?" Mari asked suddenly. "I mean, you just arrived, but you look like you would rather be anywhere else."
Melody paused, choosing her words.
"The party is lovely," she replied diplomatically.
"But you don't want to be here," Mari pressed lightly. "No offense. I feel the same. I'd rather be in the training squares surrounded by sweaty warriors than drowning in perfume and gossip."
That drew a soft laugh from Melody.
"Oh? You're not one of those people?" she asked, her tone playful.
Mari's grin widened. "Of course not. And I can tell you aren't either. Even if you are queen."
Melody studied her more carefully.
She liked the girl's boldness.
As a child, she had very few friends. Amah had been her closest and truest companion. Rarely did anyone approach her without fear or hidden motives. Fewer still would dare speak so freely to a queen.
Mari had left a good impression.
"So," Mari continued, lowering her voice slightly, "how do you find the palace? The king is terrifying. No offense."
Melody arched a brow. "Is he?"
"I've heard he fires people for the slightest mistake. That he's ruthless. That he's…" Mari leaned closer. "Deadly."
The reputation fit Orionn. He did not care what stories people told about him, as long as the kingdom remained stable.
"When I heard you were marrying him," Mari added thoughtfully, "I felt quite sad for you. No offense."
Melody blinked. "None taken."
Mari nodded. "But I guess there's nothing to worry about. You seem fine. That's a relief."
Melody said nothing.
But for the first time that evening, the party did not feel entirely suffocating.