Protect Me, Alpha King
93. Banquet

For the next few days, I evaded Maxxwell and Zenith like they were the harbinger of the plague.And true to the alpha king's words, my status as a slave was lifted, and I became a noble blood. I didnot know how the alpha king did it. He probably used his power and authority to twist the truth ofmy birth. Now, everyone should address me as Lady River.

Was I happy? Not so. Especially since the truth about my birth was not yet known.

I wanted to have a one-to-one talk with Zenith and asked her if we were related, but our clashesstopped me from doing so.

Besides, did she even want to face me after our heated exchange? I did not believe so.

But on the seventh day, the alpha king had requested my presence (technically Zenith's request) athis banquet—including the women who were serving him. The reason for that? I had no idea.However, the twins had another opinion. They said (even if I was not asking them) that Zenithwanted to eradicate every woman the alpha king bedded—including Nora

And now, perhaps today was the day when the alpha king would announce it. My guess.

I sat at the edge of the fourteen-seater dining room table, making my presence as small as possible,tired of what had happened for the past few days.

I never wanted to be here, especially if I saw Zenith's irritating face.

Still...I could not deny that the alpha king was dashing as ever with Zenith beside her. I felt his eyessometimes glancing in my direction but pretended I did not notice because that was what hedeserved.

"My lovely ladies. It is an honor that you were able to join us here. In all honesty, it was I who calledyou here. These past few days, my presence was always occupied by the alpha king, trying to keepup with the times we were not together.” Zenith looked in my direction as if she wanted me to beeaten with my jealousy.

She should try harder than that.

"But now...after everything is in its proper place, I want to meet you to express my gratitude sinceyou were with His Majesty and tending to all his needs."

Gratitude?

More like she wanted to be familiar with Maxxwell's women and recognize who would be her allyand which would be her enemy.

"I don't like her,” Nora whispered against my ears. She came in late, saying it was because shewanted to grab everyone's attention. And when she spotted the vacant seat next to mine, sheoccupied it.

"She can hear you," I answered back.

"I don't care. She's possessive of the alpha king. She got mad whenever we talked to him. She neverwanted anyone to be close to the alpha king. She was not like that before. She was complete theopposite. It seemed like she is another person.”

Really?

"No one can take her throne," I said, instead.

Nora's words kept ringing on my head. What happened to Zenith?

Nora's lips tightened. "I know. And that's infuriating,” she replied, flipping her hair.

Zenith was lovely wearing her blue-green dress, which molded her body and showed amplecleavage, which I did not even have.

Her hair was tied in a bun with a few strands loose. She was gorgeous. Despite resembling the sameface, I was nothing like her.

"Especially to my dearest proxy, River,” Zenith added, smiling at me.

I smiled, giving her the sweetest smile I could muster. I would never give her the satisfaction ofseeing I was miserable when she arrived.

"My honor, Your Grace. It's no longer River, by the way. I am Lady River. Courtesy of the alpha king'skindness. Please accept my gratitude, Your Majesty.”

Maxxwell gave me a curt nod while holding his glass of wine.

"I thought you wouldn't join us, River. It's been a week since I did not see you. I thought you alreadywent back to your pack. I thought you were dead.”

Did you want me to be out of your sight? Then, I would never give it to you.

I sipped the wine in front of me.

"Why would I leave His Majesty? I am His Majesty's mate and the one bearing his mark, which youdon't have. I'm sorry to say that.”

The women chuckled while Zenith's face became red.

Nora nudged my leg, winking in my direction, urging me that I did a great job of infuriating her.That I must do more than that.

News flash.

I would never allow Zenith to hurt me or slap me again.

Zenith inhaled deeply, trying to control her emotions.

"That may be the case. Nevertheless, His Majesty and I already talked about that. I had forgiven himbecause, at that time, he thought I was already dead. That's why I suggested he should proclaim meagain so that the people. No. Our people would know of my return. How was that, River?"

She was making me jealous, and boy. She did a great job. However, she will never see it."Something is bugging me, Your Grace.”

Zenith's lips pressed into a thin line. "What?" she growled.

"Funny how you only come out when the alpha king had decided to proclaim me as his queen. Thetiming was really...doubtful.”

"The rogues held me against my will. They only released me last week," she answered, gritting herteeth. "I was scared for my dear life, asking if I would be given the chance to be with His Majesty. Isthat enough to shut your mouth?”

I clenched my fist under the table.

"I'm sorry to hear that.” If that was true, I wanted to add. "Anyways, let me congratulate you on yoursecond proclamation, Your Grace. I'm sure that would appease your insecurities.”

The dining table became dead silent that a falling needle could be heard.

The servants beside us looked at each other, shifting their weight from foot to foot.

Zenith sucked her breath. "Insecurity? Are you telling me I am insecure?”

I drank the remaining contents of the wine and put it down.

"What else? You feel threatened by my presence. That's understandable since when you are absent, Ifulfilled the duties that you should be the one doing. But don't worry. I haven't fulfilled the sexualduties,” I said while laughing.

I must be out of my mind, indirectly declaring war against the queen, but I did not care. If she onlyshowed goodness, I would feel an ounce of guilt. But no. All she showed was her evil side.

It repulsed me that we have the same face. I should uncover if we were related or not.

Zenith slapped the table hard. The utensils danced. The women gasped and paled.

"River," Maxxwell called.

I whipped my head at the alpha king. "Yes, Maxxwell?"

"Maxxwell?" Zenith asked, not liking what she heard. "How dare you call the alpha king using hisgiven name! Punish that woman, Your Majesty!" she cried.

I filled my next glass of wine. Then offered it to Zenith. "I'm sorry to break it to you, but Maxxwellsaid I should call him by that name. Right, Maxxwell?" I asked sweetly.

The alpha king cleared his throat. "Y-yes."

I shrugged my shoulders. "See? I'm not lying." Not this time.

Zenith looked as if she was about to cry. That's what I would get for forcing my presence here. Thetable had been turned.

"You did not even allow me to call you by your name, Your Majesty."

My heart jumped, and for the first time, I looked at the alpha king. What was that supposed tomean?

"You must answer Her Grace, Your Majesty,” I muttered. "Am I special to you? More special than thequeen?” I taunted.

Maxxwell was lost for words.

The other women pretended as if they were having a great time and ate all the food. As much asthe food looked appetizing, I did not have an appetite. Still, I knew this was the last place theywould come.

The atmosphere was tense and awkward.

"The two of you hold dear in my heart.”

"Bullshit," I cursed. I was grinning and pretending that I had forgotten myself.

I muttered, "Please accept my apologies. The curse was not intended for you, Your Majesty. Howcould I curse the alpha king?" I stood. "Could you please excuse me? I wanted to relieve myself. Ihave diarrhea. Been going to the toilet a couple of times.”

Nora scrunched her nose. "Disgusting. We are eating, okay?"

Not enough, I farted. "Oh, sorry."

"Out!" Zenith exclaimed, pointing to the door.

I gave her my courtesy bow. "My pleasure, Your Grace," I said, feeling triumphant, and walked outthe dining area. "Enjoy your meals."