Page 73 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

I lowered my head. "I was disrespectful just now."

King Rhine looked at me. A trace of surprise flashed through his eyes.

"Now that I have found her, I'm taking her back to my kingdom." My voice became calmer, but my determination remained firm. "She is my mate. She should return with me."

Whether he agreed or not, I would take Alice back. She was my mate. Even though she rejected me now, I would make up for everything. I would wait. I would wait until the day she forgave me.

"You're dreaming." King Rhine walked toward me. The overwhelming pressure of an Alpha instantly descended. "My daughter. Do you think you can take her away just because you want to?"

I met his pressure head-on. I didn't retreat. "Then what do you want?" I gritted my teeth. "You can name any condition. As long as it allows me to take her away."

King Rhine stared at me deeply. His expression became thoughtful.

"If you want to pursue my daughter..." He spoke slowly. "You must follow the rules of our kingdom."

"What rules?"

"Warrior's Trial." King Rhine's voice was cold. "Only a true warrior who wins in the trial will have the qualification to marry the princess."

He stepped forward. His voice became even colder. "Of course, there is one more condition. You must have Alice's own consent. If she does not wish to go with you, then even if you win, you still cannot take her away."

"Good." I clenched my jaw. "I accept."

"Very well." King Rhine turned and walked away. "I will arrange the trial. And I will invite warriors from across the kingdom to participate."

He stopped and glanced back at me. "Prepare yourself, Cedric. I will make you understand that winning my daughter's hand will not be easy."

I watched his retreating figure and took a deep breath.

I would win that trial. And then, I would do everything in my power to make her forgive me. To make her accept me again.

No matter how long it took.

No matter what price I had to pay, I would never let go again.

Never.

Chapter Eighteen

Alice

The next morning, I'd barely gotten out of bed when a servant came to tell me Father wanted to see me.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is waiting for you in the council chamber," she said. "It seems... it's about King Cedric."

Cedric... he hadn't left yet? My heart skipped at the memory of what he'd said yesterday.

"I understand." I stood, smoothing my skirts. "I'll go now."

I walked through the long corridor to the council chamber. Father and Adrian were both there. They rose when they saw me.

"Alice." Father strode over, concern in his eyes. "Are you feeling any better today?"

"Much better, Father. Don't worry—the doctor said rest was all I needed." I smiled at him.

"Good." Father exhaled in relief. He reached up to touch my hair before continuing, "Sit. I need to tell you something."

I sat, my heartbeat quickening. "Is it... about Cedric?"