Page 92 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Nothing." Adrian smiled even more brightly, showing all his teeth. "I just wanted you to meet some outstanding nobles. You've been back for a while now; you should get to know more of the kingdom's talents."

I felt Cedric stiffen beside me, and the grip on my hand tightened.

"If Your Highness doesn't mind," Evan said with a smile, extending his hand, "I would like to invite you for a dance."

"Sorry," Cedric said coldly before I could respond. He pulled me behind him. "She's not available."

Evan was stunned. He looked awkwardly at Cedric. "And you are?"

"Cedric, King of Hilphia," Cedric stood tall, unleashing his Alpha pressure without restraint. The air around us seemed to freeze. "And Alice's mate."

Evan's expression changed. He awkwardly withdrew his hand.

"I see. I was being presumptuous." He nodded politely. "Prince Adrian, thank you for your kindness, but I just remembered I have something to attend to. I won't disturb you further."

He turned and left quickly.

Adrian, however, didn't leave. He leaned against a nearby pillar, looking at Cedric with a half-smile. "What's this, King Cedric? Are you jealous?"

"I'm not." Cedric gritted his teeth, his face ugly.

"Really?" Adrian smiled even wider. "Then why do you look so sour? You almost scared Evan to death just now."

"Adrian!" I rolled my eyes. I finally understood what his "surprise" was. It was more like a scare!

"Alright, alright, I'll stop." He raised both hands, but the smile never left his face. "Still, Cedric, remember this—my sister is now a princess of the Rhine Kingdom. She has plenty of suitors. If you don't perform well, she can always choose someone better."

"Adrian!" I said helplessly. I couldn't even get angry with him, because I knew everything he did was for me.

"Fine, I'm leaving." Adrian laughed as he walked away, but turned back after a few steps. "Oh, by the way, a young marquis will come to visit tomorrow. I'll introduce him to you then."

"What did you say? Who else are you going to introduce to Alice?" Cedric's face darkened further. His voice sounded like he wanted to pick Adrian up and plant him in the flowerbed.

"Goodbye!" Adrian waved and hurried off.

I turned to Cedric and saw that his face was livid, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

"You... you're not actually angry, are you?"

"No." He turned his face away, his voice muffled.

"Really? Your nose seems to be a bit longer." I curved my lips, finding this version of Cedric oddly adorable.

"I just feel..." Cedric suddenly turned around. His eyes were full of grievance, like a big dog that had been abandoned. "Adrian is right. You're the princess of the Rhine Kingdom—outstanding and beautiful. There must be many people who want to pursue you. And I... I'm just a bastard who hurt you."

"What nonsense are you saying?" I couldn't help laughing. "When did I ever say I wanted to replace you?"

"But that Evan..."

"What about him?"

"He's gentler than me, younger than me," Cedric said softly. "And Adrian said he's very outstanding. He praised him so much..."

"So?"

"So I..." He lowered his head, his voice muffled and uneasy. "I feel like I don't deserve you."

The mighty King of Hilphia was now standing in front of me saying he didn't deserve me. Those words completely melted my heart.