Page 24 of The Alpha King’s Hidden Mute Mate

A few minutes later, the door opened again.

Leah walked in.

She wore a deep red velvet gown with pearls at the neckline, golden hair cascading over her shoulders, shimmering in the sunlight. Her makeup was flawless, her smile sweet. She looked like a princess stepped out of a painting.

"Your Majesty." She curtsied gracefully, voice gentle as a spring breeze.

"Please, sit." Zane stood and pulled out her chair himself. "The envoys wanted to meet you."

Leah smiled and sat with elegant poise, as if she'd been born to sit in that seat.

"Miss Taylor is truly beautiful," an envoy remarked. "You and His Majesty are a match made by the heavens."

Color rose in Leah's cheeks. She lowered her head, smiling shyly. "You're too kind."

Just then, an aged voice spoke from the doorway. "Since the envoys are all here, why not take this opportunity to announce some good news?"

I turned to see Elder Alden, the one with the goatee, walking in with his cane. A smug smile played on his face. His gaze lingered on Leah before turning to the group.

"His Majesty and Miss Taylor will hold a grand wedding next month," he announced, voice booming as if afraid someone might miss it. "We welcome all envoys to attend."

I felt my heart stop.

I looked at Zane.

His expression stiffened for an instant. I saw his jaw muscles tighten, his fingers gripping the glass a fraction tighter.

"Your Majesty," Alden smiled at him, "since the envoys are here, they can bear witness. Isn't this what you've always wanted? For the sake of our friendship."

Zane's gaze swept between Leah and the envoys. His lips pressed into a thin line. But he didn't object.

He was silent for several seconds. Then he raised his glass and took a small sip.

"Yes," he said, voice terrifyingly calm. "You're all welcome to attend our grand wedding."

He nodded.

He agreed.

He was going to marry Leah.

And I—his fated mate—sat in the corner, introduced as his maid.

The envoys applauded and raised their glasses in congratulations. Leah smiled like a blooming flower. She turned, her gaze landing on me, lips curving into a subtle arc.

Something hid in that smile.

Victory? Satisfaction? Or pity?

I didn't know.

I only knew my world collapsed completely in that moment.

I stood, pushed back my chair, and walked out of the dining room without looking back.

No one stopped me.

No one noticed.