Chapter 112

Maeve’s POV

I wasn’t like Xaden; I wasn’t experienced or knowledgeable about the outside world. I had never been to any other pack besides Moonstone. The only time I’ve been outside Moonstone was when I went to the capital l. Since living in the capital with Xaden, it’s slowly starting to become my home. But going to another pack felt like I was outside of my element. I wasn’t really sure what to expect and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

Xaden gave me a reassuring smile as we stopped in front of the pack border patrol. The large sign said, “Welcome to Dawnguard Pride.”

My stomach twisted with nerves as the border patrol walked around the guard, searching for… I wasn’t sure what.

“It’s routine,” Xaden explained from beside me. “They are just making sure we aren’t a danger to the pack.”

I bit my lip and nodded, waiting with bated breath for the patrol as he stopped at the driver’s window, and spoke with our driver. He answered a couple of questions before rolling down the back windows for them to get a glimpse of us. The border patrol bowed to Xaden.

“Your Majesty,” one of them said, keeping his head bowed low. “It’s an honor for you to visit our pack. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

He stepped back, motioning the others to do the same. They all backed down and bowed at us as the driver nodded and began on his way through the now-opened gates. My eyes caught glimpses of their uniforms, and all the weapons attached to them. I swallowed the lump in my throat, holding onto Xaden’s hand tightly.

I knew he said it was procedure, I just never experienced this before.

As we drove through the pack territory, I noticed that the smell was so different than what I was used to. It smelled strongly like Alpha Kenneth and Isabella and that caused me to become unnerved even further.

“Have you been to this pack before?” I asked Xaden, trying to keep my mind off the scents I was smelling.

He nodded.

“Only a couple of times though,” he answered.

“It’s different,” I replied.

“Each pack is different in its own way,” he explained. “But I’m sure it seems even stranger to you seeming you’ve never been outside of your own pack.”

I nodded thoughtfully and took in the large buildings we passed and the rustic dirt roads that soon turned to gravel as we made our way up the winding driveway that led to a large manor. It wasn’t as big as the King’s castle, or even as big as Xaden’s mansion, but it was still beautiful and made from aged cobblestone.

We were greeted by some of the pack’s warriors and the Prime Beta. They bowed as our doors opened and we stepped out of the car. Xaden thanked our driver before taking hold of my hand and walking me toward the front steps of the manor.

Alpha Kenneth, along with my father, stood at the entryway. Kenneth smiled as he gestured for us to enter his home. We did so without hesitation.

“Maeve, it’s lovely to see you again,” Alpha Kenneth said as the doors shut behind us. “I hope my border patrol didn’t cause too much of a disturbance.”

“They were just doing their jobs,” I said, glancing at Xaden for confirmation. He nodded and gave me a smile as he wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders.

“Welcome to Dawnguard Pride,” Kenneth said, waving his arms around his manor. “I’m pleased that you agreed to have dinner here. And Prince Xaden, I’m pleased that you were able to join us as well.”

“Where Maeve goes, I go,” he replied without hesitation.

“Thank you for the invitation, Alpha,” I said, bowing my head in respect. I felt a little strange being in his home, but I mustered up the courage to give him my most polite smile.

“Maeve,” my father said, stepping towards me. He outstretched his arms, and it looked like he was getting ready to hug me. My entire body tensed from his nearness; I didn’t want him to touch me and I certainly didn’t want to pretend that we were friendly with one another. I knew this was only a rouse to keep up appearances, but I no longer wished to keep pretending.

Noticing my hesitation and disturbance written across my face, he redirected his arms and settled for a shoulder pat instead. He squeezed my shoulder as if reassuring, but I could read the hidden warning behind the touch.

“Don’t screw this up for me,” is what that shoulder squeeze said.

I maintained steady eye contact with him, not willing to let him see me break. Not anymore at least, he had taken enough of my dignity and pride over the years. I wouldn’t allow him to take anything more.

“How about we get seated for dinner,” Kenneth said, noticing the tension between my father and me.

Before we could utter a word, I felt Kenneth’s hand on my shoulder as he slowly guided me toward the kitchen.

Xaden kept his hands in mine, and he held onto me tighter, not like the fact that Kenneth was trying to drag me away from him.

Kenneth paused and glanced at Xaden over his shoulders.

“I assure you, Your Majesty, no harm will come to your mate while she is in my pack,” he told him. “You have my word.”

Xaden stared him down for what felt like an eternity before he relented and released my hand. I didn’t want him to let me go, but I didn’t want Kenneth to think I didn’t trust him or that I was questioning his motives, so I remained quiet as we walked the rest of the way to the dining room where a feast was about to be served.

Kenneth talked mindlessly about his pack and all their successes, while I tried my best to keep the anxious fluttering in my chest to calm down.

Alpha Kenneth sat at the head of the table while my father sat in the seat to his right. Xaden and I sat on the left, side by side. I was seated closer to Kenneth, just as he instructed me to do so. I wasn’t sure why he wanted me to be so close, but I knew better than to argue with an Alpha on his own territory.

“I hope you enjoy the food that my chefs have prepared. Your father told me of your favorite foods, and I made sure to include an assortment,” Kenneth told me, surprising me.

I looked at my father with a frown and he looked tense for a moment. My lips were pressed in a thin line as I nodded.

“I’m sure it’s all delicious,” I told him, trying to keep my skepticism to myself.

My father had no idea what my favorite foods were, and I was interested to see what he had told the Alpha that I liked.

“Make sure you eat plenty. You are eating for two after all,” Kenneth added, gesturing to my belly. Instinctively, I put my hand on my stomach and nodded. “How has pregnancy been treating you? I know it can’t be easy at your age. You’re so young after all.”

“It’s been fine,” I told him honestly. “Having Xaden by my side really helps.”

Kenneth nodded thoughtfully.

“I’m sure it has,” he said, his eyes still locked on mine. “Do you know what you are having yet?”

His interest in my child sent my nerves to unravel.

“A boy,” I answered.

“Ah, a firstborn boy. The newest potential Heir to the throne. Congratulations,” Kenneth said, raising his glass of wine.

My father rose his as well; they were thoughtful enough to give me a glass of water and they waited for me to lift it as well. After a brief hesitation, Xaden lifted his glass of wine, and I lifted my water. After clinking glasses, we each took a small sip of our drinks before placing the glasses down on the table.

Soon, the food was being served. It all smelled rather tasty, and my mouth started to water as the maids lifted the tops off the serving plates. I was pleasantly surprised by all the yummy foods on display. They were basic foods, but there was an assortment of everything. Perhaps my father knew me better than I thought he did.

Once we each took our helpings of food and began to eat, the conversations flowed almost naturally. Kenneth would mainly focus on me, pretending Xaden wasn’t even in the room. He would ask me questions like, “What are your favorite things in life.” And “What are your future goals?”

I found it strange, but I answered each question carefully, hoping he didn’t see right through me. My father mainly remained quiet, observing everything as he ate his food, and Xaden kept his eyes on me every time Kenneth addressed me with a new question.

During dinner, I couldn’t help but feel like something, or rather… someone… was missing. It was almost too easy of an evening. It wasn’t until Kenneth said, “By the way, I apologize for my daughter’s absence. She hasn’t been feeling well,” that I realized Isabelle wasn’t at the dinner.