Page 59 of Alpha's Hated Mate

“Dean Fowler,” Aydan says. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Mr. Vaultmore. We’re here for Miss Kamaria,” Dean Fowler says, so I approach the door. Behind him looms a tall figure dressed in royal blue and silver—the colors of the Alpha King’s guard.

“Miss Kamaria,” Dean Fowler continues. “The royal emissary has requested an audience with you.”

The emissary steps forward. His uniform gleams under the dorm lighting, royal insignia embroidered with silver thread across his chest. “Saffron Kamaria, I bring correspondence from His Majesty, Alpha King of Clarion.”

Aydan’s warm hand presses against the small of my back, grounding me.

The emissary extends a cream-colored envelope sealed with wax bearing the royal crest. My fingers tremble as I take it.

The emissary bows slightly. “His Majesty sends you his regards and looks forward to meeting you upon his arrival.”

“Arrival?” Aydan asks.

“In seven days time,” the emissary’s eyes flick between Aydan and me, his voice devoid of emotion. “The Alpha King will visit Moonhelm Academy to meet Ms. Kamaria.”

The room spins slightly. I steady myself against the doorframe.

The emissary bows again and begins to walk away, catching Dean Fowler off guard.

Before following him, Dean Fowler quickly says to us, “I’m at your disposal should you need to discuss anything afterward.”

I close the door. Aydan guides me to the edge of my bed and we both sit side-by-side.

I break the seal with unsteady hands, unfolding heavy parchment that smells of sandalwood and ink.

“Do you want some privacy, Saffron?” Aydan asks. “I can come back later.”

“No, I want to read it together.”

To Ms. Saffron Kamaria,

Recent events at Moonhelm Academy have brought to my attention your suspected lineage. Through DNA testing facilitated by Clarion’s Royal Mages and Moonhelm Academy, we have confirmed that you are the biological daughter of my brother, Prince Raphael, and Lady Natasha of Hino.

As such, you are a princess of the royal line, as well as my niece.

Despite the strained relationship with my brother at the end of his life, I loved him very deeply. As his only child, I wish to meet with you personally.

I will arrive at Moonhelm Academy in one week’s time to discuss your position and future within our family.

Your uncle,

Alpha King Leon of Clarion

My heart pounds against my ribs. The letter slips from my fingers. Aydan catches it before it hits the floor.

“The Alpha King wants to meet you,” he says with a bit of wonder in his voice.

“Oh, Goddess. Oh, Goddess. He’s coming here.” I jump up from the bed and start pacing back and forth. “A Scarlet with royal blood? He’ll want me gone. He didn’t even mention that I’m a Scarlet.”

“Maybe he doesn’t care?”

I glare at Aydan. “No onedoesn’t careabout being a Scarlet. Did you know that I’m next in line for the throne after his children? He probably sees me as a threat.”

“Or he wants to protect you,” Aydan counters. “He calls you family, Saffron.”

“His traitorous brother’s Scarlet bastard.”

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