Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 144

**Valentin**

*A Year Prior to the Great War*

The air in the castle was thick with unspoken tension as they moved quietly down the dimly lit hallway. Aveline’s long, sharp fingernails dug into Valentin’s bare skin, sending a prickling sensation racing along his spine. It was a subtle yet clear warning—a reminder not to act recklessly. He understood the gravity of her grip and took it to heart.

“So,” Aveline finally broke the silence, her voice smooth yet edged with an undercurrent of danger, “I couldn’t help but notice how Zahara reacted to you. I think it’s safe to assume she harbors some feelings for you.”

Valentin swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to respond. “She may have those feelings,” he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper, “but you know as well as I do that this castle isn’t kind to wolves who dare to show interest in one another.”

Aveline nodded, her expression contemplative. “That’s true,” she agreed, tilting her head slightly as if weighing her options. “However, I believe Renatus might be persuaded to consider pairing you two. It’s all about the procreation laws, after all.”

Of course, Valentin was painfully aware of those laws. They were twisted and grotesque, stipulating that females were required to bear children as a duty to the vampire elite, and that those children must be fathered by a male of the vampires’ choosing. The desires and wants of wolves were never considered; it was merely a mechanism for creating more slaves and maintaining control over the wolf population. Mating among wolves within the castle walls was strictly forbidden.

A flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Could it be a ruse? Would Aveline genuinely approach Renatus to make an exception for him? It was a request he doubted she had ever made before.

But then again, he had never encountered a servant as devoted as Valentin himself.

“Perhaps,” he murmured as they arrived at the grand dining room. Aveline released her grip on his arm, allowing him a moment of reprieve before gliding effortlessly across the polished floor toward a seat at the head of the table.

With quick reflexes, Valentin pulled her chair out for her. She settled into it gracefully, like a delicate flower petal drifting to the ground. He bowed deeply, a gesture of respect, before turning to retreat back to his post at the castle entrance. Just as he began to walk away, her hand shot out, capturing his wrist with surprising strength. He could feel her nails graze his skin, a faint but unmistakable pressure. Fear coursed through him as he glanced down, bracing himself for whatever she might say or do next.

“Do stay for the service,” she purred, her voice almost melodic.

“I—I need to ensure the gates are guarded,” Valentin stammered, his heart racing. “It’s my responsibility, and I—”

“Hush now,” Aveline interrupted, her tone soothing yet insistent. “I’m sure they’ll manage just fine without you. I would love for you to stay.”

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