Chapter 22: The Pool
Smack!
A sharp slap broke through the courtyard like a whip.
Everyone gasped.
Victoria stumbled a little, her head snapping to the side. Her wine goblet slipped from her hand and shattered on the ground, the red liquid spilling like blood across the stone floor.
Nobody moved. Standing in front of her was the Alpha King’s Luna, Queen Regina. Dressed in silver and black, she looked every bit like royalty—cold, sharp, and furious. Her eyes locked onto Victoria like she was dirt under her shoe.
“You’ve forgotten your place,” the Queen said, her voice like ice. “You speak when spoken to. Nothing more.”
Victoria held her cheek, stunned. Her pride hurt even more than the slap. She looked around, hoping someone might back her up.
Then her eyes found Zayn.
Zayn met her gaze, but there was no softness or sympathy in his expression.
He turned to the Queen and gave a small respectful nod. “You are right, your Highness. Please pardon her insolence.”
Victoria’s lips parted. “Zayn—” she whispered, both hurt and angry. But he didn’t budge.
The Queen stepped back without saying another word. Zayn turned back to Victoria. His voice was calm, but firm. “Leave.”