Chapter 176 My Fiancée
Third POV
Zayne’s eyes flashed dangerously at Rosalind’s words.
“Estelle is not a stranger.” His voice cut through her protests like steel. “She is my fiancée and soon-to-be my queen.”
Rosalind’s face crumpled as the finality of his statement hit her. She opened her mouth to argue, but Zayne raised a hand, silencing her.
“This is my last warning,” he continued, his tone allowing no room for argument. “You will leave this palace immediately. If you refuse, I will ensure that your family is also barred from ever setting foot in the royal palace again.”
The threat landed exactly as intended. Rosalind’s tear-filled eyes widened with horror as she processed what that would mean. Her family’s entire social standing depended on their access to the royal court. Without it, they would be nothing but empty titles with no real power or influence.
She bit back the angry words that wanted to spill from her lips. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she struggled to maintain what little composure she had left.
Rosalind gritted her teeth, turned on her heel, and stormed toward the door. Just before she reached it, her composure finally shattered completely. Broken sobs escaped her throat as she fled from the office, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
The heavy door closed behind her with a definitive click.
Zayne let out a long, tired sigh as he crossed the room and sank into his chair. This had ruined his perfectly happy morning. He rubbed the space between his eyebrows, trying to ease the tension that had settled there.
Mason approached cautiously, concern evident on his face. “Are you alright, Your Majesty?”
Zayne nodded but didn’t look up. “Inform all the guards immediately. Rosalind Vurbont is banned from the palace grounds. No exceptions.”
“Understood.”
“That includes any gatherings, balls, or conferences,” Zayne continued. “Even if my grandmother somehow decides to invite her for tea, I am to be informed first.”
He scoffed. “Can you believe it? She actually dared to tail Estelle.”
Mason nodded, then couldn’t help but add with a slight smirk, “Well, technically you also sent people to follow Estelle.”
Zayne’s head snapped up, his glare sharp enough to cut glass.
Mason quickly raised his hands in surrender. “Then again, you’re doing it out of worry for her safety. Rosalind was acting out of pure malice. Completely different situations.”
The glare softened marginally, and Zayne returned to rubbing his temples.
“Also warn the councilmen,” Zayne added. “Especially those who support the Vurbont family. They need to understand that this decision is final. If they decide to invite her over as their personal guest, then see to it that they’re also banned. I have no qualms about replacing them.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Mason bowed and headed toward the door. As he walked, he couldn’t help but think that maybe now the councilmen would finally stop their matchmaking attempts. Zayne couldn’t have been clearer about his displeasure with their interference.
After all, when the Lycan King banned someone from the royal palace, the message was unmistakable.
***
Estelle’s POV
The walk to Oliver’s office felt longer than usual. I kept thinking about the small file tucked under my arm. The DNA samples that Kendra had managed to collect could finally give me the proof I needed.
I already knew what the results would be, but I needed this to hit the Daniels family where it hurt.
I knocked on Oliver’s door and waited for his response.
“Come in.”
I stepped inside and found Oliver organizing some medical supplies on his desk. He looked up with a warm smile.
“I see you’re finally back,” I said with a smile.
“Estelle, what brings you to my office today?”
I walked over to his desk and handed him the file. “I need you to run a DNA test on these samples.”
Oliver took the file and opened it, examining the contents. “What exactly are you looking for?”
“I need to confirm the relationship between these three people,” I said. “Their names are on the labels.”
Oliver nodded as he reviewed the samples. “Hazel Banner, Asher Daniels, and Finn Daniels.”
“That’s right.”
He closed the file and set it aside. “Sure thing. I’ll have the results for you in a jiffy.”
“How long will it take?”
Oliver considered for a moment. “Half a day to a full day at most. The process isn’t complicated, but I want to be thorough with the results.”
“Perfect,” I said. “Please let me know as soon as the results are ready.”
Oliver picked up the file again and tucked it into a secure drawer. “I’ll get started on this right away. You should have your answers by tomorrow morning at the latest.”