Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 26: A Beauty with a Plan

Chapter 26: A Beauty with a Plan

For some reason, Riona had been absent from the royal palace for a while now. Was she still recovering from the incident?

But, for Lisbeth, this absence presented a golden opportunity–a chance to draw nearer to Alpha Thorin and win his heart before Riona’s return.

Lisbeth was confident. She had long been applauded for her beauty and wit, qualities she knew would serve her well in any interaction with Thorin.

Regardless of the topic he chose to discuss, she was certain she could hold her own, responding with intelligence and grace.

She also had honed her empathetic skills since a young age–at least, how to appear as such in front of others. Since her father was cold and distant, Lisbeth strived to be a different kind of leader for the Kingdom of Eira.

Her father’s coldness and distance had driven her to become a different kind of leader for the Kingdom of Eira. She wanted to be known and loved for her warmth and compassion.

Demonstrating care and concern for others had become second nature to Lisbeth, a trait she believed would surely catch Thorin’s attention.

Whatever qualities he sought in a lady, she was determined to embody them. All she needed was an opportunity to prove herself worthy of his affection.

Lisbeth carefully wrote an invitation to tea for Thorin and handed it to her maid. "Ensure you return with his reply," she instructed firmly, but she remained composed.

"Understood, Your Highness," the maid replied before exiting Lisbeth’s chamber.

As daylight began to filter through the tightly covered windows of the palace, the maid had yet to return. Lisbeth paced around her room. Her usually serene demeanor began to waver.

"Why is this taking so long?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Hearing noises outside her window, Lisbeth drew back the curtain just enough to peek out. The sun’s rays burned a small part of her hand, and she hissed in pain.

"He’s taking a walk in the middle of the day and yet has not responded to my invitation?" Lisbeth’s voice remained smooth, though she couldn’t hide her frustration.

Confused and irritated by Thorin’s apparent disregard, Lisbeth knew she couldn’t afford to be idle. She needed to act decisively to regain favor in her father’s eyes.

"I’m going out for a walk," Lisbeth announced.

The servants quickly scrambled around the chamber, rummaging through the wardrobe. They draped a cloak around Lisbeth’s shoulders, slipped gloves onto her hands, and positioned a hat atop her head.

Lisbeth exited her room, followed closely by her servants. Upon reaching the main door, the servants handed over the responsibility of escorting Lisbeth to two knights.

The knights, draped in thick coats, wrapped in gloves, and wearing wide hats, were dressed to perfectly cover their skin from the daylight.

One of them took an umbrella and shielded Lisbeth from the sun.

She looked around, her eyes searching intently.

"Are you looking for someone, Your Highness?" one of the knights asked.

"Did you happen to see Alpha Thorin? I saw him from my window, but he seems to have disappeared," she replied with a hint of frustration.

"I saw him just a moment ago. Allow me to lead you to him, Your Highness," the knight offered.

He led the way while the other knight stayed behind, holding the umbrella to protect the princess.

"Alpha Thorin, what a coincidence!" Lisbeth greeted him smoothly.

Thorin turned around, raising an eyebrow. He didn’t even bother to hide his displeasure. It stung Lisbeth’s pride.

"Princess," he replied, his voice as cheerful as usual. She wondered if she had misread his initial reaction. Her hopes were dashed when he added, "You’re in full gear for the sun, I see."

He eyed her from head to toe.

"Yes, the sun is particularly strong today," she replied, trying to sound casual. She paused, hoping her small talk would ease the tension.

"It’s unusual, but it happens occasionally. Eira is usually cloaked in darkness, with the sun seldom making an appearance. Yet, there are days that are less favorable for us vampires."

"Hm," Thorin responded curtly, turning away to leave Lisbeth to her own devices.

However, Lisbet was determined not to be dismissed so easily. She pressed on. "Alpha! I just wanted to say that I’ve admired your leadership from afar. Your strength is renowned throughout the kingdom."

Thorin stared at her, unblinking and silent, totally indifferent.

Silently cursing his rudeness, Lisbeth maintained her composure. If she wanted to win his heart for the sake of her kingdom, she had to appear submissive and accommodating.

"Have you been enjoying the garden? I sent you an invitation for tea, but seeing you here, perhaps you haven’t seen it yet. Maybe we could change tea to a walk in the garden?" Lisbeth suggested.

Thorin exhaled heavily. "I did receive it, actually. I just didn’t find any reason to reply. After all, I prefer walking under the sunshine—something you couldn’t do comfortably."

Lisbeth forced a smile, hiding her frustration. "I see. Well, isn’t it fortunate that I’m well prepared for the sun?"

The Alpha werewolf opened his mouth, but before he could utter another word of rejection, Lisbeth slid her hand into his arm, smiling brightly in an attempt to charm him.

"Shall we? I’ll take you to secret places that only a handful of people know within this palace. You will be mesmerized, I promise," she said, gently but firmly guiding him along.

Thorin’s subordinates followed at a respectful distance as Lisbeth led him further into the garden. They entered the shrub maze, despite Thorin’s visible reluctance.

"How do you find your stay at the royal palace so far, Alpha? Is there anything you need? I’m here to assist you," she said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Actually, there is, Your Highness. I wish to have my space undisturbed. I have many matters to attend to, and it is of utmost importance that I have private time with my delegation to discuss issues concerning my pack."

He turned to Lisbeth, looked at her eye, and said, "Additionally, I would appreciate being free of any attempts to influence the negotiation. As you know, the negotiation is still ongoing, and I remain firm on my terms."

Thorin’s response was a clear message: he wanted her to stop bothering him.