Chapter 119: Emergency meeting 3
The thought of calling Yuki his sister made Kaden’s stomach twist. The hell never stops, does it?
He glanced over his shoulder, his voice ice-cold. "The wedding hasn’t even happened yet, and you can’t wait to get the Ravencourt name," he sneered at her.
Yuki’s smile disappeared. There it was. She knew the conversation would eventually circle back to this.
Kaden’s mouth curved into a humourless smile. "Aren’t you worried Alexander might change his mind and decide not to marry your sister?" he scoffed at her.
Yuki gave a short, unimpressed snort. "Please. Look at Aevia," she said, crossing her arms over her chest with a smug smile.
Kieran’s steps slowed slightly. He couldn’t help overhearing. After all, Yuki wasn’t really keeping her voice low.
Yuki continued, completely aware that Kaden was listening. "Your father was ready to destroy his marriage for her. Do you honestly think he’s going to walk away now?" she questioned him, throwing back every word they had told her. Acting like the villain she was in their minds.
Kieran’s fist clenched silently at his side. He knew exactly what Yuki was doing. She was baiting Kaden. And yet every word still landed somewhere unpleasant. Yuki was talking about the woman who had destroyed their family as though she were some prize their father had been lucky enough to win.
"And even if she doesn’t get Alexander," Yuki continued with a shrug, "there will be plenty of powerful men willing to marry her. She’s beautiful. Everyone knows that."
Kieran’s jaw tightened. Yuki glanced towards him. She noticed. Of course she did. But she didn’t stop.
"Besides, Alexander already gave her one hell of a reputation by making her the woman he left his wife for. I’m sure someone will eventually decide she’s worth the trouble."
Kaden stopped walking. Yuki stopped too. Killian’s eyebrows rose.
Kaden turned his head slowly, his dark shades hiding his eyes but doing nothing to conceal the irritation in his voice. "Do you know what you sound like right now?" he hissed, his presence intimidating as he stared her down.
She gulped, trying to hold her ground. Yuki blinked innocently. "What?" she said in a challenging tone.
Kaden’s mouth curved into a dark, amused smile. "Exactly like the gold digger we’ve always accused you of being," he said sharply.
Yuki’s eyebrows shot up. Then she smiled, her voice bright and mocking. "Surprised?" she drawled.
Kaden’s expression shifted slightly. Yuki lifted her chin. "I’ve finally learned my position, dear Lord Kaden." She gestured towards herself with exaggerated pride. "And honestly, I can’t wait to get that Ravencourt surname."
Kaden stared at her. Yuki’s smile became even brighter. "Just imagine it. Miyuki Ravencourt. Official daughter of Alexander Ravencourt. The only princess of the Ravencourt court." She placed a hand against her chest dramatically. "Do you know what that makes me?"
Kaden’s expression suggested he already regretted asking. Yuki did not wait for an answer. "The most sought-after bachelorette in the entire territory," she said smugly.
Killian’s lips twitched. Yuki laughed softly. "And who knows? Maybe I’ll even rank higher than Eloise." She winked. Kieran’s expression immediately hardened. Yuki caught it. She smiled. "After all, everyone knows I have the face of a seductive vixen."
Kaden stared at her. Killian’s shoulders shook. Yuki looked pleased with herself. She had successfully irritated Kaden, and judging by the expression on Kieran’s face, she had managed to annoy him too.
Killian finally let out a quiet laugh. "Your confidence is impressive."
Yuki looked at him. Killian’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "I hope it lasts, Princess Miyuki Ravencourt."
Yuki’s smile faltered for half a second. There was something about hearing him say the name that made the reality of everything suddenly feel heavier. Princess Miyuki Ravencourt. She had spent so long being treated as an outsider. Now Alexander wanted to make her his daughter.
And soon, if everything went according to plan, she would officially carry the name of the men who had spent their lives hating hers.
The irony was almost laughable. They reached the massive doors leading into the throne room. Kaden stopped. Killian came to a halt beside him. Kieran stood on Yuki’s other side. For the first time since they had entered the palace, none of them said anything. The joking atmosphere vanished.
Yuki stared at the enormous doors. Her stomach twisted violently. Whatever waited on the other side had brought all three Ravencourt brothers together. It had also brought her here. Specifically.
The doors began to open. Slowly. The heavy hinges groaned, and the sound echoed through the corridor. Yuki’s fingers curled at her sides. She was nervous. More nervous than she wanted them to know. But she refused to cower. Not in front of them. Not in front of anyone.
Killian glanced at her. Yuki caught his gaze and forced a smile. "No need to worry about me," she said lightly.
Kaden’s eyebrow lifted. Yuki’s smile widened. "I’ll survive."
She stepped forward. The doors opened completely. And Yuki walked into the throne room with her head held high.
They stepped into the throne room, and Yuki immediately felt the weight of the gathering settle over her like a physical force.
The vast hall was filled with people. Pack officials stood in small groups near the edges of the room, while members of several prominent families occupied the rows of seats arranged before the raised platform. The low murmur of conversation died almost instantly when the doors opened, leaving only the soft echo of their footsteps on the polished stone.
Alexander sat alone upon the throne, his expression unreadable as his gaze settled on the people entering the room. Estelle was seated among the gathered families, looking as composed as ever. Yuki’s eyes moved through the crowd until she found Aevia standing quietly in one of the corners. Her sister’s face was tense, her eyes filled with unmistakable concern. Yuki’s heart squeezed slightly at the sight.
Then her gaze shifted to Eloise.
The woman’s smug smile was the first thing Yuki noticed. Of course. Yuki’s lips twitched faintly. Eloise looked far too pleased with herself for someone who was supposed to have no idea what was about to happen.
The four of them had barely taken a few steps into the hall when their presence was formally announced.
"Announcing, Lord Killian Ravencourt, Lord Kieran Ravencourt, Lord Kaden Ravencourt and Miss Miyuki Donovan."