Jayden's POV
The dinner hall buzzed with polite conversation when Palmer made his entrance, golden locks catching the chandelier light, that trademark arrogant gleam dancing in his eyes. A parade of servants followed with his luggage, treating him like royalty returning home.
Every muscle in my body coiled tight.
His arrival wasn't just an inconvenience. It was a declaration of war. Against my crown. Against my claim on Jasmine. Against everything I held sacred.
The memory of my father's threat sliced through my thoughts like a blade. "Control that beast of yours, or I'll have no choice but to crown Palmer instead. This kingdom deserves a stable ruler."
Those words had been hurled at me months ago, right after my wolf had demolished half the training grounds in a fit of rage. Father claimed he spoke in anger, but the damage was done. The moment those syllables left his lips, I understood the brutal truth. Royal blood meant nothing if you couldn't prove your worth.
