Chapter 30
Leandro and Thomas exchanged glances as they watched Federico and Azalea standing together. The shift in their dynamic from the previous day to now was jarring. Just yesterday, it seemed as though they barely knew each other, spoke. But today, they were acting like the perfect, affectionate couple-too perfect. It was enough to raise eyebrows.
Leandro, always more observant, whispered to his brother, “Something’s off.”
Thomas nodded, his eyes never leaving the couple. “Yeah, I noticed too. Yesterday, they were practically strangers, and today, look at them.” He gestured with his chin toward Azalea, who was leaning slightly toward Federico, her hand grazing his arm as they spoke quietly. “All cozy like they’ve been married for years.”
Leandro narrowed his eyes, his suspicion growing. “Think they’re putting on a show for us?”
Thomas chuckled under his breath. “Wouldn’t surprise me. I always figured their marriage wasn’t as solid as it looks.”
“Doesn’t make sense, though,” Leandro murmured, watching them closely. “Why the sudden change?”
Neither of them could answer that question, but they both knew one thing for sure: something wasn’t right, and they intended to find out what it was.
—
Federico, feeling the weight of Leandro and Thomas’s eyes on them, kept his expression neutral as he continued speaking with Azalea. Their conversation was light, touching on mundane topics like the upcoming ball and the state of the pack, but the tension between them simmered just beneath the surface.
“The ball is coming up fast,” Federico commented, trying to keep his tone casual. “Are you ready for it?”
Azalea smiled, though there was a subtle edge to it. “I think so. It’s a lot of pressure hosting all the clans, but I’m sure we’ll manage.”
Federico nodded, glancing around the field as the young warriors continued their training. He could still feel Thomas and Leandro watching them, their curiosity growing by the minute. “We have to. This year’s ball is more important than ever.”
Azalea shifted slightly closer to him, her hand lightly touching his arm again. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture, but it was enough to sell the image they were trying to project. “We’ll make it perfect,” she said softly, just loud enough for their audience to hear.
Federico resisted the urge to roll his eyes. This charade was going to be harder than he thought. It wasn’t that Azalea was doing anything wrong-on the contrary, she was playing her part perfectly. But the falseness of it grated on him, especially knowing that the people closest to him, like Leandro and Thomas, were already suspicious.
As the training went on, they continued to talk about inconsequential things-anything to keep the appearance of a happy, united couple. But Federico’s mind kept drifting, not to the conversation, but to the contract they had signed. The cold, detached terms that now defined their marriage. It was ironic that they were standing so close, putting on a show of affection, when in reality, they had never felt further apart.
—
A stir on the field drew their attention as King Marcos arrived, his presence commanding immediate respect from everyone present. Federico straightened, and Azalea shifted, her posture becoming more formal, though she maintained her place beside Federico.
“Father,” Federico greeted, his voice even. “I see you’ve come to observe the training.”
King Marcos nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the field before they landed on his son and daughter-in-law. “Of course. It’s important to see how the young ones are progressing, especially with the ball coming up. We’ll need to be ready for anything.”
Azalea smiled warmly, stepping forward slightly. “Good morning, Your Majesty. It’s always a pleasure to see you.”
King Marcos turned to her, his expression softening just a fraction. “And you, Azalea. I trust you’re settling in well?”
Azalea nodded, her voice smooth and confident. “I am, thank you. I’m looking forward to the ball-it will be an excellent opportunity to bring everyone together.”
Federico stood by quietly, observing the ease with which Azalea conversed with his father. She was good at this-good at playing the role of the devoted wife, good at charming those around her. He couldn’t deny that. Watching her now, he could see why his father had always spoken highly of her, despite the lack of warmth in their marriage.
As the conversation continued, Federico noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye. Maya was approaching, her expression tight as she drew nearer. There was something different in her posture-an edge of jealousy that Federico couldn’t ignore.
Maya joined their small group, her eyes flicking briefly to Azalea before settling on Federico. “It’s been a while, Federico,” she said, her tone casual but laced with something more. “I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.”
Federico forced a polite smile, but before he could respond, Maya turned her attention to King Marcos. “Your Majesty, always a pleasure,” she said smoothly, before looking back at Federico. “I was just thinking, it’s been so long since we’ve had the chance to catch up. Why don’t you come to my father’s house for dinner? It’s been far too long since we’ve hosted you.”
The invitation hung in the air, and for a split second, Federico wasn’t sure how to respond. The tension between him, Azalea, and Maya was palpable, though no one around them seemed to notice. He could feel Azalea’s gaze on him, waiting for his answer.
But before he could speak, Azalea stepped forward, her voice bright and cheerful. “That sounds lovely, Maya. Thank you for the invitation. We’ll be happy to join you for dinner.” She smiled warmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Maya blinked, clearly taken aback by Azalea’s quick response. It was obvious that she hadn’t expected Azalea to speak for both of them, let alone accept the invitation so readily. For a brief moment, her composure slipped, a flicker of jealousy crossing her face.
Federico, however, said nothing. He glanced at Azalea, who met his eyes with a steady, unwavering gaze. She was playing the part perfectly, maintaining control of the situation with a grace that even he had to admire. It was exactly what the contract required of her-what they had agreed upon. And yet, there was something about her quick, decisive response that unsettled him.
“Great,” Maya said after a pause, her voice a touch strained. “I’ll let my father know. We’ll be expecting you both.”
Azalea smiled again, her expression unflappable. “We look forward to it.”
As Maya walked away, Federico remained silent, watching the tension between the two women unfold with a sense of unease. The jealousy in Maya’s eyes was unmistakable, but it wasn’t just her feelings that troubled him. It was Azalea’s calm, controlled response-the way she had so effortlessly taken charge of the situation as if it were second nature to her.
Once Maya was out of earshot, Federico turned to Azalea. “You didn’t have to accept the invitation.”
Azalea shrugged, her expression cool. “It was the easiest way to avoid any awkwardness. Besides, it’s what’s expected of us, isn’t it?”
Federico frowned, though he couldn’t argue with her logic. She was right. This was the role they had agreed to play, and Azalea was playing it perfectly. But the more she did, the more he realized how little he truly understood her.
“We’ll go,” Azalea continued, her tone softening just a fraction. “But let’s not pretend it will be anything more than what it is-a show.”
Federico said nothing, watching her as she turned her attention back to the training field. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated than either of them had anticipated.