Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One - Chapter 230

Chapter 230: The Plan
Hailee’s POV

Peter’s eyes gleamed slightly as he leaned forward, lowering his voice. “You’ve suffered long enough without your wolf,” he said. “And I’m not going to let Father keep that curse on you forever.”

I frowned, sitting up straighter. “But how? You said before that only the one who placed the seal can break it.”

A small, confident smile touched his lips. “Normally, yes. But I’ve found another way.”

My heart skipped. “What do you mean?”

He walked toward his desk, pulling open a drawer and taking out a small folded parchment. “I’ve spoken to someone, a witch,” he said quietly. “A powerful one. She’s not under the Council’s control. She knows old magic, magic older than the royal laws.”

My eyes widened slightly. “A witch?” I repeated. “Peter, that’s dangerous.”

“She’s loyal to me,” he cut in firmly. “And she can break the curse. The only condition is that it has to be done under the full moon, the right one. She said the next full moon with the right alignment is in three months.”

I blinked. “Three months…”

He nodded. “Yes. Three months from now, you’ll have your wolf back. You won’t have to depend on Father anymore.” He leaned closer, his tone steady. “You’ll be whole again, Hailee. I’ve already promised her a reward: gold, land, anything she asks. She’ll make it happen.”

I felt my heart tremble with a mix of hope and fear. “And you’re sure it’s safe?” I asked quietly. “Witchcraft like that, it’s not something to take lightly.”

Peter’s gaze softened. “I wouldn’t let anyone touch you if I wasn’t sure. I’ve checked her background. She’s helped other cursed wolves before, even restored a prince’s wolf years ago. You’ll be fine.”

I nodded slowly, letting out a shaky breath. “Thank you,” I whispered. “You always seem to have an answer.”

He chuckled softly. “That’s what older brothers are for.”

I smiled faintly, then tilted my head. “Is there something else you wanted to tell me?”

His grin widened a little. “Yes, actually. Tonight, we’re having a welcoming party for you.”

I froze. “A… what?”

“A welcoming party,” he repeated, clearly amused by my reaction. “You’re home again, Hailee. The people deserve to know their princess has returned.”

My stomach twisted. “Peter, you shouldn’t have. You know how they feel about me. The people, they hate me. They think I’m cursed, a disgrace.”

“They wouldn’t dare,” Peter interrupted firmly. “Not now. I’m King. Anyone who disrespects you will answer to me. You’re part of this family, and as long as I sit on that throne, you’ll be treated like it.”

I stared at him, my chest tightening with emotion. “Peter…”

He gave a small shrug, pretending it was nothing. “It’s time people saw the real you again. You’re not the same girl who left. You’re stronger now.”

I swallowed hard, then smiled softly. “Thank you,” I whispered. “For everything.”

He nodded once. “Go rest. Mother’s probably showing the boys around. You should join them before dinner.”

I rose to my feet and gave him one last grateful look before leaving the study.

When I reached the garden courtyard, I saw my mother and the boys. She was showing them the fountain, laughing as Ozzy splashed his fingers in the water. Oliver was asking questions about the flowers, and Oscar stood nearby, pretending not to be interested but clearly listening.

It was the first time I’d seen them all smiling together since we arrived.

“Mom!” Ozzy called out when he noticed me. “Grandma said this garden is older than you!”

I laughed softly, walking toward them. “She’s right. It’s been here since before I was born.”

My mother turned to me, smiling warmly. “You look better,” she said, taking my hand gently. “Peter didn’t upset you, did he?”

I shook my head. “No. He just… talked. He told me about the plan and…” My voice trailed off.

Her eyebrows lifted. “So, you already know about the party tonight?”

I blinked in surprise. “Party? He just told me.”

She chuckled softly. “Of course he did. He’s been preparing it for days. You should’ve seen how the staff have been running around. It’s going to be grand, Hailee.”

I sighed quietly. “I wish he wouldn’t make such a big deal.”

My mother squeezed my hand. “He’s proud of you. Let him show it.”

I looked at her, really looked, and smiled softly. “Maybe… maybe I’ll try.”

My mother’s smile grew as she turned toward the boys. “Come,” she said warmly. “Let me show you where you’ll be staying.”

The boys followed, looking excited. I walked behind them, my heart full but uneasy. I wanted to talk to them, to close the space that had grown between us, but every time I tried, the words froze in my throat.

We climbed a wide staircase lined with gold railings and paintings of our ancestors. The sunlight poured in through tall glass windows, making the floors shine like mirrors. It looked exactly as I remembered it, and yet, it didn’t feel like home.

When we reached the second floor, my mother stopped in front of a large set of double doors. “This,” she said, smiling proudly, “is your room, boys.”

She opened the doors, and I watched their faces light up. The room was huge, with three beds arranged side by side, each covered in blue and silver sheets. There were bookshelves, a wooden desk, and even a large window that looked out over the gardens.

Ozzy gasped softly. “It’s so big!”

Oliver grinned. “And there’s a balcony!”

Oscar just stood there, hands in his pockets, but I saw the small spark of wonder in his eyes.

I smiled softly, stepping inside. “Do you like it?”

Oliver turned to me and nodded slightly. “It’s nice,” he said quietly.

That small response felt like a gift.

I walked closer, sitting on the edge of one of the beds. “I know it’s different from what you’re used to,” I said gently. “But I want you to feel safe here. This is your home too.”

Oscar looked away. “Home?” he murmured. “We don’t really know what that means anymore.”

The words hit deep. I opened my mouth to reply, but nothing came out. My throat tightened again.

My mother noticed the tension and quickly stepped in. “Why don’t you boys unpack a little?” she said kindly. “I’ll have someone bring you a snack.”

They nodded, grateful for the excuse to stay quiet. I sighed softly as we left the room, closing the door behind us.

My mother gave me a small, understanding look. “Give them time, dear. Their hearts are young but wounded. They’ll come around.”

“I hope so,” I whispered.

She patted my arm. “Come. There’s something else you should see.”

We walked down another hallway, the one that led to the west wing of the palace. My stomach fluttered with nerves as we stopped in front of a familiar door. I knew it before she even opened it.

My old room.

When she pushed the door open, a wave of memories rushed over me. The room looked almost the same: the same tall windows, the same carved mirror, the same corner bookshelf. But the walls were now painted a soft cream color, and the old furniture had been replaced with elegant, modern pieces.

“It’s still yours,” my mother said softly. “We kept it for you.”

I stepped inside slowly. “It feels smaller,” I murmured.

She smiled. “That’s because you grew up.”

I ran my fingers along the dresser, stopping at a small box placed neatly on top. I opened it, and inside were my childhood trinkets: a silver hairpin, a ribbon, a small moon-shaped pendant I used to wear. Tears filled my eyes.

“You kept everything,” I whispered.

“Of course,” she said. “I always knew you’d come back one day.”

I turned to her and hugged her tightly. For the first time, I allowed myself to lean on her, really lean, like I used to when I was a child.

She held me for a long moment, then smiled and brushed my cheek. “Now,” she said softly, “you should rest. You’ll need your strength for tonight.”

Before I could respond, two maids entered quietly, carrying long velvet boxes and folded silk fabric. They bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty sent us,” one said. “We’ve brought your dresses for the evening.”

My mother grinned. “Ah, Peter has good taste. Let’s see what he picked.”

They opened the boxes, revealing two gowns, one a shimmering silver like moonlight, the other deep blue with soft embroidery at the waist.

“They’re beautiful,” I said softly, my voice full of surprise.

My mother smiled proudly. “Try them both. We’ll pick the one that makes you feel like the princess you truly are.”

I laughed quietly, shaking my head. “Mother, I’m not sure I even remember how to act like one.”

She took my hand again and said gently, “Then tonight, just be Hailee. That’s enough.”

I smiled through the tightness in my chest. “All right,” I whispered. “I’ll try.”