Eating dessert was at least not a burden for my stomach.

The rest of the meal hadn’t been that bad. Thankfully, I somehow warmed towards my mate—if his secret glances in my direction weren’t warming enough.

I cleared my throat. “Beta Geneva told me of the upcoming Alpha Winter Ball. Am I required to be there as your Lu—I mean as your mate?” I looked away briefly before sighing, “Look. It’s fine for me if you want me there out of courtesy but it’s also okay for me if you just want me to stay here. After all, my father hasn’t yet known of my fate.” The last world felt...