LYDIA'S POV

　　The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly as I made my way to my quarters. The third assessment loomed ahead, a final hurdle before I could claim my place as queen.

　　For now, I would prepare meticulously. Every step, every decision would be calculated to ensure my success. But I also couldn't deny the fact that something about Oleg's behavior today screamed ominous to me. He had never shown so much interest in me becoming queen before. I knew he was a crucial part of my father's court, but ever since my father died, his behavior had changed.

　　Even though he wouldn't gain anything directly by supporting me or if I became queen, he was being overly sweet and supportive. One thing I had learned in the North Light pack was that people only behaved extra nicely when they wanted something. And I couldn't see what Oleg would gain from my ascent to the throne.

　　I was only putting up with him because of my mother. For some reason, she had full trust in him. What if... he was the one who poisoned my mother? The thought crossed my mind, sending a chill down my spine. I shook my head, trying to dismiss the idea. No, that couldn't be.

　　"Lydia, are you alright? I can feel that something is going on in your head." Brandon's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I realized I hadn't even noticed he was still there.

　　I turned to him, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Brandon. Just thinking about everything that's happened today."

　　He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You seemed deep in thought. You know you can talk to me, right?"

　　I sighed, appreciating his concern. Brandon had always been a steadfast ally. "I know. It's just... Oleg. His sudden enthusiasm for my becoming queen feels off. He's never been this supportive before."

　　Brandon nodded thoughtfully. "I noticed that too. He's always been more reserved. Do you think he has an ulterior motive?"

　　"I'm not sure," I admitted. "But in the North Light pack, people only act extra nice when they want something. And I can't figure out what Oleg stands to gain."

　　"Maybe he's trying to secure his position," Brandon suggested. "If you become queen and he's in your good graces, it could solidify his power."

　　"Maybe," I mused. "But there's another thing. My mother trusts him completely. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that he might have had something to do with her poisoning."

　　Brandon's eyes widened. "That's a serious accusation, Lydia. Do you have any evidence?"

　　"No, just a gut feeling," I confessed. "And I know it sounds paranoid. But ever since my father died, everything feels more dangerous, more uncertain."

　　Brandon placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Trust your instincts, Lydia. But also be careful. If Oleg is as dangerous as you suspect, you need to gather proof before making any moves against him."

　　"I will," I promised. "For now, I need to focus on the third assessment. Once I pass that, I'll be one step closer to the throne. And then, maybe, I can start uncovering the truth."

　　"Good plan," Brandon agreed.

　　"Thank you for your support, Brandon," I said, grateful for his unwavering support. "With allies like you, I feel like I can handle whatever comes my way."

　　I would prepare meticulously for the assessment and keep a close eye on Oleg. Trust was a precious commodity, and in this dangerous game, I couldn't afford to misplace it.

　　I could feel that Brandon was reluctant to leave me alone. He knew that after meeting with my mother and the confrontation in the meeting, I was not in a stable state of mind.

　　"It's okay, Brandon. I'm fine now," I said, trying to reassure him. "I know a lot happened today, but I need to focus on achieving the throne. I can't let petty fights get to me."

　　Despite my words, he still seemed hesitant. I reached out mentally, feeling the comforting warmth of our mate bond, letting the tingles of our connection soothe my nerves.

　　"I really am fine, Brandon. Thank you for everything you have done for me," I said sincerely.

　　"You don't have to thank me, Lydia. It's my duty to protect you. You should know that Evan and I will always be ready to protect you. You won't have to worry about a single thing," he replied, his voice earnest and filled with sincerity.

　　His words sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. There was a tenderness in his tone that suggested his actions were driven by more than just duty. We were mates, after all, and I refused to believe that he didn't have feelings for me.

　　To test the waters and tease him a bit, I rose on my toes and kissed him softly. For a moment, there was a flash of surprise in his eyes.