LYDIA'S POV

　　My morning in the West River Pack started with a pleasant surprise: an invitation to Alpha Chloe's birthday banquet. It was an unexpected but welcome opportunity to mingle with the pack members and perhaps even meet people from surrounding packs. As I looked at the beautifully designed invitation card, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with apprehension.

　　I glanced around the room, noting the absence of any noise from Evan and Brandon's quarters. They were usually up and about early, and their silence was unusual. The way they interrupted my conversation with Heckim last night was uncalled for, but I could see from their faces that they overheard our discussion. Maybe they finally understood who I was referring to when I said I had feelings for someone else.

　　Deciding to find them, I left my room and headed down the hall. The pack house was already bustling with activity in preparation for the banquet. I saw pack members carrying decorations, setting tables, and generally making sure everything was perfect for Alpha Chloe's celebration.

　　I found Maria, who had been helpful since our arrival, directing some pack members in arranging flowers. "Maria," I called out, walking over to her. "Have you seen Evan and Brandon?"

　　She turned to me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Princess Lydia. Yes, I saw them heading towards the training grounds earlier. I believe they wanted to familiarize themselves with the pack's layout."

　　"Thank you, Maria." I smiled back, feeling a bit relieved. At least they were occupied with something productive.

　　Not wanting to face Evan and Brandon just yet, I decided to head back to the pack house and help with the preparations for tonight's banquet. The pack members were leaving no stone unturned; everything from the flowers to the curtains, the dance floor to the ceiling, was almost ready. I felt a sense of camaraderie as I joined in the efforts, arranging flowers and hanging decorations.

　　As I carefully placed a bunch of flowers into a vase, I heard Alpha Chloe's voice behind me. "Princess Lydia, what are you doing?" she asked, surprise evident in her tone.

　　Turning to face her, I saw her already making her way towards me. "I'm helping with the decorations," I replied, trying to keep my tone light and friendly.

　　She looked taken aback by my response, clearly not expecting a royal guest to partake in such tasks. "You don't have to do all this," she said hesitantly, her eyes flicking between me and the flowers I was arranging.

　　"No, it's fine. I actually enjoy it," I assured her with a smile. "And thank you for inviting me to the banquet."

　　Alpha Chloe's expression softened slightly. "I appreciate your willingness to help. It's not often we have royalty willing to roll up their sleeves."

　　I shrugged, continuing with my task. "I believe in leading by example. If we all pitch in, it gets done faster and everyone feels more connected."

　　She nodded slowly, her demeanour warming. "Well, your help is appreciated. But if you need anything or prefer to rest, please let me know."

　　"Thank you, Alpha Chloe," I said, genuinely touched by her concern. "I will."

　　The night came too soon, and before I knew it, the whole pack house was bustling with energy. Maria helped me into my dress, a flowing gown that complemented the evening's grandeur. By the time I entered the main hall, the atmosphere was already vibrant with conversation and laughter.

　　As I scanned the room, I caught sight of Alphas from the South and East regions engaged in animated discussions. I hadn't realized that Alpha Chloe had such a wide reach, but this was a fortunate turn of events. It meant I would have the chance to meet and possibly form alliances with multiple influential leaders at once.

　　Maria, sensing my nervousness, whispered encouragingly, "You look stunning, Princess Lydia."

　　I thanked Maria for her help and nodded, taking a deep breath and stepping further into the room. My entrance didn't go unnoticed. Eyes turned toward me, and the hum of conversation dipped for a moment before resuming. I made my way towards Alpha Chloe, who was speaking with a group of Alphas. She noticed my approach and gave me a nod of acknowledgment.

　　"Princess Lydia," she greeted warmly, "I'm glad you could join us."

　　"Thank you for inviting me, Alpha Chloe," I replied with a smile. "It's an honor to be here."

　　She gestured to the Alphas around her. "Allow me to introduce you. This is Alpha Marcus of the South Wind Pack and Alpha Elena of the Eastern Ridge Pack."

　　"It's a pleasure to meet you both," I said, offering a polite nod.

　　"The pleasure is ours," Alpha Marcus replied, his tone respectful yet curious. "We've heard much about the challenges your kingdom is currently facing due to the empty throne."

　　"Yes," Alpha Elena added, "and there are even rumors that the kingdom is about to collapse. We're interested in hearing your perspective on them."

　　I felt a surge of determination to defend my kingdom. "Alpha Elena, it takes more than a vacant throne to destroy an entire kingdom. Yes, the throne is empty for now, but only temporarily. When the time is right, I will ascend to it according to royal law and will rule my kingdom just as my father did," I replied firmly. I could tell that while many accepted my answer, some remained skeptical.

　　"But how do you plan to rule without a king by your side?" Alpha Marcus questioned, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

　　"A ruler doesn't need a partner," I answered confidently. "All they need is willpower, passion, and loyalty towards the throne and the kingdom."

　　The Alphas exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from thoughtful to cautious.

　　Alpha Chloe, standing beside me, nodded approvingly. "Princess Lydia has a point. Leadership is not defined by the presence of a partner but by the strength and resolve of the individual."