**Chapter Ten** *Daniel's POV* The whirlwind in my mind seemed relentless. How could she treat me this way? After everything I have sacrificed for her, how could she so callously claim everyone around her for her own selfish interests? I should never have come here. I should have been back with my pack, tending to those who need my leadership. Instead, I was here, pouring my heart and soul into her affairs, yet all she saw were her own desires. Why had she done this to me? Was it possible she had used me all along? No, it couldn't be. She was above such treachery. My thoughts spiraled deeper, choking me with doubt and betrayal. How could she choose Alex over me? I had stood by her side long before he had arrived. What had sparked this sudden shift in her affections? A flicker of concern for Queen Anna nagged at the edges of my mind. Had I misjudged her entirely? The realization hit me hard: perhaps it was time for me to return to my pack and reclaim my rightful place as their leader. I steeled myself with that thought, a comforting lie as the minutes dragged on. My stomach grumbled, reminding me I had neglected breakfast in this storm of despair. I ventured outside, searching for a maid to bring me sustenance. As I relayed my request to the maid, I caught a fleeting glimpse of someone who looked strikingly like Terri heading toward Queen Anna's residence. My heart raced with disbelief. It couldn't be him. What on earth was he doing here so early? Feeling an urge to uncover the truth, I decided to follow the pull of my curiosity, even if it meant eavesdropping—something I'd never considered myself capable of doing before. When I reached the door, I paused just in time to hear Terri's voice greeting the Queen. “Good morning, my Queen. How was your night? I hope you slept well. May you live long and prosper. I am so grateful for yesterday; thank you for allowing me back into the mansion. I pray our ancestors will watch over you.” My heart sank. So it really was Terri. What business could he possibly have with the Queen this early in the day? Had their feud been resolved? I had thought he left the mansion for good after the debacle of her birthday celebration. The nature of his return puzzled me deeply. And then I heard it—Queen Anna’s response. “My night was fine, thanks to you. But please, let’s not speak of yesterday; you can’t possibly understand what you’ve done for me, Terri. As for our discussion, you will start working in my company next week, and regarding Bella, I will reach out to her so she can return to the mansion.” My mind raced. Terri wasn’t just back in the fold; he was being inducted into the Queen’s business endeavors? What had changed overnight? A sense of urgency gripped me, fuelling an insatiable need to discover the truth behind this bewildering turn of events. Before I could lose my nerve or be discovered, my phone began to ring—Louis, one of my most trusted advisors from my pack. I cursed under my breath; this could complicate matters. “Your Grace, who’s there?” I heard the Queen prompt. Terri replied, “Let me go and check, my Queen.” I holding my breath as I maneuvered into a shadowy corner, desperate not to be seen. I watched as Terri stepped out from the Queen’s chamber, glancing around as if sensing the weight of unseen eyes. When he concluded that no one was near, he retreated back into the room, leaving me in silence. Minutes ticked by agonizingly slowly before he finally exited the Queen's residence, disappearing from view. I emerged from my hiding spot, buoyed by a mix of determination and unease as I decided to venture inside the Queen’s chambers. As I approached the door, I caught sight of Lucy, the head maid, and another maid balancing trays laden with breakfast for the Queen. My stomach growled rebelliously, a reminder that I had been neglecting my own well-being in my tumultuous thoughts. “Your Grace! I went to your room to serve your breakfast, but you weren’t there,” Lucy said, her tone respectful as ever. “Oh, I just stepped outside for some fresh air after I left the kitchen,” I responded quickly, shooting her an appreciative smile. “But I’ll eat after I finish here.” As Lucy nodded and continued toward the Queen’s room, I made a mental note to eat before confronting the baffling situation further. Upon arriving back in my quarters, I found my meal laid out, inviting me to partake. Yet, as I sat at the dining table, my appetite waned. My thoughts returned to Terri's sudden presence and his new role in the Queen's life. What had sparked this change? Did the Queen manipulate him, or was this chance truly on his side? What tide had turned that allowed Bella's return? What was I missing? I sighed; there was no one whom I could trust to explain this to me—shouldn’t I have been the first to know of such significant shifts? I snapped back to the present, focusing on my food, determined to finish quickly so I might return to the Queen. Yet, as I swallowed the last bite, my phone chimed again, jolting me from my troubled thoughts. It was Louis calling. An early morning call from him could mean only one thing: trouble. “Good morning, my lord. I hope your night was restful. I’m reaching out on behalf of the pack to invite you to Sir Gabriel's wedding, set for this month. Your presence is essential.” Sir Gabriel—the name sparked recognition and loyalty in my chest. Of course, I would attend; he meant much to me and to our community. “Thank you, Louis. I am well, and I’ll certainly be there. Please convey my regards to everyone; I miss them dearly.” After ending the call, a resolution crystallized within me. Perhaps it was time for a visit back to my people, a return to my roots. With determination firmed, I completed my meal and prepared myself to face the uncertainties that lay ahead, all the while knowing I would need to confront Queen Anna before departing.