Betrayed By My Mate, Claimed By His Lycan King Uncle
Chapter 167: Happy birthday Sorayah.

Chapter 167: Happy birthday Sorayah.

The capital city of the werewolf territory buzzed with life, its streets teeming with werewolves of all ranks, both influential and impoverished going about their daily routines. Joyful laughter echoed from various corners as citizens immersed themselves in entertainment, their faces alight with amusement. The rhythmic hum of bargaining voices filled the air, mingling with the rich, tantalizing aroma of sizzling street food wafting from nearby stalls.

Despite the energy of the bustling crowd, the city appeared peaceful.

"What would you love to do?" Dimitri asked after a moment, his voice gentle as he walked beside Sorayah, keeping pace with her slow, measured steps. A few paces behind them trailed Liam, maintaining enough distance to give them privacy, yet staying close enough to leap into action should danger arise.

"What would I love to do?" Sorayah repeated, a puzzled expression flickering across her face. "What do you mean by that? You said you wanted to observe the people."

"Well... they appear to be doing just fine, don’t they?" Dimitri replied with a light chuckle, his eyes scanning the vibrant surroundings. "I’ve gotten the answers I needed."

"Then we should return to the palace before anyone realizes we’re gone," Sorayah said, stopping abruptly. Her tone was low and cautious. "Everyone thinks we’re in your chamber."

Dimitri sighed, long and deep, before offering her a warm smile. "We can’t return that easily when it took so much effort just to get out," he murmured.

Without giving her a chance to protest, he reached out and gently took her hand. A jolt of electricity surged through her at the unexpected contact, sending a wave of shock down her spine. Yet, despite her initial instinct to pull away, she didn’t. She allowed him to hold her hand as he began to lead her deeper into the heart of the capital, to a destination only he knew.

After what felt like a long, winding walk through the city’s maze of streets, Dimitri finally stopped in front of a cozy building with a weathered signboard that read.... Hot Spring Eatery. Even from the outside, the lively atmosphere inside could be felt. The sound of laughter, clinking cutlery, and lively chatter spilled out from within as customers enjoyed warm meals and friendly company.

"We should get something to eat here. You must be very hungry," Dimitri said, his voice kind and sincere as he looked into her eyes. "After we eat, we can start shopping. But first, we need our strength."

Without waiting for Sorayah’s reply, he gently tugged her along. Liam, ever vigilant, stepped ahead to book a room for them. Since Dimitri and Sorayah were dressed plainly, like beggars...the moment Liam made the transaction, the staff’s attitudes shifted. They assumed the pair had been captured and brought in by Liam, who bore the commanding presence of someone with authority.

Once Sorayah and Dimitri reached their private room upstairs, they both sank into the chairs provided. Soon, a steady stream of workers began arriving with an array of dishes. The table was quickly overwhelmed with trays of steaming food, each more mouthwatering than the last. After the final dish was placed, the workers quietly exited, and Liam took his position by the door, standing guard to ensure their privacy.

The room was well-chosen as it was close to a large window that framed the city’s landscape beautifully, offering them a view of the bustling streets below.

"Once night falls, the streets become even more beautiful," Dimitri said, gazing out the window, his lips curled into a smile. "Not only will the local werewolves remain out, continuing their trade, but foreigners will join in too. The atmosphere becomes almost festive. Street performers, music, lights... entertainment will be everywhere. You’ll see it tonight."

"Tonight?" Sorayah repeated, raising an eyebrow as confusion etched itself into her features. "What are we going to be doing here until nightfall? You’re the Alpha Emperor. Your absence will raise questions."

"We’re here to enjoy ourselves, Sorayah," Dimitri replied, his voice heavy with emotion. He leaned back, releasing a slow breath as he studied her. "I’ve seen how sad you’ve been. Even now, your eyes are swollen from the tears you shed and the ones you held back. For once, now that we’re out of that suffocating palace, let’s live like normal people. Just for a day. Let’s pretend, even if it’s just a little, that we’re free from all that madness."

Before Sorayah could respond again...

"Just keep quiet and eat, young lady," Dimitri said, his tone calm but firm. He reached for a shrimp on the platter and began peeling it with care. "You’ve grown leaner... From managing the harem to attending to the Empress Dowager. You’ve been running yourself ragged. Now that we’re out, just eat and forget your worries, even if it’s just for today. We’ll think about all that later. For now, let’s enjoy the meal in peace."

As he spoke, he stretched out the peeled shrimp towards her, his hand steady and expectant.

Sorayah swallowed hard, completely lost for words. Her heart thudded against her ribs as she stared at the shrimp, then slowly took it from him and placed it into her mouth.

They ate in silence after that, letting the rich flavors of the dishes wash over them. The food melted in their mouths, teasing their taste buds with spices and textures. Neither had eaten breakfast, so every bite now felt like salvation.

After a while, they were done eating. The workers returned, quickly and efficiently clearing the table per Liam’s instructions. Once the plates were removed, the room was quiet once more, with only Sorayah, Dimitri, and Liam who remained stationed at the door present.

Dimitri leaned back slightly in his seat, then raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "So... let’s do some shopping, my lady."

"My lady?" Sorayah echoed in disbelief.

She almost choked on the water she had just sipped. But before she could form a retort, Dimitri was already on his feet, extending his hand to her once again.

With a sigh, she placed her hand in his. There was no use arguing... not with Dimitri. Once he had made up his mind, trying to convince him otherwise was like trying to halt a storm with bare hands.

The two stepped out once again, strolling through the city. But Dimitri was done with Sorayah’s reserved silence. She hadn’t picked a single thing or shown interest in anything during their walk. He wasn’t having it.

So, he pulled her toward a clothing store.

The shopkeeper eyed them warily at first, noting their humble attire. However, upon seeing Liam...whose regal bearing was impossible to miss...their suspicions dissolved. They realized this pair wasn’t to be underestimated.

Dimitri and Sorayah soon selected outfits. He chose a black shirt and matching black trousers adorned with gold-striped patterns. His signature mask still graced his face, and a black scarf wrapped around his head, concealing his identity further.

He now sat outside the fitting room, patiently waiting, his gaze fixed on the curtain.

After what felt like forever, Sorayah stepped out.

She wore a black blouse with matching gold-striped embroidery, paired with a pleated black skirt that hugged her figure with regal elegance. Her golden heels tapped softly against the floor, and a gold handbag dangled from her arm. Her long golden hair had been braided into dozens of tiny braids, each catching the light with grace. She looked like a princess stepping out of a painting.

"Woah..." the shopkeeper breathed, eyes widening. "The outfits look good on both husband and wife."

Sorayah choked on her own spit, coughing violently as the words sank in.

"You think so?" Dimitri replied, amused. His eyes sparkled with unrestrained joy.

He turned slightly toward Liam. "Reward the shopkeeper," he ordered coolly.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped closer to Sorayah, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her toward him. With a single fluid motion, he led her out of the shop, ignoring her stunned silence.

And that was just the beginning.

Dimitri continued shopping as though the world were ending tomorrow. He bought clothes, jewelry, shoes, accessories...all for Sorayah. Though she followed quietly, still not selecting anything herself, he filled their bags with item after item, determined to spoil her whether she liked it or not.

Even the shopkeepers were stunned by his generosity. By afternoon, the goods were being delivered to the inn in batches. Every vendor they stopped by was left in disbelief, many of them praising the day as their luckiest in years. Some of them even cried from joy after Dimitri bought everything in their stall.

Sorayah, overwhelmed, tried to ask why, but every time she opened her mouth, Dimitri would smile and walk away without answering.

As night fell, the three of them....Sorayah, Dimitri, and Liam sat under a wide canopy in a street-side tavern that sold alcohol and roasted meats. It had become their base throughout the day, a resting spot between shopping rounds.

The street had transformed. Lanterns glowed softly above. Laughter and music filled the air. The energy was electric.

"It’s night time, Your Highness," she began cautiously, her voicd barely above a whisper. "We should be returning to the palace now. But before we do... Why did you buy me so many things? I asked you over and over again, trying to stop you, but you just kept ignoring me."

Dimitri glanced at her with that ever-present warm smile, a smile that now confused her more than it comforted her.

"You deserve all the good things in the world," he said, his voice tender, almost reverent.

Sorayah blinked at him, stunned. Her confusion deepened.

Yes, he had confessed his feelings before. But did that justify this level of generosity? Especially after she had turned him down?

Before she could question him further, Dimitri spoke again.

"But then... I have one more gift for you," he added with a glimmer in his eyes.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, holding it delicately between his fingers.

"Another gift?!" Sorayah gasped, clearly exasperated. She let out a sigh and narrowed her eyes at him.

Without a word, Dimitri opened the box to reveal a delicate golden necklace. It gleamed under the lantern light, its pendant spelling out Sorayah in beautifully engraved letters, each adorned with sparkling gems.

Her eyes widened.

"W....Woah!" she breathed, completely taken aback. "Y.. you.."

"Happy birthday, Sorayah," Dimitri said softly.