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Emily POV

Lucy's return had cast a shadow over the peaceful morning in the palace. As we entered the elegant dining room for breakfast, there she was, setting the table with a practiced grace that didn't escape my attention.

In her presence, the atmosphere became charged with tension. Lucy had been Roman's fling before her abrupt departure from the pack. Her sudden reappearance had stirred a mix of emotions and unsettled our harmonious environment.

I felt a rush of anxiety as I watched Roman, observing his reactions to Lucy's presence. As his mate and partner, it was my duty to stand by his side, but my heart couldn't help but clench at the sight of her.

Roman, ever the diplomat, greeted Lucy with a friendly smile. "Good morning, Lucy. It's been a while."

She responded with a sultry tone, her eyes lingering on Roman for a moment too long. "Good morning, Roman. Yes, it has been quite a while, hasn't it?"

His acknowledgment of her was polite, but I could sense the discomfort in his deme