The Hidden Luna Queen 2

Maeve POV

"What do you think, Maeve?" Xaden murmured, gazing at me. "Are you alright with waiting to hold the mating ceremony?"

I couldn't even begin to describe how much I appreciated his desire for my opinion-no one ever gave a damn about my thoughts before he came along. Out of pure reflex, I nodded my approval. Only after he continued to discuss the matter with his father did it sink in what I had done. I just agreed to officially become mated to Xaden.

The thought made my heart skip a beat. We were going to be married in less than a year, albeit with the Alpha King's tentative blessing.

To be honest, however, I wasn't sure how to feel about the whole thing in the first place. I didn't even know how these sorts of ceremonies really worked. For goodness' sake, I was barely even capable of navigating ordinary parties or gatherings. The last one I attended stuck out all too well in my mind, how my entire family's social standing almost fell apart because of me.

Frantically, I wracked my brain for anything in my recent memory that would somehow help me mentally prepare for it. A faint recollection flashed in my mind of Alpha Prince Henry and Isabelle's mating ceremony, which my family had eagerly watched from the comfort of our home. I remembered it took place in the Temple of Diana in the Royal Palace for loved ones and the most renowned Alpha ministers to personally witness, while also being televised for the rest of the kingdom to watch at their enjoyment. And... that was where the memory stopped.

The moment Victoria realized I had paused my chores to catch a fleeting glimpse of the royal ceremony, she immediately began scolding and berating me. What happened in the palace was none of my business, according to her, and should never take priority over my duties at home, unless I was eager to spend a night locked away.

Her argument was... quite persuasive.

After that, any palace intrigue that reached me was instantly tucked away under lock and key. I never made it clear that I paid attention to anything, nor would I make any comments or ask any questions. I thought it would be a smart move on my part to disobey Victoria's advice.

Now, I detested how quick I was to keel over and obey. That extra bit of knowledge would have been so helpful right now! "It's settled, then,"

The solemnity in Alpha King Arlan's voice pulled me back into the conversation. "The mating ceremony will be held before the year is up..." he said, raking over my pregnant belly, "after the pup has been born."

"Thank you, Father," Xaden said, nodding his head. And with that, the meeting was adjourned. Everyone was at their feet and preparing to leave the conference room.

"Much can happen in only a few months," the king said loudly as the two of us left the room, the knowing, foreboding tone in his voice making me falter. Warily, I glanced back at him and saw a hint of warning in his cold, green eyes. "Let us hope that this attachmen of yours withstands the test of time."

My stomach twisted with unease. I did not like the look he gave me when he said that.

What did he mean by-?

All of a sudden, Xaden's presence once again made itself known beside me. "Don't listen to him, Maeve," he mumbled by my ear, the distaste in his voice apparent but contradictory to the warmth that radiated from his body. "He only means to frighten you." With a shaky breath, I nodded, continuing to leave the room.

Yes, I thought, that makes sense. The king had made his thoughts about me very clear. He did not think me worthy of mating with one of his sons, especially one who had such an eminent claim to the throne as Xaden.

More than likely, he sought to intimidate me into fleeing with whatever scare tactics were at his disposal. It was up to me to prove him wrong. I could not let fear overpower my feelings for Xaden.

But how could I call it a simple fear when it reeked of nothing but truths?

Another presence materialized behind me, shielding me from the Alpha King's menacing, penetrating gaze. “Xaden's right,” Princess Charlotte said reassuringly, my second conscience after Xaden, “don't let our father get inside your head."

Something inside me calmed down as I found myself surrounded by these two people. I wasn't sure they were aware of the effect they had on me, and I wasn't sure I could explain it even if I tried.

Once we were well away from the king and that room, Xaden let out a loud sigh of relief, gazing gratefully at his little sister. "Charlotte, you were sent by the Goddess herself today. How could I ever repay you for your help?"

She smiled. "Think nothing of it," she chirped. "I'm happy you entrusted her to me."

"Thank you for everything, Your Highness," I said earnestly, drawing her attention back to me. If it hadn't been for her intervention, I would have made a fool of myself in every possible way. I had no idea how, but I owed her greatly for what she did. "What did I say about the formalities?" she pressed, wrinkling her nose." There is no need for any of that. If you need me, I'm here."