The Hidden Luna Queen 2

Maeve POV

The moment First Alpha Prince Henry and I locked eyes in the Great Hall of the palace, my body went still, struck by both awe and intimidation.

As the esteemed firstborn of the royal alpha bloodline, he was one of the most impressive and influential men in the entire Werewolf Kingdom, and he looked very much the part. Dressed in lavish clothes befitting a prince and radiating magnificent confidence almost rivaling that of Xaden, it was clear all he lived and breathed was wealth and power.

Part of me worried that if I breathed out of turn or moved the slightest inch to the side, he would somehow find fault with it.

I feared him almost as much as I did the Alpha King himself.

"Henry," Lucas murmured, bowing his head curtly but courteously in the presence of his eldest brother. The wariness that crept into his voice, however, did not slip past me. "What gives us the pleasure of your company?"

"Oh, come now, little brother," Henry scoffed, playfully swatting Lucas on his broad shoulder. "Can't a man walk around his own home without being questioned?" he teased with a smile.

Lucas responded stiffly. "Of course he can."

All of a sudden, Henry's gaze flitted over to me, and I froze. "I recognize this little face," he said, raking me over as if to inspect me. "How nice to see you again."

Nervous, I stepped back and curtseyed as best I could. "Y-Your Highness."

"Where's Xaden?" he asked, glancing around. "I'm surprised he's not here threatening to feed me to the wolves for even trying to speak to you."

That comment struck me as odd. Why would Xaden do that to his own brother? He was protective, yes... but always within reason. Was Henry someone I had to watch my back around or was it merely said in jest? "I... came here without him. The Luna Queen invited me."

"Really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, you surely seem to be making yourself at home quite well."

The remark seemed innocent enough at face value, but I could sense some bite hidden within. It was a warning to me, as a newcomer, to be careful with respecting boundaries. I did not need him to tell me that... I was already well aware this was not my territory. I smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

Lucas stepped in. "She's going to be part of the family now, Henry," he said sternly. "She can come and go if she pleases."

"Honestly!" Henry exclaimed, as if offended that his words had been taken as anything but welcoming. "I wouldn't even think of suggesting otherwise. To access the complete chapters for free, visit J (o) b nib.com. It's just not very often someone new joins the royal family. And what a welcome addition she is."

I dipped my head. "Thank you, sire."

"I'd love to get to know my new sister better if time allows it."

"Of course," I began to say out of courtesy. "When would-"

"How long have you known my brother?" he questioned, startling me.

I blushed, feeling uncomfortable. The truth, although accepted by Xaden and I, was a bit embarrassing to admit to outsiders who wouldn't understand the circumstances of our peculiar involvement. "I-ah...”

"Sorry to badger," Henry said with a sly, unapologetic grin. "I'm just a hopeless romantic at heart, if you can believe that or not-"

"I thought you had business with Eric," Lucas cut him off, loud and intentional, a firm reminder to the both of us that we were not alone, which made me so grateful for his presence. I felt like I could breathe again. "What happened with that?"

Henry's face suddenly twisted with distaste, something that instantly deepened Lucas's frown. "Indeed, I did... but one can only handle so much of him at once,” he said before peering at me. “Let us hope you are spared from ever having to meet him.” I couldn't help but feel uneasy over that bizarre exchange. Eric's was a name I'd only heard of in passing conversation, but regardless, a name I knew. He was the ever-elusive Second Alpha Prince of the Werewolf Kingdom, born some years after Henry and only shortly before Xaden.

But that was all I knew. Hardly anyone spoke a thing about him.

What did Henry mean when he said that? Was Eric somebody else I should avoid?

"Besides," he continued, the corners of his lips turning up ever so slightly, "I'd much rather chat with you two."