Chapter 95
Augustin’s POV
fun and I moved through the crowd of well–wishers. Our engagement celebration was everything I had hoped for a display of power fitting the Alpha King and his future Luna Queen. The way guests looked at Juno with admiration, envy, and yes, desire, filled me with primal pride. She was mine, and everyone knew it.
I watched her smile and engage with the aristocracy of Clifflands with perfect poise. Her red hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of fire, complementing the emerald green silk dress that hugged her curves. The scent of hers mixed with me, marking her as mine in the most fundamental way.
My chest swelled with pride. Just months ago, she had arrived as a bute from Forestvale, and now she stood as my equal, my chosen. She had awakened feelings I thought had died when Cassandra betrayed me, and other emotions I never knew existed.
She’s perfect, Fenris growled in approval within my mind. My wolf rarely voiced opinions on my romantic affairs, but with Juno, he was uncharacteristically vocal.
“Your future Luna Queen has quite charmed the court,” my mother said, appearing at my side. Her eyes studied Juno with what appeared to be genuine approval.
“She has,” I agreed, unable to keep the satisfaction from my voice. “I’m pleased to see you two getting along.”
Mother’s lips curved into a small smile. “She’s more suitable than I expected. Strong–willed, but respectful of tradition. Unlike your
brother’s choices.”
“You were skeptical at first,” I reminded her.
Mother sighed, her gaze following Juno as she gracefully moved between conversation circles. “Can you blame me? A tribute from Forestvale, with no noble lineage to speak of. But I see now what drew you to her. She has a natural strength, something that can’t be taught in finishing schools or learned from etiquette books.”
“She survived Matthew’s betrayal and still maintained her dignity,” I said. “That alone speaks volumes of her character.”
“Yes,” Mother agreed, surprising me with her candor. “And she handles the court politics with remarkable ease for someone who’s been here such a short time.”
I followed her gaze to where Evanth stood with his latest conquest – some nobleman’s daughter whose name I couldn’t recall. What caught my attention, however, was the way his eyes kept drifting to Juno, lingering too long on the curve of her hips, the smooth skin of her shoulders.
A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop it. This was the third time tonight I’d caught him looking at her that way.
“Excuse me, Mother,” I said, moving across the room with purposeful strides.
Evanth stiffened as I approached, his gaze quickly shifting away from Juno.
“Brother,” I said. “I suggest you find something else to fixate on. My patience has its limits.”
“I was merely admiring your taste,” he replied with a smirk that made me want to rip out his throat. “She’s quite the trophy.”
“She’s my future Luna,” I corrected sharply. “And you’d do well to remember that.”
Evanth’s eyes narrowed, “Always so possessive, Augustin. Some things never change.”
1/3
Chapter 95
“Some things shouldn’t need to be explained, I growled. She’s mine My chosen. My mate,
Relax, brother,” he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. I well aware of your claim. I just find it… interesting… how quickly you’ve fallen for this Forestvale tribute. Especially after sweding you’d never trust another woman after Cassandra?
I stepped closer. “Don’t speak of matters you don’t understand, Evan Juno is nothing like Cassandra. And if I ever catch your eyes wandering toward her again, we’ll settle this the old way.”
“Threatening violence at your own engagement party?” He chuckled, though I could smell the hint of fear beneath his bravado,
“This is your only warning.”
The orchestra began a new song, saving Evanth from further warning. I turned to see Mother waiting expectantly near the dance floor, and Juno suggested I ask her to dance, so I went ahead and hit the floor with her.
“Thank you,” Mother said as we moved through the steps of the formal waltz. This is usually Evanth’s duty, but he seems… distracted tonight.”
“He’s a fool,” I replied simply.
“Perhaps, she agreed. “But he’s still your brother.”
“Blood doesn’t excuse disrespect,” I said, but I let the matter drop as we continued to dance.
“You two were so close as children,” Mother mused after a moment, her eyes distant with memory. “Always competing, always challenging each other, but there was love there.”
“That was before he decided he deserved my position,” I replied. Fennis rumbled in agreement within me.
“He’s the eldest,” Mother said softly. “It’s natural for him to feel…”
“Cheated?” I finished for her. “The Alpha gene doesn’t care about birth order, Mother. You know that better than most.”
Her grip on my hand tightened slightly. “Don’t be cruel, Augustin. Its not easy watching your firstborn struggle with a destiny he
wasn’t given.”
“And it’s not easy watching him undermine me at every turn,” I countered. “Or eye my future Luna like she’s his for the taking
Mother’s expression softened. “He’s lost, Augustin. Perhaps after your wedding, when things are settled… you could reach out to him. Find him a purpose within your administration.”
I sighed, some of my anger draining away. “I’ll consider it. But only if his behavior improves.”
Throughout the evening, countless guests offered congratulations and blessings, many mentioning hopes for children. Each such wish sent a pang of longing through me. I found myself envying Adryx, who stood proudly beside Freya, his hand occasionally drifting to her still–flat stomach where their child grew.
I wanted that with Juno. Wanted to see her round with my child, to expand our bond into a family. But I wouldn’t pressure her. We had time, and it would happen naturally.
“Congratulations, Alpha King, Sebastian Holbrooke said, approaching with a glass of champagne. The young head of the Elder Council bowed respectfully before turning to Juno with admiration in his eyes. “And to you, soon–to–be Luna Queen.”
Juno smiled graciously. “Thank you.”
Watching the interactions, seeing how most had accepted Juno despite her origins, I knew without doubt I had chosen the right
2/3
Chapter 95
Luna for Climands.
As the celebration wound down and guests began to depart, Juno’s exhaustion became evident in the slight droop of her shoulders and the way she leaned into me when no one was watching.
Let’s retire, I murmured against her eat, inhaling her sweet scent. You need rest:”
Het answering smile was tired but genuine as we made our way back to our chambers.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
