Chapter 105
Juno’s POV
I stood outside Luna Amelia’s door, heart pounding. This conversation wouldn’t be easy, but it was necessary. I knocked firmly.
“Come in,” came her muffled voice.
I pushed the door open to find Augustin’s mother sitting in an elegant armchair by the window, a book open in her lap. She looked up, her expression revealing no surprise.
“Juno. I’ve been expecting you to visit.” She closed her book. “How was the party?”
I decided directness was best. “It was fine until your oldest son bumiliated Augustin this morning.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. That’s rather blunt.”
“I don’t see the point in pretending.” I remained standing, unwilling to get comfortable. “How close is Evanth to Quentor?”
“Why do you ask?” Amelia’s tone remained neutral, but her fingers tightened on the book.
“I find it interesting that Evanth always seems to help Quentor against Augustin. Today, in front of Clifflands‘ elite, he accused his own brother of raising taxes on the poor and sending troops to attack those who couldn’t pay.”
Amelia’s expression flickered. “That doesn’t sound like-”
“Why would anyone do that to their blood?” I interrupted. “If Augustin falls, the entire Levenston family loses power. Surely Evanth understands that?”
Silence stretched between us.
“Let me be clear,” I said, “I know he’s your son. I know he’s only here because of you. But I won’t tolerate anyone hurting Augustin’s reputation. If I find evidence that Evanth framed Augustin, I will definitely take action and make him pay the price. I am not only Augustin’s wife in the future, but I will also be the Luna Queen here. You know I can keep my word.”
Tears welled in Amelia’s eyes. “You truly love Augustin, don’t you?”
The question caught me off guard. “Yes. I do.”
“Thank you for that.” She wiped at her eyes. “I’ll speak with Evanth. But please, don’t write him off completely. He was his father’s favorite, and Quentor was Nathanael’s friend. They both resent that Augustin hasn’t avenged his father’s death.
And so am I.”
I shook my head firmly. “That’s not an excuse for what he did this morning. He shouldn’t stand with outsiders against his
brother.”
Amelia nodded slowly. “What do you want from me?”
“There’s a council questioning tomorrow. Keep Evanth away. His presence will only complicate matters,”
She studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “I’ll do what I can.”
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Thank you.” I turned to leave, then paused. For what it’s worth I think Augustin is a better king than his father ever
was
I saw her flinch at my words, but she recovered quickly. “Would you like a drink before you go?”
“No, thank you. I have other matters to attend to.”
As I reached the door, Amelia caught my hand. Her eyes held a complex mixture of emotions, gratitude, awe, and a plea for forgiveness. I noticed photographs in the corner of the room showing her with Nathanael and a young Evanth, reminding me of the complicated family ties behind her actions.
I squeezed her hand once before leaving, my mind already turning to my next steps.
Walking along the manor’s corridors, I considered what Amelia ad revealed about Nathanael’s friendship with Quentor. Could that connection be relevant to current events? I passed an open window and noticed guards changing shifts outside, remembering Augustin’s concerns about a potential mole within the manor.
I paused at a quiet corner, watching the sunset illuminate Clifflands‘ snow–capped mountains. The beauty contrasted sharply with the ugliness of the political machinations surrounding us. As future Luna Queen, I realized I had a responsibility not just to Augustin but to all of Clifflands.
Before returning to our bedroom, I made a brief visit to the manor’s archives, hoping to find more information about Levenston family history and Clifflands politics. The archivist informed me that certain documents required the Luna Queen’s clearance to access–a limitation I noted for future reference.
This conversation and subsequent reflection had strengthened my resolve to protect Augustin and uncover the truth, no
matter the cost.
When I returned to our bedroom, Augustin was lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He sat up when I entered, offering,
a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“You’re worried,” I said, sitting beside him.
“It shows?”
“To me, it does.” I took his hand. “Tell me how serious tomorrow’s questioning really is.”
He sighed, shoulders sagging slightly. “If I fail tomorrow, Evanth gets what he wants. I’ll be forced to step down.”
My heart lurched. “What? Just like that?”
“It’s complicated, but essentially, yes. Bryloch and Adryx have already told me they’ll stand with me, whatever happens.”
“What exactly are we facing?” I pressed. “What evidence do they have?”
“That’s what worries me. I don’t know.” Frustration edged his voice. “I don’t know what they have, who might be plotting against me, or from which angle they’ll attack.”
I cupped his face in my hands. “Listen to me. You need to stay calm. You’re innocent in this, and we will find who’s really responsible.”
He leaned into my touch. “Your confidence is reassuring.”
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“It’s not confidence. It’s certainty.” I kissed him softly. “We’ll face this together.
Subsequently, to help Augustin relax, I took the initiative to remove my robe and invited him to join me in enjoying sex together. Before falling asleep, he finally appeared less troubled
Next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, waking us from our entwined sleep. We showered together, and kisses. Afterward, Augustin seemed calmer, more centered.
We dressed formally. Augustin in dark attire that emphasized his status, me in an elegant outfit that balanced grace with authority. I hoped Amelia had kept her promise to keep Evanthaway from the hearing. Without him, Quentor would lose a crucial ally in the council.
We met Bryloch and Adryx in the front courtyard. All four of us wore serious expressions, but there was determination in our stance. Bryloch’s car led the way, with our car following and Adryx bringing up the rear as we headed toward the
council hall.
Through the window, I observed Clifflands‘ landscape and its people, silently vowing to be a Luna Queen worthy of their respect. I knew that only Evanth could truly challenge Augustin without him present, the questioning would be more straightforward. According to protocol, this type of questioning could only happen once and today’s outcome would be
final.
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