Chapter 175
Junos POV
I stretched my legs under the table, absently rubbing my growing belly as I looked over the documents in front of me. The past work had been – Unfreed to say the least.
Augustin and I had discovered something major, we’d agreed never to discuss, not even in private.
The change in Amelia had been remarkable. She seemed lighter, happier, like a woman who’d been carrying a boulder for years and suddenly found it lifted from her shoulders. Her smiles came easier now, and the suspicious glances she used to throw my way had all but disappeared.
‘Have you noticed Elowen and Evanth arguing again last night? I asked Scarlett as she joined me for breakfast. “Third time this week,
Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Hard not to notice when they’re shouting in the hallway at two in the morning. What are they even fighting about?”
“Who knows?” I shrugged. “They always make up within the hour. Augustin’s planning to move them to the east wing.”
“Smart move,” Freya said, waddling in with her hand on her own belly. “I need my beauty sleep.”
I watched Evanth across the dining room, deep in conversation with his mother. The man was a mess of contradictions–one minute fighting with his girlfriend, the next fawning over her like a lovesick teenager. I finally understood why Nathanael hadn’t chosen him as his successos: Evanth was ruled by his emotions, with no mind of his own. He wasn’t fit to lead the council, let alone an entire territory.
Quentor had been hovering around Augustin lately, trying to ingratiate himself after years of opposition. The shamelessness of it made me want to gag.
‘Look at him,” I muttered to Freya, nodding toward Quentor who was attempting to engage Augustin in conversation across the room. “Switching sides now that he sees which way the wind is blowing.”
Freya snorted. “Rats always know when to jump ship. No dignity whatsoever.”
Our meals had become more entertaining lately, thanks to Freya’s dramatic readings from Helena’s diary. She’d turn the most scandalous entries into comedy
routines.
“Remember the entry about Helena’s secret rendezvous with that Delta from Emberwood?” Scarlett giggled. “Freya’s impression of Helena’s ‘passionate yearning‘ had me in tears.”
It felt good to see everyone relaxed, even if it was temporary.
‘I still think we should wear purple,” Scarlett insisted, holding up a fabric swatch against the light. “It complements all our skin tones, and it’s the color of royalty.”
“Black and white,” I countered firmly. “It’s classic, elegant, and intimidating. We’ll look like a united front.”
We’d been allowed to participate in golf–the only sport deemed safe enough for our ‘delicate conditions,” as Amelia put it. The three of us were designing uniforms for both the golf and polo teams, and I wasn’t budging on the color scheme.
“What about purple accents on the black and white?” Scarlett tried to compromise.
“Black and white it is,” Freya conceded, rubbing her back. “Seraphine likes it too. Besides, Scarlett, you’ll look stunning in anything.”
Of course I do, my wolf purred in my mind. We look magnificent in black. Powerful. Dominant.
The conversation shifted as Ruby approached our table, her expression concerned.
‘Any news about Eliza?” she asked quietly. “No one’s seen her for days. People are starting to talk.”
I exchanged glances with Scarlett before answering. “She’s being handled appropriately.”
‘Is she okay? Ruby pressed, genuine worry in her eyes.
1/3
Chapter 175
The situation is under control, I said firmly, not giving anything away. That’s all I can say for now.
The truth was more complicated. After thorough searches of all the women in the pack, no evidence had been found linking anyone EXCEPT Collins to the plot. They were now the only suspects, locked away in cells beneath the manor. The plan was to hold a public trial and punishment – competition.
Trust Augustin’s judgment,” I added, softening my tone slightly. “Justice will be served.”
When Ruby left, I turned to Scarlett and Freya. “We’re keeping their detention quiet,” I explained. Augustin wants to draw out whoever’s behind this
“Smart,” Freya nodded. “If they think their pawns are still free, they might make a mistake.”
“Exactly,” I agreed. “And we need to be extra vigilant. The real mastermind could be anyone.”
“No, no, NO!” Saskia Fuller, the event planner, threw her hands up in exasperation. “The color scheme is all wrong! The tablecloths should be midnight blue, not royal blue!
I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to remind her who she was speaking to. The VIP ball preparations were underway, and Saskia clearly had no idea who we
were.
‘I believe midnight blue would clash with the silver accents,” I said calmly. “The royal blue creates a more balanced aesthetic with the centerpieces.”
“And who asked you?” Saskia snapped, barely glancing at me. “This is my event to plan. I’ve been doing this for fifteen years. I think I know what works.”
I felt Scarlett stiffen beside me. Freya’s scent sharpened with anger.
“You should watch your tone,” Freya warned.
‘Or what?” Saskia challenged, looking down her nose at us. “You’re just here to help with the minor details. The important decisions have already been
made.”
I could have linked Augustin and had him put this woman in her place with a single word, but I decided against it. I needed to establish my own authority.
‘Ms. Fuller, I began, but was interrupted by Amelia’s arrival.
‘Ladies,” she greeted us warmly. “What are we discussing so intensely?”
Saskia immediately turned to Amelia with a relieved smile. “Luna Amelia, thank goodness. Perhaps you can explain to these… women… that the color scheme has already been approved by the elder council.”
Amelia’s eyebrows shot up. “These women?” she repeated, her tone dangerously soft.
“Yes,” Saskia continued, oblivious to the warning signs. “They insist on changing everything. The blue tablecloths, the centerpieces… They seem to think they have some authority over the planning process.”
Amelia’s eyes flashed. “Ms. Fuller, do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?”
Saskia blinked, confusion crossing her face. “The… pack/women helping with decorations?”
I almost laughed at the horrified expression that crossed Amelia’s face.
“These are not ‘pack women,” Amelia said ícily. “This is Juno Warden, my son’s fiancée and future Luna Queen of Clifflands. This is Scarlett, Beta Bryloch’s fiancée, and this is Freya, Gamma Adryx’s fiancée, /They are the mates of the three most powerful men in this territory.”
Saskia’s face drained of color. “I… I didn’t…”
“You assumed,” Amelia finished for her. ‘Quife incorrectly. And in doing so, you’ve insulted not only these women but the men who have chosen them. Women who, I might add, could end your career with a single word.”
Saskia dropped to her knees before me, her forehead nearly touching the floor. ‘Luna, please forgive my disrespect. I had no idea, I would never
2/3
Chapter 175
intentionally, please understand, I’ve worked with so many different women over the years-
“Get up,” I said, uncomfortable with the display. “There’s no need for that. Just continue your work with our input in mind.”
She scrambled to her feet, backing away with repeated bows. “Of course, Luna. Anything you wish. The royal blue tablecloths are a wonderful choice, I‘ make the changes immediately.”
After she was gone, Amelia sighed. “I apologize for her behavior. She assumed you were… well…
The Alphas former female companions?” I supplied.
POST COMMENT
Chapter Comments
Visitor
Saskia managed to put her foot in her mouth. It’s a good thing Amelia arrived to save her.
View 1 Comment >
✩ 2
SHARE
