Juno’s POV
Scarlett’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Oh my goddess, she’s been acting so weird! Following Evanth around like a lovesick puppy, being nice to everyone… it disturbing. Yesterday she actually offered to get me coffee. Elowen! Getting someone else coffee! I nearly fell over.”
I smirked. “I think that has something to do with Ruby’s arrival.”
Scarlett’s mouth formed a perfect O before she burst out laughing. Of course! Against gorgeous Ruby, Elowen doesn’t stand a chance. Ruby’s all fresh and sweet and perky, and Elowen’s just… well, Elowen.“
‘Exactly. She’s trying to stake her claim on Evanth before Ruby can steal him away.”
“Too late for that,” Scarlett giggled. “You should have seen her at breakfast yesterday, bringing Evanth food, trying not to piss anyone off. But obviously, Luna Amelia prefers Ruby. She’s actively trying to match Ruby with Evanth, and even invited Ruby to stay with us during breakfast.
And Evanth? How did he react?”
“He welcomed Ruby, even smiled at her. I’ve never seen him smile at Elowen like that. It was a real smile, Juno, with actual teeth showing. I think Elowen nearly swallowed her tongue.”
We both dissolved into laughter. I couldn’t help feeling a bit of schadenfreude at Elowen’s predicament, especially after she’d encouraged Cassandra to pursue Augustin.
We decided to eat in the kitchen since everyone else had already had breakfast. Freya and Ruby joined us, and I was pleased to see Freya looking radiant, her pregnancy giving her a beautiful glow.
While we ate, I linked Augustin.
Where are you? I asked.
Emergency video conference, he replied, his mental voice tense.
Is everything okay?
Not really, but we’re handling it. Bryloch and Adryx are with me.
I want to join you.
We’re almost done. I’ll tell you everything before we leave for the matches.
I tried not to worry, following my own advice to Scarlett about not stressing over things beyond my control.
So, Ruby,” I said aloud, “are you staying with us now?”
Ruby nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Luna Amelia invited me to stay and keep her company.”
“Keep her company, or keep Evanth company?” Freya teased, making Ruby blush deeper.
‘He is quite handsome,” Ruby admitted shyly. “And he’s been so kind to me. Not at all what I expected from the Alpha King’s brother.”
“And what about the Venom Lady?” 1 asked, using our nickname for Elowen.
Ruby rolled her eyes. “She won’t leave him alone for a second. It’s annoying. Every time he starts talking to me, she suddenly appears with some urgent matter that requires his attention. Yesterday/she interrupted us three times in ten minutes.”
“Evanth isn’t a baby,” 1 pointed out. “If he doesn’t want her around, he should deal with it himself. The fact that he doesnt send her away might tell you something.
Cha
*Or it might just mean he’s too polite, Scarlett countered. And if he likes you, the added to Ruby, “he’ll make a move. Men like Evinin they want.
Augustin was determined from day one,” I said with a smile. “He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.
And Adryx was patient until I was ready,” Freya finished. “He gave me space but made his intentions clear.”
Scarlett leaned toward Ruby. “Follow your heart, honey. Some men need a little push in the right direction. If you like him, show him. Life’s too short to wait around for men to figure out what they want.”
Just then, Elowen walked into the kitchen holding a glass of water. She nodded. we all burst into laughter.
politely to everyone except Ruby, then quickly left. As soon as she was gone,
“If she has to work that hard to keep Evanth,” I thought to myself, “she’s already lost the battle.”
I couldn’t imagine feeling threatened if Augustin were in a room with
Juno, Augustin’s voice suddenly filled my mind, urgent and strained.
I immediately tensed. Yes?
Where are you?
woman. I knew without a doubt that he loved only me.
Chapter Commen
