Chapter 3
The Lycan Queen’s attendant led me straight to her chambers, his footsteps silent against the polished marble floors. “Luna Eleanora, you’ve arrived at the perfect time,” he said, his voice deferential. “Her Majesty is in high spirits today and has just invited the Lycan King to join her for the Marking Ceremony.”
I nodded in gratitude and stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of blooming moonflowers, their silvery petals casting a soft glow in the dimly lit room. The Lycan Queen, Camila Martinez, smiled warmly as she extended her hand toward me. “Eleanora, my dear,” she said, her voice smooth and reassuring. “I was just telling the Lycan King how admirable you are, how selflessly you’ve accepted Aidan as your own. It’s no wonder my son, Alpha Julien, has cherished you all these years.”
I stepped back and bowed deeply, my posture respectful yet dignified. “Your Majesty is too kind,” I said, my voice steady. “I’ve come today to seek a favor from the Lycan King.”
The Queen’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, while the King, Dillon Salazar, regarded me with a neutral expression.
“I wish to request that Alpha Julien take Frances Medina as his chosen mate,” I said, my words measured. “Her family has served the Lycan Kingdom with honor, and this union would provide her with stability. It would also allow Aidan to grow up alongside his biological mother. A win-win situation, I believe.”
The Queen’s smile widened, and she clapped her hands softly. “How generous of you, Eleanora. Truly, you are a blessing to my son.”
But the Lycan King’s brow furrowed, his Alpha aura filling the room with an undercurrent of tension. “Alpha Julien swore an oath to take only you as his mate,” he said, his tone sharp. “Has he already forgotten his vow?”
I lowered my gaze, my voice softening. “Please don’t blame him, Your Majesty. After losing my daughters, I’m no longer able to bear children. My health has suffered, and I fear I cannot fulfill my role as Luna the way the pack deserves. I beg you to consider my father’s service to the kingdom and grant this request.”
The King’s expression remained unreadable, but he nodded curtly. “Very well. I will issue the decree.”
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When I returned to the Silver Crescent Pack’s estate, I carried the decree with me, its weight heavy in my hands. I made my way to Frances’s quarters, knowing Julien would be there. As I approached the door, I heard the shattering of glass and Julien’s voice, low and furious.
“I’ve told you, no one will ever replace Eleanora’s place as Luna!”
“Alpha Julien, I’m not asking to take her place,” Frances replied, her voice trembling. “I only wish to be your chosen mate. And besides, I’m already carrying your child—a month along now.”
“Get rid of it!” Julien roared, his Alpha tone cutting through the air. “From this day forward, I will not tolerate anything that causes Eleanora pain.”
My hand froze on the door handle, my breath catching in my throat. Was this love or cruelty? If he loved me, why had he taken my daughters from me? If he loved me, why had he hidden Aidan’s existence for five years? And if he loved me, what was this child Frances carried—conceived while I was drowning in grief?
I steeled myself, pushing the door open with a firm hand. “Alpha Julien,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “The decree has arrived. Frances will join you as your chosen mate in ten days.”
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