Second Chance for the Barren Luna (Talia and Jason) novel Chapter 78

Talia’s POV

Jason’s question echoed in my mind: “You… You are the Princess? You’re the Alpha King’s daughter?” I forced myself to keep my expression composed. If I panicked now, everything would fall apart.

“Answer me!” Jason snapped, pulling me out of my thoughts.

The guards looked at me in confusion. They were waiting for me to tell them what to do. I had to think of a way to get out of this situation without revealing to Jason I was the Princess.

One of the guards noticed my discomfort, assessing the situation, and said, “Royal Guest Talia, how can we assist you?”

I straightened my posture against the pillows and narrowed my eyes at the guards. “The Princess left earlier and told you not to let anyone disturb my rest. Are you incapable of following a simple order?”

“We thought you would have wanted to see him,” The guard responded quickly before the others could question why I was acting as if I wasn’t the princess.

“You thought wrong,” I snapped. “All I want is peace and quiet. Is that too much to ask?”

The guards quickly turned their attention to Jason. “Apologies. Alpha Jason, on our Princess’ orders, please leave.”

Jason still looked at me with suspicion. His mouth opened as if he wanted to argue, but one of the guards took a step toward him and cleared his throat.

“Alpha Jason, we have our orders to remove you by any means necessary,” he said firmly. “We do not wish to do that, so we would appreciate your cooperation.”

Jason hesitated. I braced for him to resist, but then he exhaled slowly. “We can continue this conversation another time. You rest, Talia,” he said.

I didn’t respond. I turned my back to him as I slid back down under the blanket. I could hear him exiting the room with the guards following him out, closing the door behind them. When I heard the door close, I released the breath I had been holding and pressed a trembling hand against my chest. That was too close.

If Jason had found out the truth, that I was really the Alpha King’s daughter, he would have marked me. I knew he had no good intentions of being here, and he would have used me to get at my father. I couldn’t let him find out.

Damn it, I wish I was able to mindlink Della.

Jason’s POV

Henry was waiting for me outside of the infirmary. He looked up at me and frowned.

“Did she kick you out? You look terrible,” he said.

“She’s hiding something,” I told him. “Things aren’t adding up.”

“What do you mean?” Henry asked.

“When Talia called for the guards, they came rushing in as if she was royalty. They didn’t hesitate,” I explained.

“I think you may be overthinking it. She is Prince Solon’s girlfriend, and she just collapsed. He may have requested extra security,” Henry suggested.

“No, I think there’s more to it. I just don’t know what,” I pondered.

“Do you want me to watch her to see if I can figure out her secret?” Henry asked.

‘He’s just testing you,’ my wolf reassured me. ‘Stay calm.’

“Understood,” I said carefully. “I will make sure every Alpha attends.”

Nolan nodded and then picked his book back up. He started reading again, making the silence between us awkward.

I cleared my throat, eager to redirect. “Have you seen the Princess?”

That got his attention. He looked up from his book. His eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Why do you care about the Princess?”

“I have not seen her since I arrived in Silverfang,” I said smoothly. “I intend to win the Hunting Rite. Once I do, I will ask the Alpha King to grant her to be my Luna.”

Nolan’s smirk widened. “So, you have given up on Talia.”

“I can’t continue to beg and plead with her. The Princess will be a better option for me,” I explained.

Nolan laughed and then his expression became serious. His voice was cold and absolute as he said, “Do not waste your hopes. She is mine. She is the daughter of my enemy, destined to die by my hand. Do not even think about her.”

Outwardly, I nodded. Inwardly, my blood boiled. This arrogant bastard had some nerve telling me what to do.

It wasn’t up to him whether the Princess lived or died. He wasn’t the Alpha King, and he never would be. The Princess could only be mine.