The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118 Honor and Humiliation

Chapter 118 Honor and Humiliation

Cindy’s POV:

The main gates of the Royal Court stood wide open.

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These gates opened only when the king himself arrived or when heroes worthy of history were welcomed home.

A red carpet stretched across the ground, all the way to the grand hall of the palace.

Royal guards lined both sides. Behind them stood the people of the city, filling the square.

Prince Adam and I dismounted, but we did not enter right away.

I reached back and took down the two scrolls from my saddle. I opened them carefully and raised them high above my head.

Prince Adam stood beside me in silence, holding one corner of the paintings with both hands.

“Dad, brothers. We’re home.”

I called out loudly. My voice choked with tears.

The entire square fell silent.

The people stared at the portraits. They recognized the familiar faces, the old hero who had protected the kingdom for decades. Many quietly wiped their eyes.

“Eternal glory to the Silverpeak Pack’s Alpha! Eternal glory to the Silverpeak Pack!”

Someone shouted first. Then the cry spread like thunder, rolling across the square.

Amid the deafening cheers, I held my father’s and brother’s portraits and walked, step by step, through the gate that stood for the highest honor in the realm.

In the palace plaza, King Ryken had already come down the steps himself.

He looked at me, his cloudy eyes shining with emotion.

“Sweet child! You’re such a lovely child.” King Ryken steadied me before I could pay my respects. His hands trembled. “You’re just like your old man. No, better, You’d accomplished even more than him.”

He turned to the nobles and to all the wolves of the realm.

“Cindy Spencer, for quelling the Southreach rebellion and rendering great service to the kingdom, I hereby grant you the title Duchess Protector of the Realm,” he proclaimed. “You are awarded the Goldfang Medal and the honor of a royal procession through the city!”

A royal procession!

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Chapter 118 Honor and Humiliation

It was an honor even princes did not always receive.

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It meant Prince Adam and I would ride together in King Ryken’s carriage and accept the salute of the entire city.

The carriage began to move.

I sat high above the crowd and looked down.

I saw James. He stood at the very end of the line, small and insignificant, like a speck of dust.

At that moment, the last trace of attachment in my heart faded away.

The gap between us was a world away.

The victory banquet at the palace was lavish beyond measure.

The grand hall shone like daylight under glowing pearls. Fine wine and delicious dishes flowed without end.

I sat at King Ryken’s right, with Prince Adam beside me.

In front of me were piles of gifts from the Lunas and noble ladies of every pack. My ears were filled with praise and flattery.

“Your Grace, you’re a true heroine! This toast is to your strength and loyalty!”

“The kingdom is blessed to have you!”

I smiled politely and returned each toast.

I disliked gatherings like this, but for the future of my pack, I had to play my part.

As my gaze drifted, I spotted James in a shadowed corner.

He had earned no merit this time, only blame. Still, as Alpha of the Duskfang Pack, King Ryken granted him a seat at the very end to show mercy.

He sat alone in the dark. The wine jug before him was already empty.

He looked at me with hollow eyes, as if the distance between us were not a few tables but an unbridgeable

chasm.

After several rounds of drinks, the mood grew lively.

Military instructor Gaylord Camden, red-faced and unsteady, staggered to his feet.

He was known for speaking his mind and for supporting my policy of sparing prisoners.

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Chapter 118 Honor and Humiliation

Holding his wine glass, he did not walk toward me. Instead, he stumbled straight toward James.

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“D-Duskfang Alpha!” Gaylord slurred loudly, loud enough for the whole hall to hear. “You’re here too?”

The music softened at once. Every eye turned toward them.

James stood up awkwardly. “Count Camden.”

“Alpha Nolan,” Gaylord said, pointing first at me on the dais, then at James. “Look! That’s the Duchess of Silverpeak! The jewel of our kingdom! And back then… back then, she was your Luna! Your destined mate!”

James’s face flushed deep red. He looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him.

“Count Camden, you’ve had too much to drink.” Someone tried to pull him back.

“I’m not drunk!” Gaylord shoved the person away and leaned close to James. His tone was painfully sincere. “Alpha Nolan, I just want to ask you one thing. When you look at the Duchess now-so honored, so glorious-and then think about your Luna at home, still recovering, do you regret it? Huh? Do your guts twist with regret?”

“Hahaha-”

Someone laughed before they could stop themselves.

Then the hall filled with suppressed chuckles, sharp and mocking.

James froze in place. His fingers clenched around the wine glass until his knuckles turned white.

He opened his mouth, as if to argue, as if to defend the last shred of dignity he had left. But when he met my calm, distant gaze, no words came out.

He tilted his head back and drained the bitter wine in one gulp. Then he bowed deeply to King Ryken. “Your Majesty, I cannot hold my liquor. I ask to take my leave.”

With that, he fled the hall in disgrace, his retreating figure panicked and pitiful.

I watched him go. My heart felt nothing at all.

This humiliation was one he had earned himself.

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