The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 150

Chapter 150 Well Played

Chapter 150 Well Played

Cindy’s POV:

100

+20 Free Coins

The instant I cleared the palace gates, it felt like I’d escaped a scented prison soaked in stale perfume and hollow pleasantries.

The heat outside was harsh and dry, but at least the air was honest.

I was still gripping that absurdly thick list of wedding gifts from Ryken, my thoughts looping back to that sly king’s carefully planted trap.

Every person in that palace schemed like a hive of bees. Dealing with them drained me more than carving through vampires in Southreach nonstop for hours.

“This way.”

A voice I knew well drifted over, low and smooth, edged with huskiness.

I lifted my head and spotted the unmistakable black royal carriage parked in the shade by the road.

And leaning casually against it was the prince who was supposed to be relaxing somewhere cool, coffee in hand, watching me instead.

Prince Adam had changed out of his earlier attire.

The dark blue formal suit from the manor was gone, replaced by a pale gray shirt worn loose at the collar. The sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms dusted in light hair.

The setting sun washed over his golden hair, making him look like an oversized, glowing retriever waiting patiently.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, startled as I hurried over. “Weren’t you supposed to wait at the manor for updates?”

“Couldn’t relax.” Prince Adam straightened and smoothly took both the thick gift list and folder from my hands. “I know my mother. When she loses her temper, I’m usually collateral damage. I was worried you’d get cornered in there. If you hadn’t come out soon, I was ready to storm in and haul you out myself.”

His words sounded half playful, half deadly sincere. Beneath it, I caught that restless edge; an Alpha’s scent when he’s anxious about his mate, like salt air mixed with tobacco.

“Haul me out?” I laughed despite myself. “If I couldn’t deal with your mother, I wouldn’t deserve my title. Relax. Other than her chair and that execution-obsessed servant, everyone survived.”

Prince Adam froze for a second, then laughed low and genuine.

“Well played.” He opened the carriage door for me and lifted a hand to shield my head. “I knew you wouldn’t let anyone bully you. Get in, my fiancée.”

I settled into the back seat, surrounded instantly by his clean, cool scent.

1/3

09:45 Tue, Jan 13

Chapter 150 Well Played

+20 Free Coins

The carriage interior was wide and quiet, leather seats soft under the skin, sealing us off from the blazing streets outside.

A Beta built like a bear occupied the driver’s seat up front.

His uniform strained slightly at the seams, cap tilted off-center, a lifeless toothpick wedged between his teeth.

“Afternoon, Your Grace!” The Beta boomed as he turned around, flashing a grin bright enough to blind. “Or should I say Princess Consort?”

“Drive,” Prince Adam said flatly as he slid in beside me, kicking the back of the driver’s seat. “Less talking.”

“Roger that!” Chase floored it, and the carriage surged forward as if it had been fired from a bow.

We glided down the broad, sunlit avenues of the capital.

I passed the gift list to Prince Adam. “Your father gave this. He said he’s acting as my elder for the wedding. It’s… excessive. There are even mining rights included.”

Prince Adam skimmed through it, lips curling into a faint, sardonic smile.

“He feels guilty,” he said coolly, tossing it aside. “I stepped down from command and gave up succession. In his mind, this is compensation. For the royal family, it’s pocket change. Take it. Never refuse free leverage.”

“He tested me as well.” I looked at him and explained everything Ryken had asked about James and Evelyn, and how I’d answered.

Prince Adam listened without interrupting. His blue eyes stayed locked on mine, and something warm was slowly rising.

“Cindy.”

When I finished, his voice came out rough. “Thank you.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify