The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7 At the Threshold of the Royal Court

King Ryken’s POV;

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Inside the quiet study of the Moon Goddess Temple, I gently set aside the animal–hide scroll I’d been reading. Rubbing my temples, I tried to ease the growing tension coiling in my mind.

Outside the window, the last rays of the sun pained the distant snowy peaks with a warm, golden light.

“Your Majesty, Benjamin’s daughter, Cindy, has been waiting in the antechamber all day,” Morton Burrows, my assistant, said as he entered, handing me a steaming cup of coffee.

He had been by my side for centuries, my most trusted advisor and friend.

I lifted the cup and took a slow sip but stayed silent for a moment.

Cindy. Benjamin’s daughter.

The Silverpeak Pack Alpha had fought fiercely, burning bright like a wildfire on the battlefield at Northmere, but ultimately falling alongside the vampire dukes. The image was still sharp in my mind.

“Ryken, my daughter was born with pure Alpha blood, and her wolf spirit, Diana, is strong but stubborn as hell,” Benjamin’s hearty laugh echoed in my memory. “When she comes to the Royal Court, please keep an eye on her for me.”

But her visit now was giving me a headache.

“Morton, do you think I should’ve denied James request back then?” I asked quietly.

Morton paused, thinking carefully before replying, “Your Majesty, James, the Duskfang Pack’s Alpha, acted poorly, yes. However, his military victories earned him the council’s blessing to marry Evelyn, the Royal Court’s Gamma, who is set to be his new Luna. The council believes Evelyn will strengthen the Duskfang Pack and help defend Northmere.”

I nodded slowly.

The council’s ruling reflected the packs‘ collective will, and as King, I couldn’t just overturn their judgment without compelling cause.

If I made an exception for Cindy, what would stop the others from demanding the same? The rules had to stay firm.

“So you won’t see her?” Morton asked.

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Chapter 7 At the Threshold of the Royal Court

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I sighed, watching the sun sink below the horizon. “Benjamin spilled his blood for this Court. How could I refuse his daughter? It’s just… complicated.”

Morton stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Your Majesty, do you remember? When the defense of Northmere was about to fall apart, Benjamin led Silverpeak Pack’s elite warriors north without orders and held the line for three lays, buying time for the Royal Court’s forces to regroup, Without him, the vampires would have broken through, causing untold devastation. He wasn’t just a hero of the Courte was your old friend. And the thing he cared for most was his daughter”

The phrase “old friend” hit me hard, like a blow to the chest,

I had fought alongside Benjamin and shared drinks beneath the moon with him–we were brothers in every sense.

His trust still echoed deep inside me.

I closed my eyes, seeing Benjamin’s bold laugh and the soft way he talked about his daughter filling my thoughts.

When I opened them, my decision was clear.

“Morton, bring Cindy to the Moon Goddess Temple in 15 minutes,” I said steadily, voice firm and final. “The Royal Court’s rules must be respected, but I owe an old friend’s daughter the chance to speak her mind.”

At the very least, I needed to hear what this girl had to say.

“Your Majesty, you’re so wise!”