When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 50

Chapter 50 Favored

[XENA]

My mouth dries instantly.

“Just me?” I ask, the words slipping out before I can stop them. “Why?”

Iver’s throat works subtly before he answers, his tone still formal and careful. “You’re a special guest of the Prince now. You must understand that. You took care of the wolf.”

I shake my head, a dull pressure building behind my eyes. “But why all this? It feels… excessive.”

He pauses, just long enough for my stomach to tighten. “So you’re refusing the Prince’s offering?”

There’s a frown on his face that tells me this is not going well.

“No,” I say quickly, vehemently, shaking my head. The image flashes unbidden–Knox’s gaze, the weight of his authority, the quiet power he carries. He can grant me separation. “I’m not refusing. I just… I feel undeserving. I didn’t do much.”

Iver studies me for a moment, then nods slowly. “You don’t realize how much you did.”

I don’t understand that, but I don’t argue with it. I can feel the ground shifting under my feet, and I know better than to dig my heels in now.

“When do I have to move?” I ask instead.

“Preferably now,” he replies. “You’ll sleep better. The softest beds in the palace.”

A breath leaves me. I glance back at the room behind me. “I don’t have much.”

“We’ll have it moved,” he says. “Just follow me.”

He doesn’t wait for my answer. He turns and starts walking, long strides that force me to hurry.

“Can I-” I say, then raise my voice slightly to keep pace. “Can I take my healer with me? Astrid. She gives me my medicine every day.”

I notice, then, what I don’t ask for. I don’t mention Mara. Or Oriel. Or Cassian.

“I’m sure the Prince will be generous,” Iver says.

We climb higher, the air changing as we ascend. When he ushers me inside the room, I stop short.

Knox is standing by the open window, the moon heavy and full behind him, silver light outlining his broad silhouette. For a moment, he doesn’t look real. He looks like something carved into the night.

My heart tightens in that familiar, inexplicable way.

He turns, and I drop my gaze at once. “Your Highness,” I say. “Xena.”

He says my name like it belongs to him, and my knees nearly give.

I don’t look up until he’s close–too close–and then I look away again, because my thoughts aren’t cooperating with my body.

The room is… overwhelming. It’s wide and soft and filled with luxurious furniture and painted portraits hang along the walls in a way that makes me feel out of place. I’m about to ask why–why this room, why this treatment–when he gestures past me.

To the cushioned chair–and the small black shape curled there.

“Vera,” I whisper.

The word breaks something open in my chest. She’s already scrambling toward me, paws skidding as she launches herself into my arms. I sink to my knees, laughing softly through sudden tears, pressing my face into her fur.

She’s bigger, heavier, and warmer.

Knox sits beside us a moment later, and I realize without thinking that whatever this conversation is, it’s meant to happen here. On the floor.

“Iver will bring your belongings,” Knox says. “You can inform your family later.”

I nod, barely listening, my hands buried in Vera’s fur.

I nod automatically. “I won’t, Your Highness.” It’s the truth. “Frankly, there isn’t anyone I trust enough to tell. Or care about that much to share my thoughts or secrets with.”

He studies me. “That includes your sister?”

I hesitate, then answer honestly. “Yes.”

He considers that. “I hope I can expect honesty from you.”

Something sinks in my chest at his words.

So this is why. This is why I’m here. He brought me closer because of her.

draw Vera tighter, the warmth against my ribs grounding me as something hollow opens beneath it. What was I expecting? That I was anything more than convenient?

Davina. Of course, it’s Davina.

Does she know? Has she been planning this? And Cassian–what will he do when he finds out that she’s >een wanting to marry the prince all this time?

Knox sighs, pulling me back from the spiral. “You know,” he says quietly, “I wish you had your wolf. Then ‘d know what you’re thinking. Or at least get a hint of it.”

My face heats. I look away. “I’m just… confused.”

That much I can tell,” he says dryly. “Your face gives you away.”

huff out a breath. “I didn’t think Davina would ever participate. She never showed interest.”

He frowns. “Let’s say it’s my fault she has to. She’s bound to the Guild. Two years before I can marry her, right?”

I nod, but inside my thoughts splinter, Is my chance gone? If he wants her–if he favors her–then Davina and Cassian together could make sure I’m never free.

Never.