When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 What They See

[KNOX]

I don’t even make it halfway back to my chamber before Iver finds me.

“Your Highness,” he says carefully, falling into step beside me. “Are you alright?”

Gintbed

I nod without really thinking about it, my pace never slowing. My heart is still racing, my head is still full.. and I don’t have the space to sort through any of it.

“The King has summoned you,” Iver adds. “In the Sunward Gallery.”

I don’t respond, only change direction. I hear Iver hesitate behind me, then follow.

The Sunward Gallery is quiet at this hour, the tall windows letting in pale daylight, the long curtains drawn just enough. But when I step inside, my father isn’t there. Instead, my grandmother rises slowly from her chair, a warm smile spreading across her face.

“Knox,” she says.

The smile fades almost immediately. She studies me more closely, her sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re late,” she says gently. “We were meant to have breakfast together.”

I exhale. “It seems like you already know why.”

She hums. “I am old,” she says lightly. “But I’m not weak, Your Highness. I do miss things now, though. I used to catch everything at a single glance.” Her gaze sharpens. “I didn’t recognize her at first but I should have. She was in the temple. She gave me her ceremonial cloak.” She pauses. “Perhaps I would have realized sooner if she hadn’t been wearing a false one.”

I stay silent.

“You went to see her,” my grandmother continues. “She was injured? Seraphel told me.”

My jaw tightens. I understand that Seraphel felt the need to inform my father, but why did she have to tell grandmother too?

‘You care for her,” my grandmother says suddenly.

[ look up, startled. “What led you to that conclusion? She’s a guest in the palace,” I add quickly. “Here for the ascension. Is it wrong to look after a guest?”

She smiles, slow and knowing. “No. But you’re disinterested in every other guest. And you only look after

her.”

I shake my head. “That’s not true.”

“You are getting closer to her every day,” she says calmly. “Do you know what people are saying?

“What did you do at the Bestowal of Fortune?” she presses. “You gave her the chance to tie the moonchord around your wrist. That should have been my right. Or Aria’s.” She tilts her head. “What are you thinking,

):51 am

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Chapter 74 What They See

my dear grandson?”

I swallow.

“Do you want her?” she asks plainly, not trying to indulge in unnecessary quizzing first.

The question shocks me, making my jaw fall open.

Finished.

“I have heard enough,” she continues, not waiting for my answer. “I have asked enough. What I told you that night at the temple was true. She doesn’t like her husband. And he doesn’t want her. He treats her as worthless because she has no wolf.” She leans forward slightly. “Do you want her? Because if you do, that would make me very happy. I told you she was perfect for you when I had only met her once. I can ask her, you know? I can find out whether she would want to be separated from him.”

“No,” I cut in sharply. “Are you even listening to yourself right now? Xena is not–I don’t want her in that way. Or any way. She protected the pup. That’s all.”

But even as I say it, I feel unsteady, like something fragile has been exposed. Whatever this was with Xena, whatever I thought I was keeping contained, it no longer feels private. And it unsettles me more than I want to admit.

Before I can say anything else, the doors swing open, and my father storms in.

“I heard what happened last night,” Zephyr snaps. “I heard how you carried that worthless bitch through the palace in your arms.”

My fists clench at my sides. “There’s no need to call her that,” I say tightly. “She’s done nothing wrong.”

“I told you to stop giving her attention,” he roars. “I told you to stop this proximity you insist on maintaining. You should be nowhere near her.” He steps closer. “You should be spending time with her sister.

“Is this meant to infuriate me?” he continues. “Because let me remind you, it was you who decided to marry the first woman who entered the chamber. Fortunately for this realm, it happened to be a woman of power. Moon–blessed. Perfect for you.” His voice drips with satisfaction. “If I had been choosing, I would have picked her anyway.”

I say nothing. My silence only fuels him.

“I want this to stop, Knox,” he snaps. “I want you to stop visiting her. I want to stop hearing about you carrying her through the castle and lingering in her chamber. I don’t want Seraphel coming to me again with complaints of your indecency.”

“Yes, Father,” I say.

He turns to leave, then pauses. “Mother,” he says sharply, “get this boy’s mind straight. Remind him who he is. What position he holds.” His voice drops, venomous. “Sometimes I wish I had another heir. I wish I had a bastard in his place.”

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