Login via

The Hidden Luna Queen (Maeve and Xaden) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73 

THIRD PERSON POV 

If Royal Beta Samson was taken aback by the question, he showed no sign of it 

Years of serving the Alpha King had enabled him to master his mask of stole neutrality. No matter how wild the reporter’s question might have driven viewers, they would not be able to catch the seasoned beta slip up, under any circumstance

Though, that was not to say he did not get irritated by any bothersome press

Are there any questions that pertain to the border report?he emphasized, ignoring the eager and bold reporter and once again scanning the sea of press in the hopes of receiving a different question to answer 

However, she was steadfast Oh, please, Mister Samson! This is no mere teenage gossip the very legacy of our kingdom is on the line! Everyone wants to know if Prince Xaden has taken a lover amid his campaign for the throne!” 

There are no statements to be made at this time about any alleged mystery woman.Samson enunciated, sounding almost robotic, yet stern as he spoke. If no one else has anything different to contribute, then we shall move on with the briefing.” 

But then another reporter rose to his feet. Royal Beta Samson, why maintain the secrecy surrounding this woman? If she is his Luna, then why will the royal family not make an official announcement?

It was subtle, but a nerve in Samson’s jaw tightened

The press was especially incessant this time, which was not particularly unusual but was always something even the most seasoned of speakers loathed to deal with

Meanwhile, Alpha King Arlan and Luna Queen Leonora watched the press conference from the safety and security of their elaborate viewing room inside the palace. As Samson proceeded in his attempts to control the briefing, a vast array of emotions swept across both of their faces.. 

Leonora, ever the perfect picture of grace and dignity, tried her best to hide her chagrin but was utterly failing. This is a disastershe muttered from behind her hand

Arlan grunted in agreement, crossing his arms over his broad chest. Those vultures they call reporters are relentless. But Samson will not falter to the likes of them. He can hold his own and preserve the sanctity of our household all at once.” 

Leonora shook her head. Im not worried about him,she admitted. Im worried about our son and and Marve.” 

A deep frown settled on his face

As much as he would have liked to reassure her that their son would not do anything foolish, he knew better. Xadenhowever a brilliant force of nature he waswas also capable of being incredibly headstrong and reckless.. if his recent private life was any 

indication

Arlan needed to check in with the boy. The sooner the better

And then, by some stroke of luck, the familiar figure of his third son came into view from the far end of the corridor. Xaden appeared to be distracted, however, wiping his face and forehead with a towel as he kept walking

It seemed he was going to leave without a word

Without a moment to lose, Arlan ruse to his feet. Xadenstop right there,” he demanded, to which his son came to a reluctant stop

The twentythreeyearold was covered from head to toe in a thin layer of sweathaving come from the direction of the palace training room, Arlan realized. As Xaden turned to face the king, dark hair clinging to his wet forehead, his discontent was plain as day

Despite this, he slowly entered the room. Yes, Father?” 

Arlan steadily approached his son, looking stern. I certainly hope you haven’t fallen back on your promise to me.” 

– 

Promise?” 

Yes. About waiting to reveal your mate to the world until after the pup has been bornThe Alpha King raised an eyebrow at his son, whounsurprisinglywas becoming increasingly agitated with every passing second. Need I remind you of the stakes at hand!” 

XADEN POV 

Nonot an answer. That meant I had some sort of say in the matter

No. He waited for my cooperation. An agreement that I would obey him unconditionally, without protest

I let out an exasperated, impatient huff of breath, shoving my dark, sweatsoaked hair out of my face. Those words I’d been hearing too much of over the last few days echoed throughout my mind like a broken record

I was fucking sick of it 

Exactly how many more times would 11 

to be told to keep her a secret

During our impromptu tryst at the banquet, I’d been more than ready to mark Maeve in that hallway right then and there. After that show with Nicholas, when he’d decided to be foolish enough and say such things about Maevemy mate, and the mother of my unborn childin front of me. daring to insinuate that I was too weak to claim her for myself, something in me snapped

That reckless alpha had dared to try to assert himself over me. To take what belonged to me and me alone

My inner wolf was thrashing about and threatening to break free, enraged and determined to make his mark

But when Maeve cut me off, admitting her fears aloud for the first time, I gave her my wholehearted attention. I took in every quiver of her voice, every tremble her body made as she confided in me, and my steeled resolve that had been impenetrable mere moments before had crumbled to pieces. I couldn’t go through with it anymore.. despite how much every fiber of my being yearned to do it

I refused to contribute to or worsen those fears in any way. So when I’d promised her that we would wait, I meant 

And I had absolutely no intention whatsoever of breaking that promise. 

Butohhow it hurt

Every drop of my alpha blood cried out with the primal urge to claim my mate. I needed the entire world to see who she belonged to, that she was mine in every possible way. But I kept myself in check.. for her

I would do anything for 

or her. Anything to see her smile and live her life in peace

My father, on the other hand, never asked for this out of the kindness or purity of his heart

Although he’d promised he would give Maeve a chance, I was fully aware that he was taking advantage of her reserved nature to keep her in the dark as much as possible for his selfish gain. Because of that, I had half a mind to tell him off

But I couldn’t. Not when I promised Marve 

I get it.” I ultimately snapped, ignoring the blatant offense that spread over my father’s face. Anything about Maeve and the baby is to be kept under lock and key. I don’t understand why everyone feels the need to remind me every day.” 

His eyes narrowed. Maybe it’s because everyone knows you so well,” he jabbed not so kindly, making me bristle. Maybe everyone knows just how impulsive and stubborn you get when it comes to things you think you want.” 

My nostrils flared. I didn’t need to take any of this from him. I prepared to square up to him, until 

Xadenplease,” my mother suddenly intervened, making me stall

I was taken aback. She was on his side

Stunned, I turned my attention over to her, where she sat on the lounge. There was a yearning, imploring tinge to her face as she gazed at me, which helped ebb away my growing irritation. She was not one to condescend like my father. If she ever had something to say, it was always in earnest

We’re being serious,she said. Please tell us you have been waiting to share your relationship with Maeve.” 

1 frowned, suddenly becoming heavy with a bad feeling. What’s going on?” 

Father cleared his throat. Perhaps this will be sufficient explanation enough,he muttered, gesturing to the television 

Frowning. I turned my attention toward the television. Onscreen was Royal Beta Samson, who appeared to be in the middle of holding a press conference. Momentarily, I was puzzled. He was quite excellent when it came to addressing and handling the press, so I wasn’t sure why this one was so important

But my confusion was shortlived

Beta Samson, is it true that Prince Xaden’s mystery girl is for hire? Is that why the royal family refuses to acknowledge her?” 

My heart dropped. Whether they knew her name or not, this press conference was about Marve 

Comments

The readers' comments on the novel: The Hidden Luna Queen (Maeve and Xaden)