Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 28 Three months

CA SSANDRA

A lump formed in my throat in response to Asher’s words. What did the Alpha King want to talk to me about?

I forced down my fear and simply nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

I glanced down at Finnick, and my son nodded as well. He took my hand and then I led him over to the meeting area of the study. Finnick sat first, and then I took a seat to the right of him, closer to Asher. Even though I knew nothing bad would happen, I wanted to put myself in a place of protection just in case.

Moments later, a knock was heard at the doors.

“Come in,” Asher called out in a regal tone. The doors opened to reveal a pair of servants holding trays. They quickly hustled over to us, set the trays down on the large ebony coffee table, and then bowed respectfully at Asher.

“Do you require anything else at the moment, Your Majesty?” one of the se rvants, an older red-headed woman asked politely.

Asher shook his head. “Not at the moment. Leave us, please.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the pair replied in unison, and without another word, they crossed to the other side of the chamber and left.

Once the doors were closed, my eyes fell to the trays. They were laden with a beautifully painted teapot, a few cups, and two plates of cookies, some of which I recognized as Finnick’s favorites. Beside me, I heard my son’s stomach rumble. It was around lunchtime, so it wasn’t a surprise that he was hungry.

“Please, help yourself,” Asher addressed him directly. His tone was gentle, and he gave the boy a small smile.

I was surprised by the exchange. Had the pair spoken before this moment? Or was this their first time?

Asher for a moment and then shook his head.

not

and let out an even louder rumble. Asher

in amusement and then leaned

not poisoned, Finnick,” he said, and then his eyes darted to me. “Are

keep from gasping. Heat spread to my cheeks, and my hands began to shake

opened my mouth but no sound could escape. How could

scarlet. He quickly looked away from Asher and focused on the marble

to do with my mommy,” he whispered.

A minute or so passed us by, and Asher spent the entirety of it watching Finnick until

replied. I expected him to push the issue further, but was incredibly relieved when he didn’t. “Now, as I was saying,

and rested his elbows on his legs. The muscles in his arms flexed a little at the motion,

tone grew far more serious than it’d been with Finnick. “It’s

“Yes, Your Majesty.

after I nodded, he continued. “Your research and subsequent treatments must remain completely confidential. You will not be allowed to tell anyone about

would mean to betray the king. I would be confined to prison for the rest of

will appoint you to the position of Private Healer to the King. This will allow you to stay, in the palace and grant you

you, Your Majesty,”

back in his seat and crossed his legs. “You will have three months to find the reason behind my illness. This should be more than enough time to complete

paused as his words sank

Three months?

tendency to cause its victims to

stared right into my very soul, and a thought crossed my mind. He didn’t tell me what would happen after three months. What if I couldn’t find the cause of the disease?