Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 54 Banquet

CA SSANDRA

I’d been apprehensive at the idea of attending the banquet that evening, but the king of Yurene had been insistent upon me joining them. I’d provided excuse after excuse, but they did me no good. The man was simply not taking no for an

answer.

So, I thanked him for the invitation and immediately headed back to my room to figure out what I would wear to such an occasion.

Back in Wild Crawler, I’d never attended banquets or fine events. Our lifestyle there was much more rugged and simple, so I didn’t have much in the way of fancy clothing.

Erika seemed surprised when I returned to my chambers and explained the situation to her.

“That’s wonderful that you were invited, Ca ssandra,” she said, and then her eyebrows creased together. “Hmm. I wonder what you will wear…”

“That’s my problem,” I replied, and a lump formed in my throat. “I don’t own anything acceptable enough to attend a banquet.“

Suddenly, the maid’s eyes glimmered and she flashed me an excited smile.

“Hold on,” she said mysteriously. “I have an idea.”

Before I could stop her, she’d snuck out of the room and disappeared for a while. When she returned, she had a dress bag in her hands.

“Let’s get you ready,” she announced.

We spent the rest of the evening primping and prepping me. Erika’s hands were steady and she managed to turn my hair from wild to sleek and shiny. She carefully

curled it so it fell in soft waves to my waist and then secured a section of it with a jeweled comb.

Once my hair was sorted, she helped me apply a touch of makeup. I was a little terrified at first, but Erika was very talented. She lined my eyes lightly with eyeliner and applied a rich black mascara that made my lashes long and lustrous. She also added a touch of cre amy blush that brought color back to my cheeks and a touch of pearlescent shimmer to my eyelids.

The maid finished off the look with a soft lipstick that didn’t make me feel too foolish, and when she held the mirror to my face, a gasp escaped me.

in a way I hadn’t expected, and for the first. time in a long time, I felt lovely.

she led me over to the dress bag and unzipped it to reveal a dress. that made my

dress belonged to Cora,” Erika revealed with a small, sad smile. “I held on to a few of her belongings after she died. This

to fight back tears.

Cora would be happy if she knew you were wearing it,” she continued on, and she forced back a sniffle. “I think the two of you would have been

managed, and I choked back a s ob.

one I’d worn to the ball where I’d found out

was a beautiful thing, a pale silver with a beaded bodice and a flowing skirt that cascaded to the floor like moonlight. It was completely gorgeous, but seeing it filled

Erika didn’t know that, and she sure wasn’t about to find out now. So, I thanked her and swept her into a hug.

I had to keep in mind that I’d had Finnick between then and now and I wasn’t quite the same shape as before. It was a little uncomfortable, but not too much, so I simply

the banquet hall. I’ll keep an eye on Finnick for you this

you,” I said. “Seriously, Erika. This

simply smiled. “Of course, Ca ssandra.”

and made my way down the bustling hall. I wasn’t sure where the banquet was being held so I decided to follow the crowd of people down the stairs. As we descended, I realized where we were

I stepped foot in the formal hall, I forced myself to take a deep breath. Many years ago, what felt like an eternity ago, I’d come here to attend Asher’s coming-of-age ceremony and found out we were destined to know one another by the Moon. It had been a beautiful night and the memory of it alone should have put me at ease, but this room had also been where Asher had been

Kaleb. The king of Yurene wore a suit of dark blue, trimmed in white fur, and the color matched his eyes perfectly.

he greeted me warmly as his eyes traveled over

stunning.”

I said. “You look very

groups of people chattered and stared at me. Heat spread to my cheeks. I

he could utter another word,

her lithe frame and Asher wore a dark, severe suit to match. His gray eyes were

a suit almost made me gasp. The Alpha King was gloriously handsome.

arm.

she raised an eyebrow at me before taking Asher’s

pleasure to see you, Alpha Kaleb,” she greeted

pleasure is mine,” Kaleb replied, and while his tone was warm,

with intensity, as if he were trying to burn a hole. through me. I could tell he was irritated but I couldn’t sense why