Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Ella POV

I was exhausted after my meeting with the Alphas of the Rigdorn. Once again, David had been too busy to oversee the official gathering, and as Luna Queen, it had fallen to me.

I never liked hosting these meetings, but I'd grown used tot. They were necessary for the good of the Kingdom, and I understood that.

David often had other matters demanding his attention, and I didn't mind stepping in to help occasionally. But I wished I knew what was keeping him so busy. Lately, he seemed more secretive, no longer sharing everything with me as he had when we first became leaders of the Kingdom.

I couldn't help but wonder if I'd done something to upset him or make him lose faith in me. Yet that didn't entirely make sense, given that he still trusted me with important responsibilities like these meetings.

Perhaps he was working on a surprise for me? That thought was likely just wishful thinking. David and I hadn't shared a romantic moment alone in quite some time.

The increased rogue activity at the border weighed heavily on him, as it did on every Alpha in the Kingdom. Their boldness was growing, and I-knew the stress of the situation was taking its toll.

That stress spilled into these meetings, which were becoming more frequent as people demanded answers. They wanted reassurance, a clear plan to keep them safe.

I did my best to assure them that David was working tirelessly on a solution and had everything under control. But since I didn't know the details of his plans, my words rang Hollow. I could see the doubt in their faces.

After the meeting, I headed back to our living quarters, hoping to grab something to eat and perhaps rest before my next obligation. I would never complain, but being Luna Queen was far more work than I'd anticipated.

While I'd known the traditional duties of a Queen, the reality was that I'd taken on many responsibilities typically reserved for the King.

I didn't resent it-I was glad to be of use to David-but it was undeniably exhausting.

As I approached our quarters, the sound of David's voice reached me. A spark of excitement flared; perhaps he was finally free, and we could share a meal or spend some time together. But as I drew closer, I noticed the sharp edge

to his tone.

He was angry.

temper, and experience had taught me it was best to avoid him until he'd calmed

could decide, David stepped out of the room. I startled, not expecting

he said, his tone edged with irritation. "Don't

keeping my voice even. "The Alphas are frustrated, and I needed

he asked sharply. "What

rogue activity in the North,"

in frustration, cutting me off. "I'm not spending money to solve their problems

Chapter 1243

they should be protecting their

wrong?" I asked cautiously,

talking to Archer. More trouble at the

couldn't lilde the disappointment in my voice.

he snapped, "I am the King.

said quickly, trying to

start, my heart hammering, skin

to David had always been miserable-I just hadn't allowed myself to

hindsight, I could see it clearly for what it was. But... maybe that wasn't

thoughts wander back to the original timeline, replaying everything I knew about David and his constant "work" trips. He had obviously been lying to me about what was going on.

that his ties to the roguelands

alliance with criminals was a desperate

I'd exposed him. But that didn't add up. He must have already known who to call, how to

hit me like a punch

criminal all along-I just hadn't seen

I stood

I was waiting for Alexander to come upstairs

glanced at the clock. Alexander still had a few minutes before we