The Forgotten Luna by Cassandra M

LADESSA.

I was not able to sleep at all last night.

After Father left my room, I asked Danielle about the Royal Games. She confessed to me she didn't know the full extent of the event and that what she knew was just hearsay or stories passed on. The Royal Games were not practiced for many decades because no princess had been born in the Royal Family for a long time.

And it seemed the King was reviving the tradition because of my existence.

Danielle told me what she knew about the game-it was open only for unmated Alphas, regardless of age. Unmated Alphas were those who were never married, as well as widowed or divorced. They were not only open for Alphas of this continent but also extended to other continents.

All the while she was talking, I did my best to keep up a brave front, listening and trying to get all the details as possible, even if everything she said kept breaking my heart.

I knew Kael loved me, and I was confident he would make an effort, but what if they didn't let him participate?

By the end of our conversation, I had lost all hope that I could convince my father to let me get back together with Kael.

But I didn't cry. Not even when I was alone, lying in my big and soft bed, surrounded by luxury that I could never enjoy and didn't need.

Without Kael, I couldn't let my vulnerable side show. He was not around to comfort and save me.

I needed to find my way back to him.

I stood in front of the mirror while three women were assisting me with this extravagant dress for the breakfast banquet. I wouldn't deny it was beautiful. It was the softest color of blue combined with sheer white. The sparkles and sequined tulle skirt made me feel like a real princess.

Well, it looked like I already was, and I couldn't get away from this anymore.

My hands flew to my stomach as I kept staring at myself in a full-length mirror. A few days back, Kael and I checked, and I wasn't pregnant. But what if it was still too early to tell?

would want me as their bride if I am

in my head, but none of them guaranteed that if I could avoid the Royal Games, I

banquet. I was glad they gave me flat shoes instead of high heels. Although I could

dress. She would sit near me at

told me the King wanted to meet

good news. I hoped I could get him to delay announcing the Royal Games

out of my room and onto another floor with long corridors.

been working here?" I asked Danielle as we made our way

my whole life revolves around this place. My mother is an assistant to the Palace Mistress or what the commoners call a butler. So I knew the ins and outs of

"A rank..."

lady in waiting

my head, not

or Prince Esmond is here, I serve as the

the names of my brothers. They all had the same initials as

them? What if they're here

given to the other. I always get

Father said he hadz called for their presence,

be given another handmaid. I am occupied with the real Princess of Absalom."

look happy." I

you,

"Are they... nice?"

the Royal Family," she said, hand motioning

about my brothers. So, I wasn't sure if she was following protocol or simply being