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?

pregnant soon? I'm sure no one would want me as their bride if I am

guaranteed that if I could avoid the Royal Games, I would also be able to escape

gave me flat shoes instead of high heels. Although I could walk in heels, I would never say

She would sit near me

then told me the King wanted to meet me

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

with long corridors. All the while, two guards

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

around this place. My mother is an assistant to the Palace Mistress or what the commoners call a butler. So

"A rank..."

in waiting for

not knowing

here, I

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

if they're here at the same

the other. I always get to

called for their presence,

occupied with the real Princess of Absalom." She

happy." I winked

would rather serve you,

"Are they... nice?"

not supposed to comment on anything about the Royal Family," she said, hand motioning

commented about my brothers. So, I wasn't sure if she was following protocol or simply being cautious in case the guards behind us could hear