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?

I'm sure no one would want me as their bride if

and scenarios in my head, but none of them guaranteed that if I could avoid the Royal Games, I would also be able to escape

me flat shoes instead of high

was already wearing a beautiful formal dress. She would sit near me at

then told me the King wanted to meet me

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

with long corridors. All

working here?" I asked Danielle as

an assistant to the Palace Mistress or what the commoners call

"A rank..."

A lady in

head, not knowing what

I serve as the handmaid for their wives,"

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

What if they're here at the

the other. I always

will happen now that I'm here? Father said he hadz called for their presence, and they will arrive

will be given another handmaid. I am occupied with the

look happy." I

would rather serve you, Princess Adessa,

"Are they... nice?"

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

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