The Luna Trials by Marissa Gilbert

History Lesson

For the first time since her arrival, Savvy saw Penelope up close. The woman indeed looked as if she was already a queen. Although her brows were knitted together, surprisingly she was pointing her sharp, displeased gaze at her friends.

“Please,” she sighed heavily and rubbed her forehead carefully, so as not to ruin her make-up, “I asked you not to do this. We are rivals here, but not enemies. We can still be civil with one another.”

“But…”Inga protested, clearly wanting to object, however, a warning look from her leader was enough to close her mouth.

“Let us chat for a bit,” Penelope offered, suddenly changing her facial expression. Her two minions backed away, lowering their heads in submission. While they all had alpha blood, Penelope’s authority was undeniable.

Savannah mentally prepared for another battle, but the girl surprised her again. She took her arm and led her away from the crowd. A drone flew after them, and Savvy stretched the sweetest smile on her face just in case they were being filmed.

“I wanted to introduce myself,” Penelope stated. She was the picture of elegance and friendliness. “I have spoken to every other contender today except for you. Welcome to the North, Princess Savannah Stormhold. It’s our honour to have you here.”

It did not escape Savvy that she welcomed her on behalf of the whole North as if it belonged to her. The other issue was that although she used her title to address her, she was still holding her hand and leading her somewhere – a sign of them being equals. When they were not. Someone was getting ahead of themselves.

“You are very sweet,” Savýy complimented, strategically deciding right now wasn’t the appropriate time to clash with Penelope. It was, however, the right time to learn more about her opponent.

“Sorry about that,” the girl apologised as she waved off her two friends, who had chosen to remain close by. “I really meant what I said. I think we can be good friends in the future. It will be great for our nations.”

Of course, she meant the future where she would be the Luna of the North and Savvy would return to the Western Kingdom.

“Yes, that’s true.” The westerner nodded, realising that her plan to wait it out was going to the bin. “I heard that your pack have always supported the royal family. Let’s keep that tradition alive.”

To Penelope’s credit, she didn’t even blink at the little jab.

“Another person I wanted to apologise for is Elene,” the girl said suddenly, sighing deeply. “We are like family. She is overprotective and really wants me to win…”

“Oh, that must be so stressful for you.” Savannah tried really hard not to roll her eyes. It wasn’t like she was learning anything new after all.

“It is. Kai and I are good friends, but we are just that – friends.” Penelope looked up at the

sky. We all grew up together and are very close. But we don’t love each other, and we know that.”

Okay, this was new.

“Why are you telling me this?” Savvy eyed her curiously. This was getting more and more intriguing by the minute.

“Just so you know I am not a threat.” Penelope stopped and looked at the flowers next to them. They were roses, and Savannah did her best not to frown. “Just because so many people see me as their queen doesn’t mean I will become one. I’d say it’s unlikely.”

“I can say the same,” Savvy shrugged her shoulders innocently. Two could play this game. “I am here to improve our kingdoms’ relationship and learn more about my family’s history. I was deprived of the northern part of my heritage, and it’s time to fix that.”

The drone was right above their heads, and the princess grinned at her companion. “Do you like roses, Penelope?” she asked the northerner to startle her.

“Yes, very much. A rose is the queen of flowers.” Penelope’s hand brushed over delicate flowers, but Savannah simply cut one of them with her sharp nail. Then she carefully attached it to the girl’s hair, not bothering to find a good placement for the flower. It was awkwardly sticking out of the golden headband she wore in a feeble attempt to pass it off as a crown, and now the whole thing looked silly and pompous.

fixed the rose so it would be difficult to remove from

you,” Penelope blushed because she couldn’t see it herself yet. “You are not at all what I

a compliment!” the princess

course.”, The other girl let out a little laugh. “Look, I am trying to support

kind and generous,” Savvy told her what she wanted to hear. It would have been rude

you now. Elene has something planned for the brunch. It’s …”. She looked around as if she was afraid of spies, while the drone was still inches above

covered her mouth, pretending to gasp. When in fact, she wanted

a history quiz.” Penelope pursed her lips, waiting for her

as she could muster. “But it was supposed to be break time for

eyes as if she was truly devastated. “Elene wants to eliminate more

was trying her best to help For a moment, Savannah felt sorry for the northern princess, however, when she spotted her laughing with a blonde bearded man, happy and unbothered by how she was about to stab pretty much everyone

was the

you can have a look. I know it’s not enough time to help you, but, who

Her rival had no idea what kind of favour this was for her She, of course, had already

Savannah a heavy tome. Scanning the garden with her alert eyes, she noticed a few other girls with similar books, which meant the northerner arrived prepared in advance. There was no reason for anyone to

on a bench and opened the book on her knees. “I will never

asked, taking Kai’s arm, after

the weather and how disappointed she was not

appeared that she was terrified of the two of them staying alone, which was understandable since Petra was nothing more than a walking

him responded. She was either oblivious or the best actress in the world. “I

She may

cared. It was an excellent opportunity to get rid

Petra in the direction of his babysitter. “Thank you for

are not ..” Petra disagreed, her head poked out of many layers of tulle with her

found a few minutes for Petra.” Evelyn took her protégé’s hand and squeezed it, signalling for her to follow the lead.

found himself marching in the direction of his

but ridiculously small!” Lachlan complained when he saw his king. He didn’t seem the least bit bothered with everything around

the Luna Trials shown in the news? What did they say about Savannah?” Kai went straight to the point, and his Beta coughed a few times. One of the snacks was now stuck in his throat, and his king was happy to help, hitting him on the back with enough force to ensure Lachlan would have no doubt of the foul mood he was

admitted, coughing a few times again. He got his phone out, searched for yesterday’s program release, and handed it to his

the whole piece, his face getting darker by the minute. He could now see why she wasn’t

it,” he swore under his breath, his eyes finding Savannah again.

show. That’s why!” His friend chuckled and sent another sandwich down his throat, choking again under

hell?!” Kai gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, accidentally destroying his

Lachlan sighed. “I just got

hand?” The king demanded but meeting his friend’s gaze, he realised he knew the answer. They both gave Elene carte blanche and reaped the fruit of

Kai growled. “Is there

challenge right now.” Lachlan held yet another sandwich but didn’t risk

king tried to suppress

to test their history knowledge without letting them prepare.” The Beta placed the sandwich back on the table, eyeing it sadly under his king’s glare. “She said that if they respected us enough, they would have already learned it before

know a thing!” Kai was about

“Isn’t that the whole point? To get rid of