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.

you,” Savvy fixed the rose so it would be

Penelope blushed because she couldn’t see it herself

a compliment!”

a little laugh. “Look, I am trying

her what she wanted to hear. It would

praise. “This is why I want to warn 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

her mouth, pretending to gasp. When in fact, she wanted to yawn. This game was a very boring

a history quiz.” Penelope pursed her lips, waiting

as she could muster. “But

her eyes as if she was truly devastated. “Elene wants to eliminate more contenders as soon as possible. They can set up these

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

this was the friendship she

you want, you can have a look. I know it’s not enough time to help you, but, who knows, maybe you will get

was for her She, of course, had already read a few

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

sat on a bench and opened the book on

asked, taking Kai’s arm, after which he decided it was time to return to the

listening to what the werewolf girl was saying. It was something about the weather and how disappointed she was not to

to giveaway how funny it appeared that she was terrified of the two of them staying alone,

best actress in the world. “I got my time with the

to hide the disappointment in her voice. She may have wanted to control their time together

It was an excellent opportunity to get rid of

he pushed Petra in the direction of his babysitter. “Thank you

her head poked out of many layers of tulle

Petra.” Evelyn took her protégé’s hand and squeezed it, signalling for her to

still had the task of speaking to the rest of the contenders yet he found himself marching in the direction of his Beta, who was helping himself to mini sandwiches

Lachlan complained when he saw his king. He didn’t seem the least bit bothered with

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

and what little there wasn’t good at all,” Lachlan admitted, coughing a few times again. He

his face getting darker by the minute. He could now see

his breath, his eyes finding Savannah again. “Why is

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

his fists, accidentally destroying his Beta’s phone in his

“I

new one. Why are the Trials so out of hand?” The king demanded but meeting his friend’s gaze, he realised he knew the answer. They both gave Elene carte blanche and reaped

today!” Kai growled. “Is there a challenge tomorrow?

Lachlan held yet another sandwich but didn’t risk

relax today!” The king tried to suppress

knowledge without letting them prepare.” The Beta placed the sandwich back on the table, eyeing it sadly under his

know a

usual playful attitude. “Isn’t that the whole point?