The Queen's chamber was quieter now, the servants long dismissed. Only the flicker of candles painted warmth across the carved stone and velvet drapes, their light dancing over Alethea's pale skin and the gleam of her jewels.
The Queen rested her chin upon her hand, her gaze softening as it shifted from Aiden to the black-haired wolf girl pressed close at his side. Luna's blue eyes glimmered faintly under the firelight as her fingers clung to Aiden's hand.
"Tell me," Alethea murmured, her voice low but commanding. "How is she? Luna, isn't it? King Kragg mentioned her in his letter."
Aiden's thumb brushed gently across Luna's knuckles. His tone was calm, yet full of weight. "She's carrying my child."
The Queen's eyes widened, and her chest rose sharply against the confines of her gown, the lush fabric straining to contain the proud swell of her bosom.
