Chapter 63
Violet’s POV
A
“This is grandma Abigail,” Hannah introduced her.
I looked at this old woman, curious. Her eyes were deep, but
they were full of sadness. She looked at me with an intensity
that made me a little uncomfortable. I didn’t know who she
thought I reminded her of, but her gaze seemed to carry a lot of
weight.
“The one you remind me of…” Abigail said, her voice soft,
almost a whisper. “She had the same twinkle in her eyes. A
twinkle that spoke of hope, of strength. But now, she’s just an
empty shell. The light is gone.”
“What do you mean?” I frowned, “Who’s that?”
Yet Grandma Abigail didn’t answer my question. She looked
away from me, murmuring to herself, “…empty shell…the light
is gone…all gone…”
Hannah seemed a bit worried, her gaze flickering nervously
between me and Abigail. She stepped forward, bowing her
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head a little.
“Please forgive her, Luna,” she whispered, her voice apologetic.
“Grandma Abigail is a kind old lady, but sometimes she says
things that others may find… strange.”
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing to forgive,” I shook my head.
The truth was, I wasn’t offended at all. I was more intrigued
than anything. I had never met a werewolf as old as Abigail.
Most werewolves chose to stay young by shifting regularly, but
Abigail had clearly decided to age. Her choice was rare.
Hannah seemed relieved, her shoulders relaxing. “Thank you.
The previous Queen did not like Grandma Abigail much. She
called her crazy. And insisted to have her locked up most of the
time.”
Hannah sighed, her expression turning sad.
“I don’t even how she got out today.”
The thought of anyone being locked away simply for simply
displeasing the queen made me angry. This poor old lady didn’t commit any crime. She didn’t deserve to be kept in a cell!
“There will be no more locking her up,” I said to Hannah, my
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voice firm. “Grandma Abigail will be treated with the respect
she deserves. She’s part of this pack, and she will be taken care
of.”
Hannah’s face lit up, a smile spreading across her lips.
“Thank you, Luna,” she said hastily and turned to Abigail, her
smile widening. “You hear that Grandma? You can go wherever
you want now. You’re free to spend whole afternoon by the
lake if you like. No one will catch you back.”
But Abigail didn’t seem moved by the news. She looked at me,
her eyes still so sad, and gave me a small, almost wistful smile.
“…You’re just as kind as she was,” she whispered.
I wanted to ask who she meant. Why had Abigail chosen to
grow old? Who was the woman she kept comparing me to?
And why did her words carry such a sense of loss?
But Hannah said she needed to take Abigail back, and we had to
get ready for the ceremony.
Maybe not today then. As long as I was in the royal packhouse,
I had plenty of time to figure out the truth.
I turned back toward the palace, making my way inside. I saw
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Mia on the way back. She was still outside, playing with the
other kids, her laughter filling the air. I smiled, glad that she
was having fun and not feeling the same tension that I was.
Inside the palace, there was a buzz of activity. People were
rushing in and out, carrying decorations, preparing for tonight‘
s ceremony. The whole place seemed alive with energy.
Olivia nudged me gently, “Come. You need to get ready. Let’s
make sure you look absolutely stunning for the big night
ahead.”
I sighed. Yes, the make–over session. But I wasn’t going to enjoy
that tonight because the stress and pressure was making my
stomach churn.
Before getting ready, I needed something to eat. I was starving.
“I need food first,” I said, giving her a tired smile.
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. “Always thinking about your
stomach.”
I grinned, shrugging. “Can’t help it. I’m not going to face a royal
ceremony on an empty stomach.”
I headed to the kitchen, hoping to grab a quick bite. But when I
got there, the kitchen staff seemed to freeze as soon as they saw
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- me. Their eyes widened, and they all quickly looked away, their
hands shaking slightly as they continued their work.
I quickly remembered what Hannah said to me before, about
the former Queen forbad anyone to look her in the eyes.
“Can you get me something to eat please?” I kept my voice soft
and warm, “Anything will do.”
One of the women quickly glanced up, and then looked back
down again, her hands trembling. “I’m sorry, Luna,” she
whispered, her voice breaking. “I didn’t mean to…please forgive
me…” Tears welled up in her eyes.
What on earth did the former Queen do to these poor people?!
It broke my heart. I took a step forward, my voice firmer now.
“Listen to me,” I said, my eyes sweeping over the room. “You
don’t need to apologize. And you don’t need to be afraid. Things
are going to be different now. I’m not your previous queen. I
won’t hurt you. None of you have to live in fear anymore.”
Slowly, one by one, the kitchen staff lifted their heads, their
eyes meeting mine hesitantly. There was still fear there. I
replied with a gentle smile.
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“Thank you for your hard work,” I said. “I appreciate
everything you’re doing.”
They nodded, some of the tension leaving their shoulders. It
was a small step, but it was something. It was a start.
I ate quickly, the food filling me with much–needed energy, and
then focused on getting dressed for the ceremony. I chose a
black fishtail gown, the fabric hugging my body, flowing down
gracefully. It was simple, elegant, and fitting for the occasion.
The door opened. I looked up to see Asher stepping inside. He
was dressed in a black suit, the fabric tailored perfectly to his
form. He looked every bit the part of a king, his eyes sharp, his
posture regal.
But when he looked at me, his eyes softened, a smile tugging at
his lips.
“You look wonderful.”
He walked over to me, his eyes never leaving mine. As he reached me, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my
naked shoulder.
“Are you ready?” he whispered. “Ready to share this kingdom with me? Ready to become a queen?”
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I looked at him, my heart pounding in my chest. I could see the
weight of everything in his eyes–the responsibility, the
uncertainty, the fear of the unknown. But I could also see the
love, the unwavering determination to protect me, to protect all
of us.
“Not really. But with you by my side, I’m ready for anything,” I
raised my head to kiss him. Our love could make me so strong.
He smiled and took my hand in his, squeezing it gently. “Then let’s not keep the people waiting, my queen.”
