The Hidden Luna Queen (Maeve and Xaden)

It was out of Isabelle's hands now.

MAEVE POV

The moment I learned that there was going to be another banquet held at the royal palace, where our attendance was unfortunately deemed mandatory, my stomach sank with dread.

One week was not enough time for me to mentally recuperate from the events of the last one, after all the dirty tricks that Isabelle had pulled. Not to mention, I was nowhere near ready to face Alpha King Arlan again. Any courage that I'd had in my body had been all but used up that night.

If given the choice, I would have elected to stay home. Without question.

Oh-how nice that sounded right about now. Locking myself in my bedroom and letting myself just relax in peace.

But I couldn't be selfish right now.

After all, this banquet was not held in my honor this time.

According to Xaden, this was to celebrate the brave wolves who fought against enemy Bear-Shifter forces and defended what was rightful werewolf territory. I was not clear on many of the details, but it sounded to be a very close battle... as in, there had been a strong likelihood that we could have lost.

The thought was terrifying.

That was, if it hadn't been for the alpha heading the charge. Apparently, it was because of his remarkable display of valiance on the field that spurred our soldiers to push on, even in the face of defeat. The power of an alpha is amazing, I couldn't help but think.

I still had yet to learn who that brave alpha was, but as I sat toward the back of the royal banquet hall-the room surprisingly filled with wolves of many different ranks-I had a feeling that I would find out before the afternoon was over. As I had gathered, most of those in attendance were either soldiers who had fought in last night's battle or were loved ones of the soldiers.

With that in mind, I was happy to attend and show my support for the brave men and women who kept us safe while we slept.

It was the least I could do. And all I had to do was be there. I swelled with relief—I didn't have to subject myself to merciless interrogations or anything.

I could enjoy myself in peace.

"See?" Xaden smiled next to me, his radiating warmth infectious and comforting. "This is hardly so bad, isn't it?"

I couldn't help but smile in return.

He, admittedly, also contributed a great deal to my agreement to attend. "Kadmit, I like being able to hide among the crowds. It's an entirely different feeling to be here when I'm not the one in the spotlight."

"But you look so stunning today," he murmured, looking me over with heat in his eyes. "Everyone should be able to see you."

My cheeks grew hot. I didn't think I

looked any more pretty than usual. Knowing I would be surrounded by a I larger group of people, I decided to opt for a simple, loose, all-black dress s that exposed my shoulders and half of my back, while hiding my baby bump well enough under its billowy skirt. But that didn't stop Xaden from gazing at me like I was the most lovely creature in the world.

"You two are so adorable," Charlotte drawled from beside us, a teasing smile lighting up her face when I looked away, embarrassed. "But remember, everyone is still unaware that you're poised to be Xaden's mate "

Xaden frowned at the reminder.

"-so you need to maintain discretion in public settings like this, if you want to wait to announce anything until after the baby is born," she continued. "There are many here looking for something to talk about." I bit my lip. She was right. That was one of the conditions we had all agreed upon.

"Very well," Xaden huffed, looking displeased, which prompted a giggle unbidden to slip past my throat.

The three of us continued our casual conversation when all of a sudden, the Luna Queen approached us, asking for her son and daughter to accompany her to meet with an acquaintance of theirs.

Despite being ready to go, Xaden and Charlotte stalled, glancing worriedly at me, making me realize they did not want to leave me alone. "Go on, it's alright," I tried to reassure them as I settled in my chair" can handle some time by myself."

Even with my approval, it took a few moments for them to relent but they eventually did, promising to return as soon as they were able.

And so, I sat at that table alone, enjoying the solitude for once.

Here, I could just watch as everyone else mingled with fellow attendees, not paying me any mind. Here, I could be a wallflower and, for once, I was alright with that.

I was looking at everything and nothing all at once, blissfully ignorant of the rest of my surroundings and hopelessly unaware that different sets of footsteps were making their way toward my table. First, I saw a young woman with short, curly hair stop within feet of my table, preparing to talk, but then-

"Excuse me," a deep, attractive voice spoke up beside me, unfamiliar, yet kind-sounding. "Is this seat taken?"