The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 457

Chapter 457: Princess Alinthia

[Meredith].

My throat sealed up quickly as the words died. But Queen Loraina continued.

"Luna Meredith," she said, her tone dropping lower, more meaningful, "a crown has little to do with the head that wears it. It belongs to the one who changes how others see her."

I studied her profile. Then she added, almost lightly, "If the world calls you weak, let them believe it until the moment it benefits you to prove them wrong. Power grows best in silence."

A genuine smile tugged at my lips. "I will keep that in mind, Your Majesty."

"Good," she said. "Now let us go sit, Luna. We still have time before the King finishes with your mate."

When we turned a corner, a soft draft entered from an open archway ahead, and light spilt into the hall from a calm veranda framed with tall, sheer curtains.

"That will be more comfortable," the Queen said with a measured tone.

I nodded, falling into step beside her.

The veranda opened into a shaded sitting area overlooking the palace gardens. There was no grand or excess display, just polished stone, a small table, and the scent of warm tea already waiting for us.

Two maids bowed and stepped back respectfully. The Queen gestured for me to sit first.

"Luna."

I took the offered seat. She sat across from me with practised ease.

A moment of comfortable quiet passed as she poured the tea herself rather than letting the servants touch it.

The gesture told me more about her than her earlier words.

Next, she lifted her teacup with unhurried grace.

"This is where I often sit when His Majesty rests," she said. "It is peaceful. And peaceful moments are rare in the palace."

I nodded lightly and poured some tea for myself before taking a sip.

The tea was mild, sweetened faintly with blossom honey. Its warmth loosened my throat after the long walk.

The Queen sipped quietly, then set her cup down with a soft clink.

"The palace," she began, tone conversational but carrying weight, "is larger than it looks from the outside. The King and I even keep separate sleeping quarters."

I blinked, hiding my surprise behind a composed expression.

Separate...? 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

She caught the flicker in my eyes and smiled faintly.

"It is not uncommon, Luna. Security, health, and politics demand space. The King needs uninterrupted rest. And I..." She exhaled softly. "I need room to manage the things he must never worry about."

I nodded slowly. "It makes sense."

"It will matter to you later," she added meaningfully.

I didn’t ask how. I had a feeling she would explain on her terms. And she did.

"Now," she said, leaning back, folding her hands in her lap, "we should talk about something else. Someone else."

Her gaze sharpened in a way that reminded me of Draven—cold clarity wrapped in silk.

"Reginald Fellowes."

The name alone made the breeze feel colder.

"I should warn you," she continued calmly, "that man hates you."

I lifted a brow, amused by her bluntness. "Even though I’m ’useless and wolfless’?" I asked lightly.

I inhaled slowly. ’So Draven’s suspicion earlier... wasn’t paranoia. It was an experience.’

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