Claiming His Luna

Lucian’s POV

“The MoonStone pack takes great offence, My Lord, as rumours circulate about the King in the North’s inability to uphold his word,” I contemplated, gently brushing my lips with a finger, engrossed in the discourse of my esteemed council.

“What word might that be?” I inquired, my gaze fixed on Lord Dandaario.

“The promise of a matrimonial union,” Lord Dandaario divulged.

“I had pledged a marriage between myself and my mate,” I declared with firm intent, making them understand if it hadn’t been abundantly clear to them.

“Vienna wasn’t my mate. I made a mistake in my judgement, and she tricked me. I, alone, should be wreaking havoc,” my patience dwindled, and I took a deep breath as my temples throbbed. The room fell into an uneasy silence as my council members awkwardly sipped their wine while I tenderly massaged my temples.

“According to my sources,” Lord Ferell interjected, “Lord Remus and Lord Danbury Fell are establishing amicable relations. The Crescents have offered them land in the west in exchange for resources.”

“Both packs share a brick-wall hatred towards us, My Lord. In the worst-case scenario, they might join forces, presenting a formidable threat,” cautioned one of my council members.

“This is an untimely moment for warfare, My Lord. Winter is drawing near, and you are still in pursuit of your mate,” another council member asserted, and I silently absorbed their words, allowing them to permeate my thoughts.

Undoubtedly, an alliance between the two packs poses an undeniable threat that cannot be disregarded. Lord Danbury Fell possesses significant influence and connections in the South, while Lord Remus is no less dangerous.

I am well aware that I gravely offended Lord Remus by calling off the wedding, and it is a great shame, especially considering the disappointment it brought to the numerous guests. Lord Danbury, too, had a valid reason to align with them as they sought to establish a home within our northern lands. However, they crept beyond our borders, necessitating forceful expulsion.

“Even in the face of their combined power, we possess a promising chance of emerging victorious,” Lord Von confidently stated, breaking the silence with his assurance.

“Lord Von, are you genuinely considering plunging us into war?” Lord Dandaario questioned him with a hint of slight anger.

“I am contemplating all that merits consideration,” Lord Von responded, his tone reflecting a stubborn conclusion.

“A war has never yielded anything positive!” Lord Dandaario vehemently argued.

“That may be true, but it does not mean we should dismiss the possibility altogether,” Lord Von countered.

“We must do everything in our power to avoid it,” Lord Dandaario insisted, his voice filled with urgency.

I rubbed my temples, trying to alleviate the pounding headache induced by the escalating exchange between these men. Despite my best efforts to concentrate, my mind wandered elsewhere.

“And you want us to just submit to them? Is that how little confidence you have in our abilities?” Lord Ferell interjected immediately, raising his voice.

“Gentlemen, I beg you,” Frank interposed, attempting to diffuse the mounting tension.

“There is no disgrace in desiring peace,” Lord Dandaario snapped at Lord Ferell instantly.

“We currently have peace; whether they choose to disrupt it or not is entirely up to them!” Lord Von lashed out.

“Leave,” I uttered icily, halting the squabbling Lords in their tracks. Their gazes fixed on me.

Eventually, with resigned sighs, they acquiesced and departed. I leaned heavily against the table, closing my eyes while pressing my hand to my forehead. However, before departing, Lord Dandaario approached me, breaking the silence.

“Think it through, Lucian. Peace can be restored with careful consideration,” he advised earnestly before exiting the room.

Each of them had valid points to ponder. Yet, if the other packs were to take action, I refused to remain idle. I couldn’t simply wash my hands of the situation and feign innocence. I bore a significant responsibility for this rough state of affairs when viewed from a certain perspective.

I did what I deemed necessary. Although I may have harmed them, I doubted they would immediately turn to war. They would surely desire revenge, and I was well aware of the vengeful ideas swirling in their minds.

“How is she?” I inquired of Frank, who stood at my side.

“She is coping well in the city,” he informed me, bringing a small measure of relief.

“And what about the Crescent’s men?” I queried further.

“I made sure they were misled,” he reassured me.

As much as I yearned to bring her here and offer her my protection, I understood how deeply she resented me at this time. She likely held me responsible for the events that occurred, and I empathised with her sentiment. The night of passionate recklessness haunted me-the night I had shared her bed only to become later engaged to another. I could hardly fathom the magnitude of emotions she experienced. It was her first intimate encounter with a man. Although we harboured no romantic feelings for one another, I knew she felt neglected and insulted by my engagement announcement.

“I am going to Dinan,” I declared, meeting Frank’s gaze seriously.

“I want you to stand in for me during my absence,” I instructed firmly.

“Sire…” Frank began, his voice tinged with concern.

“I must explain myself to her,” I asserted, feeling an overwhelming need to bridge the chasm between us. She couldn’t continue hating me.

“But she despises you now,” Frank countered, voicing the harsh truth.

“Which is precisely why I must go,” I responded, conviction strengthening my willpower.

“Come now, Frank,” I said when I saw his disapproving expression.

He sighed in resignation, understanding that his insistence would be useless.

“No actions are to be taken without my consent. Ensure their loyalty remains abiding,” I commanded, knowing I couldn’t make sound decisions while she consumed my thoughts.

I would be by her side, regardless of her consent.

Besides, Frank can handle everything while I’m away. I had complete trust in Frank’s ability.

Moreover, if Lord Remus and Vienna dared to seek revenge against her, I would unleash chaos against them, burning them to ashes. Her safety will forever remain my main concern.

“She is thriving, you know,” Frank suddenly remarked, attempting to diffuse my worries.

I turned to him, my gaze intent.

“Do you really want to disturb her new happiness?” Frank added.

I felt a twinge of offence, causing my brows to furrow. However, I sighed, acknowledging the validity of his cautious reminder. As much as I understood the situation, I couldn’t ignore the fact that this was her first experience of stepping beyond the terrain of the mansion and embracing a life of her own.

After finding that she was my true mate, everything made sense. It explained the absence of deep excitement whenever I was in Vienna’s presence. At first, I believed that the exceptional nature of that night was merely a result of the heat, and for a brief moment, I didn’t consider the possibility of being mistaken.

It was her-the missing puzzle piece. And I vowed never to let her slip away from my sight again, not after learning the hardships she had endured.

I had to be with her, even if she might harbour reservations about it. I would gradually reveal my true self to her, no matter how long it took, even if the world around us crumbled to ashes.

All that mattered now was for her to know me and completely trust me. Nothing else held significance.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.