The Hidden Luna Queen

Chapter 95

Nearly every step, every decision in our relationship after the fact was practically laid out for us, but the ring was something I could choose for myself. Something that properly showed my devotion to her, and the depth of my feelings for her. Something that clearly marked her as off-limits until the day we could finally announce our engagement.

I felt like the weight of our future together hinged on this decision-

That was, until Burke patted me on the shoulder with the kindness and intimacy of a lifelong friend.

Of a brother.

"Come on, Xaden," he said, more gently this time, "I only kid. You said it yourself-you already have everything set in stone... all you need is the ring. Now, be serious: is there any part of you that honestly believes she'll hate it?"

I took a breath, remembering myself. Of course she wouldn't.

Maeve was simple and so easy to please... and she adored everything I'd given her thus far. If anything, she would think herself undeserving of such a gift.

But, oh, how far from the truth that was. She deserved everything.

And I was determined to give it to her.

Before long, we reached our destination. Lunar Luxe-a high-end jewelry store deep within the heart of the capital.

The clerk-a slender man with side-swept silver hair and sleek, all-black attire-practically threw himself at our feet the instant we entered.NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

"Prince Xaden!" he exclaimed with a deep bow. "It's an honor to welcome you to Lunar Luxe, home to only the best jewelry the kingdom has to offer, as Your Highness already knows!"

"How could I not?" I offered the clerk a charismatic smile. "The ring my brother commissioned for his mating ceremony last year was superb."

It wasn't a lie. The one Isabelle wore was truly something to behold. A lovely ring embellished with tiny rubies along the thick, gold band, all tied together with a shining diamond half the size of an eyeball. It was because of this, actually, that made coming here a no-brainer.

If they were able to compose something that befitted my sister-in-law's extravagant taste, surely they could fashion something that suited Maeve with no problem.

"Ah, you are too kind, Your Highness! That ring is our pride and joy." He then approached me with a particular sparkle in his eyes. "And what style of ring are you looking for?"

I opened my mouth, ready to answer out of pure instinct, but forced myself to stop. No one could know yet that I was ring-shopping for my intended Luna, who was waiting at home for me. If the press got their hands on the truth, they would have a field day.

I had no choice but to pretend I wasn't the client.

"Excuse me?" I asked, feigning confusion.

The clerk, however, completely disregarded me. "We have in stock a lovely assortment of rings for you to choose from," he boasted, waving my attention toward the array of designs on display within the glass cases. "Anything and everything a girl could dream to receive from an impressive alpha like yourself."

I pressed my lips together. I was right, it seemed.

No doubt, he knew about the rumors surrounding Maeve and myself, and he wanted to win my favor in exchange for a snippet of delicious truth. He just reeked of desperation.

"Ah," I said, smiling ruefully. "There seems to be some sort of misunderstanding."

His eager face fell. "Misunderstanding? But... aren't you?"

"You'd do well not to believe everything you hear. I'm not the client. I only came to support my best friend." I gestured towards the beta beside me, fully expecting him to play along, but was met with baffled silence.

Damn it, Burke-I wanted to sigh. Don't tell me you've forgotten the ruse already.

"Don't worry, old friend," I said, pretending to be sympathetic as I clapped him on the shoulder, and made sure to say this next part clearly and concisely: "I'll help you find the perfect ring for your fiancee."

Burke blinked, his mind appearing to lag for a moment before he returned to his senses.