Chapter 17
In this chapter, Roana seeks comfort by pressing herself against the narrator’s chest, but is shocked to find it soft rather than muscular as she had imagined. Her surprise quickly turns to confusion and embarrassment when she realizes the truth behind the narrator’s physical appearance. The narrator gently reassures her, teasing and comforting her as she struggles to process the situation.
The arrival of Veronica Nightingale, Cassian’s fiancée, introduces tension and conflict. Veronica is visibly upset and confrontational, demanding to know why Cassian is with another woman instead of her. Cassian coldly dismisses her claims, asserting his authority and making it clear that the narrator is his true Luna Queen, not Veronica. His possessive and commanding demeanor intimidates Veronica, who breaks down in tears, revealing her deep emotional pain and unrequited love for Cassian.
Despite the hostility, the narrator tries to ease the situation with a playful and confident attitude, asserting her position as Cassian’s wife and mate. She challenges Veronica’s disbelief and provokes Cassian to demonstrate their bond. In a surprising and intense moment, Cassian kisses the narrator passionately, reaffirming their connection and causing Veronica to flee in anguish.
The chapter ends with Cassian shifting the focus to a new task for the narrator—choosing a servant from ten highly skilled candidates—emphasizing the seriousness and complexity of her new role. The narrator recognizes that even this decision will be a challenge, hinting at the ongoing struggles she will face in her position.
Chapter 17
Roana pressed herself against my chest, seeking comfort like a child finding refuge in a mother’s arms. Her golden hair cascaded down in waves, gleaming as if it belonged in a shampoo commercial—luminous and captivating. Yet, I was too stunned to utter a word.
“Your Majesty! I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “But… why is your chest so soft and not firm like I imagined? I always dreamed of feeling your hard muscles. How could—” Her words faltered as she finally lifted her gaze to meet mine. The shock in her stunning blue eyes deepened when she understood why my chest lacked the strength she expected.
“What the—!” she gasped, stumbling backward, her heel catching on the hem of her dress.
“Careful, Princess!” I caught her waist swiftly, pulling her close again. “A lady as beautiful as you should watch her step p>
I smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Truly, you are breathtaking p>
Her eyes blinked in confusion, darting around the room as if questioning whether she was in the right place or if this was some strange dream.
“What brings you here, Princess? You look pale,” I asked softly, concern lacing my voice.
“You… you… you—!” she stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.
“Yes? Speak, my Princess. May I know your name?” I prompted with a playful grin.
“Let me go!” she pushed weakly against me, turning her face away. Her voice cracked with frustration, but the blush coloring her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.
Leaning casually against the doorframe, I called out loudly enough for Cassian to hear, “Honey! A stunning lady has come to see you. Could you come here, please p>
“What are you doing? Do you realize who you’re dealing with? Guards! Where are you? Who is this woman?” Veronica’s voice pierced the air, trembling with panic.
“Is something wrong?” Cassian’s voice came from behind me.
I turned to face him, grinning. “My love, the Princess is here. Do you know her? She’s absolutely gorgeous.” I stretched out my arm toward him.
As soon as his gaze fell on Veronica, his expression hardened into stone. His jaw clenched tightly, eyes cold enough to freeze everything around us. Instead of reaching for my hand, he wrapped his arm firmly around my waist, pulling me close with possessive strength.
“Oh, it’s Lady Veronica—Veronica Nightingale. One of my father’s friend’s daughters,” he said, his stare sharp and unyielding. I shivered under the weight of his gaze.
“I see,” I murmured, feeling heat rush to my face and my voice nearly breaking.
“What’s happening here, Your Majesty?” Veronica’s voice lost its usual confidence. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, fingers twisting nervously in her skirt. “Father sent me to remind you about the internal pack affairs party. The Ocean Region leaders are attending. Why are you with another woman instead of being with me?” Her tone sharpened but wavered halfway through. “And I am your fiancée. How could you bring someone else here?” Though she tried to sound fierce, the tremor in her lips revealed her anger was tinged with fear.
My eyes narrowed. He already had a fiancée. Then why had he asked me to be part of this charade? My expression must have betrayed me because Cassian’s grip on my waist tightened, unyielding. His face grew stern, nostrils flaring as if daring me to question him further.
“First,” his voice dropped into a low growl, “I never acknowledged you as my fiancée. Second, who are you to enter my private chambers without permission? Third—” His eyes locked onto her, cold and merciless. “You will address her as Luna Queen. Never disrespect her again. If you do…” His lips curled into a dangerous smirk. “I promise you won’t live to regret it p>
His words hit the room like a thunderclap. Veronica’s knees wobbled slightly; her knuckles turned white as she gripped her dress tightly, trembling violently. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
“Alright! Alright!” I interrupted quickly, forcing a gentle smile. “Let’s not fight, okay?” I brushed my hand softly across Cassian’s chest before turning to Veronica, whose scent betrayed her true feelings—rage burning beneath a veil of fear.
“My apologies for my husband’s rude behavior. He shouldn’t have raised his voice in front of such a lovely lady. Anyway, let me clear the air and any confusion.” I grinned mischievously. “I am his mate—newly married. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I am fiercely possessive when it comes to my man. I hope you won’t cross the line p>
“What?” Veronica’s voice cracked, disbelief flooding her tone.
“And if you need a chest to hug, please use mine,” I teased, slipping my hand beneath his bathrobe. “My husband’s chest is reserved for me alone! His hard muscles belong to me p>
“What are you doing, my Luna?” Cassian caught my hand firmly, shooting me a sharp glare. His eyes flickered with warning.
“Oh, His Majesty is shy,” I teased back. “It’s okay. Everyone knows how shameless you can be p>
Cassian’s jaw tightened, his gaze scorching. The corner of his mouth twitched—an expression both amused and threatening. I smiled nervously, though deep down I knew I could never truly outmatch him.
“Impossible!” Veronica’s voice cracked, her body trembling uncontrollably as she pointed at me. “How could you, a woman like you, be his Luna? Your Majesty, what kind of woman did you choose? You’re lying, right? There’s no way—no way she could be your Luna p>
“What do you mean, ‘a woman like her’?” Cassian’s tone was icy steel. His eyes darkened, the atmosphere thickening with his intensity. “Lady Veronica, do you dare question me? Do you think anyone under my rule can look down on my Luna Queen?” His voice thundered with authority, and the sheer force of it made my chest tighten.
Veronica flinched violently. Her lips trembled as she avoided his gaze, staring at the floor as if his eyes alone could burn her alive. “I… I don’t… I don’t believe you. You’re lying. Both of you are lying to mock me.” Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face.
A pang of sadness hit me. She had loved him for years. Waiting must have been agonizing. “My poor girl,” I whispered softly.
Her head snapped toward me, wild with fear and rage. “Are you mocking me p>
“What?” I blinked, surprised. “No! Certainly not. You deserve better.” I reached out, gently touching her hand. “I’m sorry. But it’s not healthy to be trapped in one-sided love. You deserve better p>
“My Luna!” Cassian yanked my hand away sharply. His voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Dinner time. Let’s eat p>
“Oh! Yes. Would you like to join us, Lady Veronica?” I asked, trying to keep the mood light.
“No!” Her voice cracked into a shrill cry. She struggled to stand firm, breath uneven. “Prove it. Show me some evidence that you two are in love!” Her wide, tear-filled eyes flicked between us, but she dared not meet Cassian’s gaze for long.
“Evidence? How am I supposed to do that? Unless you want to stay in our room at night to p>
“Stupid!” Veronica snapped, her voice shaking. “If you dare, Your Majesty, prove she’s truly your Luna and that you love her p>
“She’s not a villain,” Rye scoffed nearby, while I tried to figure out how to convince her.
I tiptoed, attempting to reach Cassian’s ear, but failed. “You’re too tall, Your Majesty! This is so unfair!” I rolled my eyes.
The corner of his lips lifted. He leaned closer, closing the distance until I felt his breath warm against my skin. “Now say what you want to say, my Queen p>
My heart skipped a beat. Did he really lean in just to hear me?
Clearing my throat, I whispered, glancing at Veronica’s trembling figure. “This poor girl truly loves you. Shouldn’t you consider her feelings p>
His brows knitted, then he bent even closer, lips brushing my ear. His whisper sent shivers down my spine. “Do you want her to live a loveless life? Like you said, she deserves better p>
He was right. Since he loved me, she would have no love or respect from him.
“Ahem! Okay! So, my Princess,” I said with a playful grin, “since we can’t openly show our deep, obsessive love, I’ll prove to you just how much we adore each other p>
Cassian’s eyebrows furrowed, confusion flickering in his eyes.
“My love, come closer to me,” I asked sweetly.
Surprisingly obedient, Cassian leaned in. “Yes, my Queen p>
“Since it’s inappropriate to cross certain lines in front of your admirer, I’ll allow you to give me a kiss on the lips instead!” I pouted.
Cassian froze. So did Veronica. She clasped her hands tightly, trembling, her face as pale as paper.
He hesitated for a moment before leaning in. “Why not p>
“Just pretend!” I winked. “No need for a real kiss.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.
But my breath caught when he suddenly pinned me against the door. His eyes gleamed with a fierce, predatory light as his lips crashed against mine. His grip on my waist tightened like iron.
“What are you doing, my Queen?” he murmured against my lips, voice thick with dominance. “I am the Lycan King. I don’t care about anyone else’s feelings. Believe it or not, you are my Luna p>
I swallowed hard as Veronica broke down completely, her trembling turning into sobs.
I tried to turn my face, but his hold and kiss only deepened.
“You… I will never forgive you!” she cried, voice shattering, before fleeing the room in tears.
“Pathetic,” he scoffed, jaw set like stone, kicking the door shut with a single, forceful motion.
“You don’t have to bully her. That girl seems to like you,” I said softly, my body still trembling from his scent and that unexpected kiss.
“Forget it, my Queen. Now it’s time for you to choose a servant,” his voice turned cold again, as if selecting a maid were a battle to be won.
“Remember, the ability to choose a servant also reflects one’s intellect and ability to read people. Ten highly educated and skilled servants await your choice—you must pick one,” he warned.
My eyes narrowed. Even choosing a servant felt like entering a battlefield.
The chapter closes on a tumultuous note, with emotions raw and stakes high. The intense confrontation between Luna and Veronica reveals the complicated web of love, jealousy, and power entwined in their lives. Cassian’s fierce protectiveness and unyielding claim on Luna underscore the depth of their bond, even as it devastates Veronica, whose heartbreak is palpable. This moment of vulnerability and dominance highlights the fragile balance between authority and affection, where love is both a weapon and a sanctuary.
Amidst the tension, Luna’s playful defiance and Cassian’s commanding presence create a charged atmosphere that captures the essence of their relationship—passionate, possessive, and unbreakable. The final challenge of choosing a servant symbolizes the ongoing trials Luna must face, blending personal desire with the demands of leadership. As the chapter ends, the reader is left with a sense of anticipation, feeling the weight of love’s complexities and the harsh realities that come with power.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and power dynamics between Luna, Cassian, and Veronica. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, the fragile peace in the room is bound to shatter, revealing more about the true nature of their relationships. The contrast between possessiveness, vulnerability, and unspoken desires will likely intensify, leaving readers eager to uncover how Luna will navigate the storm brewing around her.
Moreover, the seemingly simple task of choosing a servant hints at a new kind of challenge—one that tests Luna’s judgment, intuition, and perhaps even her alliances. With ten highly skilled candidates awaiting her decision, this moment may prove pivotal in shaping her future and influence within the pack. Expect the lines between loyalty and deception to blur, as Luna must weigh her options carefully in a world where every choice carries weighty consequences.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.