Chapter 19
Roana and Cassian enter the dining room where a line of impeccably poised servants stand silently, creating an intimidating atmosphere that contrasts with Roana’s previous experiences of warm, lively staff. Cassian publicly announces Roana as his wife and the new head of the household, the Luna of the Pack, which unsettles the senior servants who question the change, particularly regarding the previous manager, Carolyn, and upcoming events like the Ocean Region party. Cassian dismisses their concerns, emphasizing Roana’s new authority and instructs them to serve the meal.
During the meal, Roana attempts to create a more relaxed and humane environment by encouraging the servants to eat alongside her rather than standing hungry while she dines. Cassian initially resists but eventually agrees to let the servants eat before returning to their duties. A female servant’s apology for her hunger reveals the harsh reality of their service, prompting Cassian to accept Roana’s more compassionate approach. This moment softens the tension, and the servants leave to eat, while Roana reflects on her role and responsibilities.
Despite the formal and cold setting, Roana and Cassian share subtle, intimate moments, like when she covers his mouth to prevent an awkward question and when they hold hands briefly. However, their relationship remains strained, marked by Cassian’s distant and authoritative demeanor and Roana’s struggle to assert herself within the rigid royal household. Cassian acknowledges Roana’s efforts and responsibility for managing the household, showing a rare glimpse of support.
The chapter ends on a tense note as a sharp, bitter voice interrupts, questioning the nature of responsibilities and hinting at unresolved conflicts within the household or Pack. This leaves Roana and Cassian’s dynamic and the future of their authority and relationships uncertain, underscoring the challenges Roana faces in her new role as Luna.
Chapter 19
Roana,
When I said that his words made me feel like I was stepping into a battlefield just by selecting a servant, I wasn’t exaggerating. The moment Cassian and I entered the dining room—his arm casually draped around my waist in that staged, public gesture—my eyes immediately locked onto the rows of servants and butlers standing stiffly along the walls.
Each one radiated a distinct energy. They didn’t seem like ordinary servants; rather, they resembled officials on duty around the clock. Their posture was impeccable—professional, composed, and unwavering.
Yet, for some reason, a chill ran down my spine. Maybe I just didn’t understand the ways of royalty. I was accustomed to people who worked for me—warm, smiling, genuine humans who sometimes stumbled but made the atmosphere lively and real.
Sure, they could be chaotic at times, but that chaos felt alive. And honestly, I was no different—just another person under contract, fulfilling my role.
“Attention.” Cassian’s voice cut through the room sharply. “I’ve gathered you all here to introduce someone very special!” His grip tightened around my waist, pulling me closer in that overly familiar way.
Not very professional, Mr. King. I rolled my eyes silently but kept my mouth shut.
“Meet Roana Milestones, my destined mate and my wife. We are married, and from this moment forward, she is the head of this household—the Luna of this Pack. Any decisions made within these walls must be approved by her p>
The perfectly composed servants immediately betrayed subtle cracks in their demeanor. Exchanging glances, the eldest among them—likely the heads—lifted their eyes to Cassian, seeking permission to speak.
“Your Majesty!” one butler said cautiously.
“Yes, Butler Mathew?” Cassian raised a brow.
“Until now, Miss Carolyn has been managing the household. Did you consult her before this change p>
Carolyn? This was the first time I heard a name other than Veronica.
“Carolyn was only temporary help until now. She understands her role perfectly. But now, my Queen is legally married to me, so the responsibility shifts to her. Any questions p>
“Your Majesty!” another butler raised his hand. “The party for the Ocean Region is in two days. We’ve already planned everything. Does Her Highness’s approval need to be sought p>
Cassian glanced at me first, then back at the butler. “No, Butler James. She is new here and needs time to settle before taking on bigger responsibilities. For the party, contact me directly or my Beta. Any other questions p>
“No, Your Majesty!” they answered in unison.
“Very well. Now, serve the meal.” He released me from his hold. “Let’s go. Do you have any allergies I should inform them about p>
Panic flickered through me, and without thinking, I covered his mouth with my hand, eyes wide. “Shush! Your Majesty! You can’t ask me something so trivial in front of everyone p>
He stared at me, eyes wide with surprise. Assuming he was confused, I leaned closer and whispered, “A couple who claims to be in love and married but doesn’t even know each other’s allergies, likes, or dislikes will raise eyebrows p>
He said nothing, but when he parted his lips, they brushed against my palm. I blinked, suddenly aware that not only had I covered his mouth in front of everyone, but I was also tiptoeing just enough to reach his lips.
I quickly stepped back, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“I’ll remember that,” Cassian said with a grin I couldn’t quite decipher. Then he reached for my wrist again and led me toward the dining table.
I stared down at my hand, feeling the heat of his palm pressed against mine. He wasn’t supposed to touch me again, much less hold my hand as we walked a few steps. Yet, I let it happen. We were both playing our parts, trying to make our relationship appear genuine. Although, as Lycan King, he didn’t really need to prove anything—his word was law.
“Please, Your Highness, have a seat.” One of the female servants pulled out a chair with a gentle smile.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” I replied playfully, but instead of sitting opposite Cassian as the chair suggested, I walked over to him and smiled. “I prefer to sit next to my husband p>
Cassian looked up sharply. The room’s atmosphere shifted instantly, faces falling. I didn’t notice until a hand stopped me from pulling out a chair.
“You can’t sit here,” Cassian’s voice dropped to a dangerous low. “This chair isn’t for just anyone p>
His cold, indifferent tone made my eyes widen. My jaw clenched as a flush of shame and humiliation crept through me. He could have spoken normally instead of acting as if I’d insulted his pride.
I looked at the chair, then back at him. “Is this chair made of 24-karat gold, Your Majesty?” I asked, inspecting it. “If so, it probably can’t support my weight p>
Cassian’s jaw tightened. “Sit anywhere else but here,” he repeated firmly.
“I heard you loud and clear, love. I don’t sit where I’m not respected,” I shot back with equal coldness before settling into another chair.
The servants remained silent, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.
My gaze drifted to the girls standing quietly in the corner. Their uniforms were different, but they looked like automatons, waiting silently for orders.
“What would you like to eat, Your Highness?” the earlier servant asked again. I glanced at the plates and smiled warmly.
“I’m fine, thank you. No need to trouble yourselves. By the way, have you all eaten p>
No response.
I looked again. “Have you had dinner yet p>
Butler Mathew stepped forward, bowing slightly. “No, Your Highness. We wait until you have finished p>
“Well, that could take forever since I’m supposed to pick someone from you as my personal attendant. While I eat, you all can enjoy your meal p>
Everyone stared at me as if I’d just said something absurd. Butler Mathew cleared his throat politely.
“Your Highness, we cannot leave you unattended p>
“It’s fine. We’re grown adults who can serve ourselves, right, my husband p>
Cassian’s eyes flicked to me, dark and silent. I looked back, hoping for support, but instead, the sound of a spoon clattering against his plate filled the room as he fixed me with a sharp gaze.
“They must remain here. It’s always been this way p>
My eyes narrowed. “Just because it’s always been this way doesn’t mean it can’t change. Isn’t it strange that thirty people stand around watching us eat while they’re hungry? That’s ridiculous p>
“My Luna, if you want to change the rules p>
“Then please let them eat now. If they need anything, I’ll help as their wife. I can be a good server too!” I winked, popping a meatball into my mouth.
“Gosh! This is delicious! You’ve got an excellent cook, my love p>
Cassian remained silent, eating with that cold, flawless grace. I couldn’t deny he looked like a perfect work of art.
“Butler Mathew, you may eat with the others. Once finished, come to the living room,” Cassian ordered, his voice firm.
He agreed.
“But Your Majesty p>
“It’s fine. Go ahead.” He swirled his wine glass.
No one argued. They simply nodded and quietly left.
“And,” I added, “if it’s inconvenient for His Majesty, divide into two groups. Those who eat early can finish before him, and the others later. But I hope none of you stand here hungry p>
“Please forgive me, Your Highness!” The female servant who had helped me sit suddenly knelt gracefully.
“What are you doing?” I gasped. Everyone looked confused. “Are you alright?” I hurried to help her up.
I didn’t understand what was happening, but a wave of insecurity washed over me—I hated feeling like I’d done something wrong.
“I’m sorry. You must have heard my stomach growl. I haven’t eaten since I had to attend classes today… I’m really sorry p>
“So you are hungry,” Butler Mathew said, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Then follow my Queen’s rule,” Cassian’s voice echoed through the room. “No one shall serve dinner on an empty stomach p>
The expressions on their faces stunned me. Relief, as if this was a problem they’d faced for years.
“We’ll take our leave, then. We’ll return in thirty minutes,” Butler James said politely.
“Take your time. No rush,” I waved as they left, watching Cassian sip his wine leisurely.
Once the room emptied, I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on him. His silver hair gleamed under the light. “Sorry for overstepping. I didn’t mean to push too far,” I muttered, feeling a sting of disappointment in myself.
Cassian finally met my gaze, swirling his glass slowly. His eyes were unreadable. “As I said, I won’t stop you from doing anything. Since I’ve given you responsibility for this household, it’s yours to manage p>
I straightened, a hint of determination returning. “Are you sure? I might seem overbearing. Look at me—I even set rules p>
“You did it for their own good. Also—” He paused thoughtfully. “The thought of them being hungry while I ate never crossed my mind. Did you know she was hungry p>
“No. I grew up around servants and employees more than my own parents. I just asked without thinking. It was a coincidence p>
“I see,” he whispered.
“But I’m still sorry. It was thoughtless p>
“As I said, it’s your responsibility now. You don’t have to worry about p>
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the room from behind me, cold and heavy with bitterness. “Then what are my responsibilities, My King? Am I now disposable p>
The chapter delicately explores the tension and vulnerability underlying Roana and Cassian’s public roles, highlighting the fragile balance between duty and genuine connection. Roana’s attempts to assert her place as head of the household reveal her growing resolve to bring warmth and humanity into a rigid, formal world, even as she navigates the cold expectations imposed by Cassian and his court. Their interactions, charged with unspoken emotions and subtle power plays, underscore the complexity of their relationship—one that is still finding its footing amidst the weight of tradition and authority.
Amidst the stiff formality of the servants and the unyielding protocols, Roana’s kindness and insistence on fairness shine through, offering a quiet rebellion against the dehumanizing atmosphere. The chapter closes on a note of unresolved tension, hinting at the challenges ahead as Roana embraces her new role with compassion and strength, while Cassian remains a figure of inscrutable authority. Their shared journey promises growth, understanding, and perhaps a deeper connection forged through the trials of power and love.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate power dynamics within Cassian’s household, as Roana’s newfound authority begins to challenge long-standing traditions and unspoken tensions. The unexpected interruption at the end hints at brewing conflicts that could test loyalties and reveal hidden resentments among those who serve the royal couple. Roana’s determination to bring change may not be welcomed by all, and the emotional stakes are set to rise as she navigates the delicate balance between asserting her role and maintaining harmony.
Meanwhile, the evolving relationship between Roana and Cassian continues to simmer beneath the surface, with subtle gestures and charged silences suggesting that their public façade might be masking more complex feelings. As they confront the expectations placed upon them, both must grapple with their own vulnerabilities and the pressures of their positions. Readers can anticipate moments of tension, revelation, and perhaps unexpected alliances as the household adjusts to Roana’s presence and authority. The next chapter will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of these characters and the intricate world they inhabit.
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.