006

Lana

I had never imagined I would step into the King’s Estate.

When I was younger, my father used to tell me stories about it. He would sit beside the fire, his voice was usually low and filled with wonder, describing the place that stood just outside the city. He said it was larger than any palace, older than most kingdoms, and guarded like sacred ground. According to him, only councilors and high nobles were ever invited inside. Even powerful Alphas rarely crossed its gates unless when necessary.

Back then, I had listened with wide eyes, never once thinking I would see it myself.

Yet now I was on my way there but not as a guest or as a noblewoman but as the Luna.

The thought sent a quiet thrill through me. Power like this was not a small thing. Standing beside the Lycan King would give me influence, protection, and reach. With that kind of strength behind me, crushing Diego and Amethyst would be an interesting walk in yhe park. Still… revenge was a dish best served slowly and cold.

“We’re here,” the driver said.

I blinked and looked out the window.

The gates rose before us, tall and black, carved with ancient patterns that curled like vines across the metal. They opened without a sound, and the car drove forward along a wide stone path lined with yellow anterns. Up ahead stood the King's Estate.

It was enormous.

The mansion stretched across the land like it owned the earth itself. There were tall pillars framing the entrance. Endless rows of windows reflected against the sky. The entire place looked less like a home and more like a kingdom itself.

The car stopped.

Before I could reach for the handle, a servant opened the door from outside and bowed deeply. I stepped out slowly as my eyes scanned the surroundings.

There were rows of servants standing, waiting. Some of them looked a bit shocked which was understandable.

No one had expected their king to return with a mate, let alone one who appeared out of nowhere.

Footsteps sounded behind me. I turned to see Ashton walk to my side and rested his palm lightly against my waist. The warmth of his touch seeped through the fabric of my dress, steady and firm. My pulse quickened, though I kept my expression calm.

“This is your Luna,” he said.

His voice was even, but it carried easily. Every servant lowered their head at once.

“Whatever she needs,” he continued, “you will provide immediately. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” they answered together.

He then turned slightly. “Prepare my chamber.”

Another bow. “At once, sire.”

My attention shifted when he faced one of the guards. “Summon the council immediately. There will be questions for sure.”

Council?

The word echoed in my mind.

I looked up at him. “Why do you need to call a council meeting… Ashton?” I asked.

The moment his name left my lips, silence fell.  Some of the servents looked at me in horror.

Ashton's head turned toward me. Those blue eyes fixed on mine, sharp and piercing. My heart skipped. Only then did I realize what I had done. No one called him by his name. Not servants, not nobles...not even high Alphas.

For a second, I wondered if I had made a mistake but then he smiled.

“A council meeting is required, Luna he said calmly, still watching me. “It is not every day the Lycan King is mated… under such strange circumstances.”

Ashton gave me no room for speaking as he grabbed by arm gently and led me inside.

The moment I stepped inside, I understood why people spoke of the King’s Estate like it was legend.

The interior was breathtaking. High ceilings stretched above me, painted with scenes of wolves, moons, and ancient battles. The floors shone so brightly I could see my reflection beneath my feet. It was exactly what I expected the King’s home to look like.

One of the female servants bowed slightly. “This way, Your Majesty.”

"You go ahead, " Ashton whispered softly. "I have some things to take care of."

I followed the servant up a wide staircase. My mind was still half lost in the beauty around me when a thought struck.

This didn't seem like the direction of a guest chamber.

Realization came slowly. Then all at once.

She was taking me to his room!

For a brief second, I had forgotten. Forgotten that I was mated to him and that I was now his Luna. My steps slowed as the servant opened a tall door and gestured me inside.

I entered.

The chamber was just as grand as the rest of the estate, maybe more. Dark wood furniture, long velvet curtains, a massive bed, shelves filled with old books, and wide windows that overlooked the estate grounds.

It felt like stepping into Ashton’s presence even though he wasn't here.

I would have taken my time to admire it but my thoughts were no longer on the room.

They were now on the so called council meeting. Why so soon? Why so urgent?

After a short while, I stepped back out and wandered down the corridor. Servants passed quietly. Guards stood like statues. As I turned a corner, I noticed several men gathered in the hall ahead.

I recognised them as Alphas and pack elders.

Their sharp eyes turned to me at once.

Surprise crossed their faces openly. Some looked shocked. Others curious. A few simply stared. I couldn’t tell if they were more stunned that the King had a mate… or because my beauty was just a sight for sore eyes.

I kept my posture gentle and lowered my gaze slightly, pretending not to notice their attention as I walked past.

A servant hurried toward me and bowed. “Your Majesty, the council meeting has begun. As Luna, you are expected to attend.”

I blinked once. Attend? Me?

The thought surprised me, but it made sense. The King’s mate was not decoration. She was authority.

“I understand,” I said softly.

He guided me down another hall until we reached large double doors. They opened the moment we approached.

Inside was a long chamber lined with a polished table. Powerful men sat along both sides.

And at the head qas Ashton.

The instant he saw me, he stood and every man in the room stood with him.

I paused, caught off guard. That was... unexpected. Respect like this… it wasn’t something I had ever been given so freely.

“Come,” Ashton said. He gestured to the seat beside him.

I walked forward and sat where he indicated. Once I settled, the others sat as well and the meeting began.

They discussed territories, dorders. Trading and policing. Minor disputes between packs. I listened quietly, memorizing their faces.

All of a sudden one of the older councilors spoke.

“Your Majesty,” he said carefully, “forgive my boldness… but how is it that the Moon Goddess suddenly chose to give you a mate after all these years?”

“It seems… fabricated.”