Chapter three

The meeting was adjourned in about an hour as it was only a customary visit. Rhode’s father, the former alpha and ruler of his empire, died of a disease that almost wiped out his entire family two years ago.

Thankfully, Rhode was out on a mission and was not infected. Rhode assumed the role as alpha and in just a year he brought the Wales clan up the ladder and they were only second to the Jared kingdom in influence. In raw strength however, that was up for debate.

Megan couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had seen Rhode before. He felt all too familiar and he looked at her often during the visit although she refused to look back at him. It was an insult to your husband as Luna to look at another male in the presence of your husband, especially one from another pack.

After all the visitors had left, Megan got up to leave the courtroom.

“It would do you well to have a group of reporters come see you.” Richardson said.

“Why?” Megan asked. “Word has reached me that rumors have spread about town that a woman is occupying the room set apart for the king’s concubine.” He said.

“I don’t follow, your majesty.” Megan responded.

“You should see the reporters to break the news. Tell them that your very best friend Aspen is carrying my child and that you couldn’t be more happy that an heir will finally be born.” 

Was he joking? Megan’s face turned into a frown. That was something new, as Luna, she was known for her ability to keep a straight poker face regardless of the situation.

“I cannot do that, your majesty.” Megan started. “I believe you should break the news. As it is your child. I want nothing to do with that.”

“Do you not see how vital your role is in announcing this?” He asked.

“I do not.” Megan said curtly.

“You will speak to the reporters! That is an order from your alpha.” Richardson demanded.

“I will not, your majesty. Ask anything else of me, I will do without complaint but I will not speak to the reporters. I will accept any punishment. Megan said, standing her ground.

Ultimately, Richardson could not force her to see the reporters. He would have to do it himself. He had hoped Megan’s spirit was crushed enough to do his bidding but he had forgotten just how resilient Megan was.

Outside the courtroom, “your highness was really brave, standing up to the alpha like that.” Brianna squealed.

“He is my husband after all. I can’t just say yes to him all the time.” Megan said. Calling him her husband left a sour taste in her mouth.

She had loved him all these years and understood his withdrawal from her, attributing it to the pressure from the court. Her love however was in question as it was clear that Richardson never had empathy for her as he decided to lie with her best friend.

What hurt her despite the fact that he broke his word of never taking a concubine was the fact that they never got officially tested to determine whose fault it was she could not conceive. Everyone just assumed it was her and cast her aside.

“I would like to take a walk in the garden.” Megan said to Brianna and Rosetta.

“Let me quickly fetch your parasol.” Rosetta said and hurried away.

“Are you okay, Luna?” Brianna asked her, looking right into her eyes.

Megan smiled, “I am.” She lied.

Rosetta returned with the parasol. “Let us go, your highness.” 

They got to the garden and the three women were taking a walk down the pedestrian path.

“There are rumors that the alpha serves her food himself!” One of the ladies walking by said to another lady.

“I heard she’s the most beautiful woman ever.” The other said.

Megan paid them no mind and continued walking. They were definitely talking about Aspen but she was not going to confirm or deny the rumors.

Aspen never came to the castle grounds often because she was always off on official duties to the other packs. So it was not a surprise to her that no one knew who she was. 

Aspen and her were childhood friends who ever since she had gotten married, Megan only saw her when she traveled to said packs on official duties.

The women passed Megan and her entourage.

“Luna,” Rosetta said and Megan looked up and saw Rhode and his entourage walking towards them. Rhode stopped before Megan and bowed, “Luna.” He acknowledged her. 

“Please, rise.” Megan said, uncomfortable that Rhode Wales was bowing down to her.

“You’re as beautiful as they say. Even more beautiful.” He said as he straightened his back.

Megan blushed, “thank you. You’re too kind.” 

“You’re welcome.” Rhode said and cocked up a brow before walking away. The way he cocked up his brow reminded Megan again of her little cub friend.

“Oh, your majesty! He couldn’t stop looking at you!” Brianna said.

“Let’s hurry along now.” Megan said, hiding her smile. It was the first time any man had shown interest in her except Richardson.

“Luna.” Rosetta said. Megan looked up and saw Aspen walking towards her and she froze.

She wasn’t ready to face Aspen, not with members of the Jared empire present.

Megan’s heart pounded loudly in her chest.

“Megan!” Aspen called outloud.