All Chapters of From Betrayed Luna to Crowned Princess: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ravena's POVThe captain’s gaze cut to her middle again. “Even if I wanted to give you a chance, I can't because of your uniform violation.”“What do you mean?” Rhea asked, looking confused.“Come back covered.”“My uniform doesn't slow me,” she argued.“It will when you are dead.”Mira then spoke, her voice calm. “Captain, at least let us show you what we can do. Just one drill, one minute. You will be impressed.”The officer gave a small laugh, “The captain has already made it clear that you are not qualified. Please leave.”I suddenly felt a rush of heat in my face and throat as the men behind us reacted, some with amusement, and others with pity."Is this fear or pride?" I blurted out.The officer didn't bother to sigh. “It is an order from the captain.”I took one step forward and locked eyes with the officer. “What if we do not want to leave?”Just then, Rhea’s palm hit the table so hard that the cups jumped and the sound cracked across the yard. “What kind of order is this? You

Lucien's POVThe chandeliers in the grand hall burned bright, but the light felt cold on my skin. Dressed in a black tailcoat with a tight collar, I stared at the white flowers that lined the aisle.It had been two weeks since Ravena left. I had hoped anger would toughen me, yet all I felt was a dull ache that sat behind my ribs and wouldn’t move.“Alpha, the guests are waiting,” my steward whispered.“I can see them,” I replied nonchalantly.The hall was not the vision I once had. I had begged for coin where pride should have kept me silent. I had sold a ring I swore I would keep. I had promised work to men who did not deserve it, only to make sure there was food and wine. In my mind, I had pictured a golden ceiling and a full orchestra. In truth, there was only a small quartet, a thin carpet, and a forced smile that hurt to wear.Astrid had filled the front rows with her chosen men, warriors with loud mouths and heavy boots. They occupied seats that were reserved for nobles and high

Ravena's POVOne night, the camp was filled with screams and explosions that shook the ground under our cots. I woke with my heart in my throat and the taste of smoke in my mouth. Mira was already holding the lamp, her face pale.We quickly pulled on our royal guard uniforms, made of dark leather with steel plates. I tied the neck strap and sheathed my blades as Rhea double-checked my buckles.Outside, the tents were bathed in orange light as drums urgently sounded the alarm.Suddenly, two soldiers stood in my way. “By order of the Prince, all aides and visitors must evacuate,” the taller one said.I stepped back. “No.”The soldier blinked in surprise. “Princess, please. He will have our heads if we don't follow his orders.”“I am not running.” I met his gaze. “I am of royal blood and I have been trained in combat. I will stay and fight.”Rhea stood her ground. “She stays.”Mira raised her chin. “We are all staying.”“The Prince said evacuate,” the second soldier argued, but his voice

Ravena's POVBefore Evander could respond, I chimed in. “Of course not. He specifically requested to speak with just me.”“But we…” Rhea started, but I gestured for her to stop.“Just… go and rest. We’ve had a really long day.”I sensed their curious stares and their silent questions, and when our eyes met, they winked at me. Ignoring them, I turned to Evander. “Lead the way.”He gave a curt nod and started walking. I fell into step behind him, though soon he slowed his pace to match mine. Even in the faint torchlight, his broad shoulders stood out, and the night air seemed to move around him.My heart throbbed with every step, and his closeness made it impossible to steady myself. I hated how much I noticed him, how much I cared.When we finally got to his tent, he pulled back the flap and gestured for me to enter. But I hesitated for one breath before stepping inside.The inside smelled faintly of smoke and leather, mixed with something sharper that was unmistakably his. Without a w

Ravena's POVBefore I could answer, the flap of the tent was pushed open.Evander stepped in with his usual unreadable face, arms crossed like he owned the air we breathed. His broad frame filled the space as if the tent had suddenly shrunk just to make room for his presence. His eyes scanned the scene. Three cups. One bottle. Three guilty faces.“Well,” he said slowly. “Is this what warriors do the night before their first formation?”“We were only taking a small sip,” Mira replied quickly, sitting up straighter.He raised a brow. “Is that supposed to make it better?”“It’s just a bit of fun,” Rhea added. “We earned it.”“Fun?” His eyes moved to mine. “Did you earn a broken leg too? Or should we be toasting to hangovers in the morning when you’re supposed to hold the front line?”I stood, holding my cup down by my side. “We… we weren’t going to drink everything.”Evander walked over and plucked the bottle from Mira’s hands. “Well, you won’t be drinking anything tonight.”Mira gasped,