The Hidden Luna Queen

Chapter 0166

"Mother," Charlotte beckoned, prompting her mother to turn around, "our last guest has finally arrived."

"Your Majesty," I whispered, curtsying before lifting my gaze to meet hers. "I'm sorry, I hope I'm not too late." Queen Leonora shook her head. "Nonsense, you're right on time."

For the first time since entering the garden, I took a proper look around and was surprised to find that we were, in fact, not alone.

There were perhaps fifteen... no more than twenty women gathered in the garden with us, all spread out at small tables and chatting amongst themselves. Most of them looked more similar in age to me, with others appearing closer to their thirties or forties. All were dressed nicely, indicating they were likely from alpha families.

And sitting among the women, in a gold, flowy dress that accented her pretty blonde up-do... was none other than Isabelle.

But she had not yet noticed me, it seemed. She was too busy enthralled in her conversation with three other highborn girls that I'd never met before.

Thank goodness for that.

But... why was she here, too?

My anxious silence must have spoken volumes to the queen, because she broke her silence then.

"You have nothing to be worried about," she gently insisted. "As a matter of fact, I think today's activity will be perfect for you. Remember to keep in mind everything you've learned thus far, but above all, I want you to trust your instincts."

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Queen Leonora smiled. "Yes. Do what Maeve feels is right."

Do what feels right, I mused. That sounded easy enough.

"Ladies," she called out, gently clapping her hands together and bringing the garden to a silent standstill, "come, let us gather around now."

Quickly, anyone who was not seated took their seat and anyone who'd been busy chatting silenced themselves. Charlotte discreetly pointed me towards a table with an open chair, which I was grateful to take.

Out of the comer of my eye, I saw Isabelle glare in my direction, but she otherwise kept to herself.

I suppressed a sigh. As long as she left me alone, I'd be fine.

Queen Leonora stayed in place, where she could see everyone. "Welcome to our lovely gardens. I see a few familiar faces, and plenty of newcomers," she said, smiling as her gaze briefly skimmed over me. "Before I let you get started on your projects, I'll just leave you all with this: we may hold the world on our shoulders as women, but never forget," she enunciated with the power of a true Luna, "that we are just as strong as the men at our sides."

"Although, some might say," she continued with a teasing lilt, but the fire in her eyes showed otherwise, "that we are stronger."

A chorus of laughter and cheers rang out from the women in attendance, and I felt compelled to partake in the revelry.

And suddenly, it dawned on me what was going on here. This was no ordinary gossip circle for highborn Lunas and mates to have fun and talk willy-nilly.

This was a support circle.

In other words, this was a chance for me to practice what it meant to be a Luna Princess with those unsuspecting.

I steeled myself, I could do this.

There was a variety of different activities laid out for us to engage in. Many chose to draw, while some chose to knit, and others even chose to arrange flowers. They all were things I'd never had the opportunity to try before, and I was filled with the urge to try every single one.

But there was one craft I found myself inexplicably drawn to.

I wasn't sure how I'd do it, but I wanted to make a bracelet.

I gravitated toward lovely ocean blues and warm forest greens-the colors soothing something deep inside my soul-and began to weave them together as one might braid several strands of hair. The image I'd envisioned in my head was adorable, but it was nowhere near the mess I was making in front of me.

"Ah, that's not how you do it."

I glanced up at the girl seated at my right-young and pretty, with light brown hair and a lovely pink dress-where awkward confusion was written very clearly across her face.