Chapter 117

Hannah

As we reached the town hall, I could see the crowds of people outside, itching to get a glimpse of the wolf king.

“Are you sure you want to go inside?” Lewis asked from the front seat. He was staring over at the crowds of people, and I knew he didn’t like the idea of Wrenley and me being exposed to that.

“Thank you for the ride, Lewis,” I said fondly, opening the door and sliding out of the car. He followed closely behind me.

“With all due respect, your highness, your husband is expecting me to safely get you home and this is kind of the opposite. So, allow me to accompany you to him so I can ensure your safety.”

I smiled my thanks to him.

As I got inside, I started hearing the murmurs echoing from all around me.

“Oh, my goddess. It’s the luna queen!”

“She’s so beautiful! And she had a baby?!”

“She has a motherly glow! How gorgeous!”

I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. As soon as I reached the front, I could hear the angry questions of those addressing Sebastian. He remained calm at the podium, allowing them to ask their questions before he silenced them.

“One of us turned up dead and you had his blood all over you. How do you explain that, Alpha King?”

“When will the madness and torment on the kingdom end?”

“How could we ever trust you again?”

I couldn’t stand there and watch the kingdom attack him like this. I stepped toward the front, holding Wren close to my chest. Sebastian caught my eyes and held them for a short while.

“If I may?” I asked. He looked hesitant for a moment, but he stepped aside, allowing me to take over the podium.

“Luna Queen!” I heard the gasps from around me.

“I know many of you worry for your safety,” I began. “I understand the worry you may feel having Alpha King Sebastian continue as the leader with his well-known madness. However, I’m here to present to you a child we have brought into this world and are bringing home this morning. A child that I trust my husband dearly with. I trust him to protect and love us. I would expect his kingdom to be able to trust and stand by him just as I do.”

“What about all the deaths? This wasn’t the first time someone has died at the hands of the wolf king!”

“There is a lot that goes on behind palace walls that you are unaware of. Like many of you, before I married the Alpha King, I feared him. I thought he would do to me what he had done to others. During my time in the palace, I discovered quickly that many of the killings have been greatly exaggerated. Many have been set up by third parties who wish him harm. I believe this most recent killing isn’t any different.”

“How can we be sure of that, Luna Queen?”

I paused as I stared around at the crowd, sensing their dismay.

“Because I have been married to him for quite a while now and I am very much alive, as you can see. I’m more than alive. If you can’t find it in yourselves to trust our Alpha King, can you find it in yourselves to trust me?”

There was a moment of pause as they processed my words; I could see the worried eyes glancing around at one another unsure of what to think. Sebastian stood by my side, and I felt his tension, but he remained silent and calm. I peered up at him through my lashes and gave him a small smile. I wanted him to know that I was here with him regardless of anything that happens.

“We trust you, Luna Queen,” someone finally shouted from the crowd.

“We will stand by you!”

“Please keep us safe from whoever is killing us!!”

Sebastian relaxed and finally returned my gaze. He leaned down and kissed me gently on the lips.

“I told you to go right home from the hospital,” he murmured against me. I knew I wasn’t getting off the hook that easily.

“Aren’t you glad I didn’t listen?”

“You are so stubborn,” he said in return, shaking his head with dismay. But I could see the humor and gratification dancing in his eyes.

…

We returned home together after the meeting. We were greeted by a handful of servants who clapped eagerly as we entered the palace grounds. Victoria was the first to rush toward us, excited to see our new addition.

“Everybody, I want you to meet our daughter, Wrenley.”

“She’s so beautiful!” Victoria cooed. “She has Alpha’s hair!”

I chuckled and nodded in response.

“We should have a feast tonight,” I said, peering up at Sebastian. “I’ll call Raya and Arnold and have them join us.”

Sebastian turned to the cluster of servants who were still cooing over the baby.

“Alert the kitchen staff that we are having a feast tonight. Tell them to cook all of Hannah’s favorite meals.”

“Yes, sir,” one of the servants said.

“Also, call Lady Raya and Beta Arnold, let them know about the feast, and that they are welcome to join us,” Sebastian ordered.

As we watched the servants disperse from the foyer, Sebastian turned to me and there was something in his eyes I didn’t recognize.

“I have a surprise for you,” he said with a faint smile. “Come with me.”

He turned and walked toward the stairs. I frowned and looked down at Wren, unsure of what to make of this. I adjusted the blanket around her small body before going with Sebastian up the stairway. We made our way to the top floor; I thought we were going to our bedroom, but he stopped in front of the guest room that Liam had once stayed in.

As he pushed the door open, I felt my breathing getting caught in my throat as I entered behind him. It was a nursery.

I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped my lips as I looked around at my surroundings. The walls were painted light pink with clouds and pictures of bunnies decaling each corner. Across the wall was the name Wrenley written in beautiful purple cursive. There was a giant pink rug in the middle of the hardwood flooring. There was a white crib with a matching changing table and dressers that were filled with clothing.

As I took in the gorgeous room, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I turned to him, and he was leaning against the door with an almost smug smile spreading across his face.

“What do you think?”

“When did you have time to do all of this?” I asked as tears escaped my eyes.

“I had the servants work on it all night,” he answered with a slight shrug. “I figured Wrenley was going to need a place to sleep.”

“It’s perfect,” I breathed.

I stepped closer to him and pressed my lips against his. He wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me close to him. Wren wiggled in my arms, and I pulled away, feeling my face flaring with heat. My heart was beating so rapidly in my chest that I thought for a moment it was going to explode.

“How about we put Wrenley down for a nap,” I suggested, peering up at his curious eyes. “And then I can thank you properly.”