Chapter 18

Ember

I continue to attend luna training with Bianca noting how her focus has improved. It seems as though missing out on the opportunity to flaunt her relationship at the banquet was enough to finally kick her into gear. I can’t help but wonder if she took Prince Kaine’s threat to cancel the engagement seriously as I work alongside her for the next few weeks.

Unfortunately for me, her new sense of purpose did not come with a shift in her attitude. Despite our difference I don’t want to see my sister fail. She may not be Prince Kaine’s mate but I’m not exactly jumping to take my place as his fiancée.

I try my best to encourage her, but ounce of encouragement I give her is meant with an equal amount of disdain. “Look, I am going to get through my training, but I still don’t see the point.” Bianca snaps at me one day after a particularly intense spar.

I sigh and give the same speech I’ve repeated over and over for the last few days. “Being Luna is more than just keeping a home, you have to learn how to guide the pack.” Bianca simply rolls her eyes refusing to acknowledge the value in the lessons we’re taking.

I sigh knowing that Bianca only wants to finish her training so that she can marry Prince Kaine as soon as possible.

In the coming days Bianca begins to talk nonstop about her and the prince’s engagement the upcoming banquet, even going as far as to bring her engagement dress to flaunt in my face when we are supposed to be studying.

“This must be the one Kaine chose for me himself,” she beams smugly. “He said this color matched my eyes the best.” As she holds the dress up for me to see, I can’t help the uneasy feeling that settles in my chest.

Prince Kaine is my mate, but he is not my fiancé. I have done everything I can do make sure of that without outright rejecting him. It is not my place to feel jealous.

Before I can respond, Prince Kaine strides into the room, much to Bianca’s delight. “Kaine! I’m so glad you’re here! I was just showing Ember my engagement dress!”

The prince frowns at Bianca for a moment, taking in both her and the dress. “That dress doesn’t suit you. Pick another,” he states coldly leaving Bianca reeling in shock at his harsh words.

“I- um… okay.” Bianca replies rendered speechless by the prince’s callus remarks. She goes to leave, undoubtedly on a shopping spree to find something the prince will find more suitable for their engagement.

As Bianca departs the prince turns to me. “Has she truly improved in her Luna training?”

I open my mouth to answer his question, but something stops me. Instead I ask, “So… if someone meets the standards of your training, does that mean they’d have a chance to be your luna” My cheeks flame, as I internally cure my stupid mouth.

Prince Kaine looks at me, his expression unreadable. “The training’s just a supplement. My luna, of course, can only be Bianca.”

My heart thuds in my chest as I fully grasp the stupidity of my question. Someone of Prince Kaine’s status could only end up with someone like Bianca. I would never be worthy of him.

I fight to keep my voice even as I answer, “Right. Of course.” I knew deep down that he could never accept me, but hearing it spoken aloud hurts all the same.

Prince Kaine is just like my other two mates, validating everything I already believed—that only someone like Bianca, polished and praised, could ever stand beside someone like him. Not a guard. Not me.

I think about everything that has happened over the lasts several weeks and let the weight of it hit me. Prince Kaine can never know I am his mate. My resolve started to slip, but I cannot let that happen again.

My throat feels tight, but I say nothing. There’s no point. It was a stupid question, and I already knew the answer. I remind myself again: this bond can never be known. Revealing myself to Prince Kaine would only serve to sacrifice everything that I’ve worked so hard for. I need to get more of the potion. Soon.

The next week passes in a blur of guard and luna training in addition to my new duties as personal protection detail and it’s beginning to border on grueling. Prince Kaine has been doubling security protocols in preparation for the engagement banquet, and the royal guard is under immense pressure. Every member is on edge, and I feel like I’m constantly holding my breath.

My new duties mean that I am forced to work very closely with my former mate, Robert. As we sit down one night to discuss the security for the event I make sure to carefully go through every detail of making sure there are no holes in security.

He looks at me a mocking look in his eye as I point out risk zones on the map of the banquet hall. “Don’t you think you’re overdoing it a little bit, Em?”

“I don’t think being thorough is overdoing it considering what happened with the mole. Plus the number of high-profile pack members attending the event will make the banquet vulnerable to all kinds of attacks.”

Robert continues to smirk at me, “Yeah, but this is a banquet full of wolves. Besides, Prince Kaine is strong enough to handle any kind of that comes our way. I think your woman logic is making you overthink this.”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes but continue working. Robert isn’t worth the effort, and besides its not like his option matters. Prince Kaine wants to up security for the banquet so that is what I will do.

On my way out the room, I bump into Prince Kaine. “Your Highness, I’m sorry I didn’t see you there.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Ember. I was in the way,” he states plainly. “I know that I shouldn’t pry but I couldn’t help but watch as you and Robert went over the plans for the banquet.”

I look at him and nod, waiting for him to ask how our plans for securing the event are coming. His expression is odd as he hesitates for a moment, clearing his throat. “I was just wondering… how do you get along with your ex so well?” He looked way too pleased after talking to you.”

I find the prince’s question a little odd, but I answer without hesitation. “We’re not friends. We’re nothing.”

As I answer, I take not of the way Prince Kaine visibly relaxes, “Good. That’s for the best.” I nod know that he was worried about our previous relationship interfering with our duties. I can’t entirely blame him since the first time he saw us together I was pinning Robert’s arm behind his back.

I look up at the prince. “Well… if that’s all... goodnight.”

As I walk away, I catch myself smiling as I hear his voice echo from behind me. “Goodnight, Ember.”