The crystal Moonstone continued to glow in Elara's hands long after the palace steward and the captain of the royal guards disappeared around the corner.

She stood motionless in the corridor, trying to make sense of the conversation she had accidentally overheard.

"The Alpha has waited years for this day."

The words lingered in her mind like an unwelcome shadow.

She knew the name Selene.

Everyone in Mooncrest knew it.

Years before Kaelen became Alpha King, Lady Selene Ashbourne had been the daughter of the neighboring Silverfang Pack's Alpha. The elders often spoke of her beauty and intelligence, while the younger wolves admired the fierce confidence she carried into every gathering. Rumors had once spread throughout the kingdom that she and Kaelen would someday complete the Moon Goddess' blessing together.

Then the Border War erupted.

Silverfang fell.

Selene disappeared without leaving a single trace.

Most believed she had died.

The whispers surrounding her faded as the years passed, replaced by new stories, new celebrations, and eventually Kaelen's marriage to Elara.

Elara had never questioned those old rumors.

Every kingdom had stories about youthful friendships and impossible romances.

Kaelen had never given her a reason to doubt his devotion.

He had chosen her before the Moon Goddess.

He had vowed before the Eternal Flame to cherish only her.

Surely the steward's words meant nothing more than welcoming the daughter of an old ally back to Mooncrest.

That had to be all.

She lowered her gaze to the glowing crystal resting between her palms.

A smile slowly returned to her face.

Nothing could overshadow today.

Not even an old memory from Kaelen's past.

She was carrying their child.

The thought filled her heart with a warmth so powerful that every lingering uncertainty dissolved beneath it.

She thanked Doctor Aldren once more before carefully wrapping the Moonstone inside a silk cloth.

"I would advise waiting until tonight before announcing the news," the physician said with gentle kindness.

She looked up.

"Why tonight?"

"The Moon Goddess favors important announcements beneath the evening moon. It has long been a tradition among the royal bloodline."

Elara smiled.

"I like that tradition."

"I suspected you might."

He walked toward a cabinet and retrieved a small leather journal.

"I'll prepare the royal records, though they shall remain sealed until His Majesty confirms the announcement himself."

She nodded.

"I want to tell him before anyone else knows."

"As it should be."

Doctor Aldren hesitated before adding, "Your Majesty should avoid unnecessary stress. The first weeks are especially important."

"I promise I'll be careful."

Although she made the promise sincerely, excitement already urged her feet toward the palace kitchens.

She wanted everything to be perfect.

The kitchens bustled with their usual controlled chaos.

Fresh bread cooled upon wooden racks while cooks stirred fragrant stews inside enormous iron pots.

The aroma of cinnamon, roasted apples, and honey drifted through the warm air.

Every servant paused to bow as Elara entered.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty."

She greeted each of them with the same gentle smile that had earned her the affection of nearly everyone who worked within Mooncrest Palace.

Unlike many royal wives before her, Elara knew the names of the servants.

She remembered birthdays.

She thanked cooks personally.

She visited injured guards after battles.

The palace had become warmer because she lived there.

At least that was what the servants often whispered among themselves.

The head baker hurried forward, wiping flour from his hands.

"Is there something special you'd like us to prepare today?"

Elara looked around the cheerful kitchen before lowering her voice.

"I have a surprise for His Majesty."

Several nearby maids exchanged excited smiles.

"What kind of surprise?" one asked before immediately blushing.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have asked."

Elara laughed softly.

"It's all right."

She leaned closer.

"I'd like a small moonberry cake."

The baker nodded enthusiastically.

"His Majesty's favorite."

"I'd also like silver icing."

"The color of the royal crest."

"And..."

She hesitated, suddenly feeling shy despite the joyful secret bubbling inside her chest.

"...could you decorate it with tiny moonflowers?"

The baker's weathered face brightened.

"It will be the finest cake this kitchen has ever made."

She thanked him before quietly leaving, unable to suppress another smile.

Everything felt different now.

The palace corridors seemed brighter.

The birds singing outside sounded sweeter.

Even the wind felt softer against her skin.

Perhaps this was what every mother experienced the moment she learned a new life had begun inside her.

A strange mixture of overwhelming happiness and fierce protectiveness settled within her heart.

She instinctively rested one hand over her stomach.

"It will be all right," she whispered so quietly that only her wolf could hear.

"We'll tell your father tonight."

Across the palace, the Council Chamber echoed with heated discussion.

Kaelen sat upon the Alpha Throne at the head of the long oak table.

Maps covered nearly every available surface.

Trade agreements.

Border reports.

Harvest projections.

Letters from neighboring kingdoms.

Normally Kaelen handled council meetings with unwavering focus.

Today, however, his attention drifted more than once toward the palace windows.

The elderly Beta noticed.

"You seem distracted, Your Majesty."

Kaelen blinked before looking back at the reports.

"I slept poorly."

"Has something happened?"

"No."

The answer came quickly.

Too quickly.

His wolf had been restless since dawn.

An unusual feeling lingered beneath his skin, impossible to explain.

It wasn't danger.

Nor excitement.

It felt almost...

Anticipatory.

As though fate itself had begun moving pieces across a game board only the Moon Goddess could see.

Before he could gather his thoughts, another advisor entered hurriedly.

"They've arrived."

The room fell silent.

Several council members exchanged knowing glances.

Kaelen slowly rose from his chair.

"Prepare the eastern courtyard."

The advisor bowed.

"It has already been done."

Without another word, Kaelen walked toward the palace entrance.

None of the council members attempted to stop him.

Outside, dozens of palace guards lined the stone pathway leading toward the eastern gates.

A magnificent black carriage rolled through the entrance beneath banners bearing the crest of the Silverfang Pack.

Its polished wheels stopped before the grand staircase.

Every servant lowered their heads.

Kaelen remained perfectly still.

The carriage door slowly opened.

An elegant woman stepped gracefully onto the stone pavement.

Her silver-blonde hair shimmered beneath the afternoon sunlight, while a sapphire traveling cloak rested across her shoulders.

Years had changed her.

She carried herself with greater confidence than before.

Yet her striking blue eyes remained exactly as Kaelen remembered.

For several long moments, neither of them spoke.

Then she smiled.

"I wondered if you would still recognize me."

Kaelen returned a polite smile.

"I never imagined you were alive."

"Neither did I."

The palace servants quietly watched the reunion.

Some smiled.

Others whispered.

Old stories had suddenly become reality.

Selene climbed the final steps toward him before stopping at a respectful distance.

"I've dreamed of coming home."

Kaelen nodded once.

"Welcome to Mooncrest."

Elara knew nothing of the reunion taking place outside.

She spent the afternoon arranging flowers inside the royal chambers while waiting for sunset.

Every few minutes she glanced toward the doorway.

Kaelen usually returned before evening meals.

Today felt unusually long.

One of the younger maids entered carrying folded linens.

She seemed unusually excited.

"Your Majesty?"

"Yes?"

"I heard the eastern courtyard became quite crowded this afternoon."

Elara looked up.

"What happened?"

"The lady from Silverfang arrived."

The maid smiled innocently.

"They say His Majesty personally welcomed her."

Elara continued arranging flowers.

"I'm sure that was the proper thing to do."

"Everyone says they used to know each other very well."

The maid immediately covered her mouth.

"I shouldn't gossip."

Elara offered a reassuring smile.

"There is no harm in welcoming an old friend."

The maid nodded before excusing herself.

Silence settled over the room once again.

Elara looked toward the moonberry cake resting carefully upon the small dining table.

Its silver icing glistened beautifully beneath the fading sunlight.

Beside it lay a tiny pair of knitted white baby booties she had found months earlier at the Harvest Market.

She had purchased them without knowing why.

Now she understood.

She imagined Kaelen opening the small gift box.

Confusion would cross his face first.

Then realization.

Then joy.

She laughed softly to herself.

He would probably forget every royal responsibility for the rest of the evening.

The image warmed her heart.

Outside, footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Strong.

Steady.

Familiar.

Her face brightened instantly.

"He's finally home."

She hurried toward the chamber door, excitement making her heartbeat race.

Her fingers reached the handle just as voices drifted through the hallway.

One voice belonged to Kaelen.

The other belonged to a woman.

Elara paused.

The woman laughed softly.

It was warm.

Comfortable.

The kind of laughter shared between people who already knew each other well.

Then Kaelen spoke.

"I've prepared the west wing for you."

"Thank you," the woman replied gently. "It already feels like I never left."

Elara's smile slowly faded.

She remained standing behind the closed door, the tiny gift box still clutched in her hands, while the voices continued farther down the corridor until they disappeared into the growing silence of the palace.

The moonberry cake remained untouched.

So did the secret that had been waiting all day to change their lives forever.

The silver icing on the moonberry cake had begun to harden by the time the voices outside disappeared into the western corridor. Elara remained standing beside the chamber door, her fingers wrapped tightly around the small wooden box containing the pair of knitted baby booties. The warmth that had carried her through the entire afternoon slowly faded, replaced by a feeling she could not quite explain. She wasn't jealous. Not yet. She trusted Kaelen. She trusted the vows they had made before the Eternal Moon Flame, where the Moon Goddess herself was believed to witness every promise exchanged between destined mates. Even so, the image of another woman walking beside her husband settled uneasily in her heart. She took a slow breath and gently shook her head. "You're overthinking this." The words sounded convincing enough to ease her own doubts. Lady Selene had survived a war everyone believed had claimed her life. She had returned to the kingdom after years of hardship. It was only natural that Kaelen would personally welcome the daughter of a former ally. That was the Alpha King speaking through duty. Not the man who had kissed her forehead that very morning. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in." The door opened, revealing one of the younger palace maids. "Your Majesty, His Majesty has returned." Elara's face brightened immediately. "Is he alone?" The maid hesitated for the briefest moment. "Lady Selene accompanied His Majesty to the royal sitting room. The council requested a private discussion before supper." The smile on Elara's lips weakened slightly. "I understand." "The dinner has been delayed by an hour." "Thank you." After the maid left, Elara glanced toward the beautifully decorated cake. An hour wasn't long. She could wait. After all, she had waited three years for this miracle. Another hour meant nothing. The royal sitting room overlooked the western gardens, where ancient moon lilies bloomed beneath the evening sky. Kaelen stood near the fireplace while Selene examined the familiar room with quiet nostalgia. "So little has changed," she said softly. "The palace has been carefully preserved." "I remember climbing through that window to escape etiquette lessons." Kaelen couldn't help smiling. "You were nearly caught every time." "Nearly." Her laugh carried the same confidence he remembered from years ago. For a brief moment, it felt as though the war had never happened. Until she rolled back the sleeve of her traveling cloak. A jagged scar stretched from her wrist almost to her elbow. Kaelen's smile disappeared. "Who did this?" Selene looked down at the scar before pulling her sleeve back into place. "It doesn't matter anymore." "It matters to me." She met his eyes. "The people responsible are already dead." Silence settled between them. Finally, Kaelen gestured toward a chair. "You've been through more than anyone should endure." "So have you." "No." His voice carried unexpected weight. "I was fortunate." "You became Alpha King." "I also lost many people." She watched him quietly. "Did you ever think I'd survived?" Kaelen hesitated. "At first." "And later?" "I buried that hope." Selene nodded as though she had expected that answer. "I don't blame you." Several corridors away, Elara wandered toward the palace nursery. Although the room remained empty, she visited it often. The previous Luna had planned for future generations long before Kaelen inherited the throne. Tiny cribs stood beneath moon-shaped windows. Handwoven blankets rested inside polished wooden chests. Stuffed wolf toys occupied neatly arranged shelves. Elara smiled as she imagined a little boy chasing wooden wolves across the polished floor. Or perhaps a little girl with Kaelen's silver eyes. She laughed quietly. Maybe both someday. Her hand drifted instinctively toward her stomach. "I'm going to tell your father tonight." She imagined his expression again. Shock. Joy. Disbelief. Then overwhelming happiness. Nothing could replace that moment. Nothing. Dinner finally began well after sunset. The long royal dining table, usually reserved for state banquets, had been prepared for only four people. Elara paused just inside the entrance. Four? She hadn't expected guests. Kaelen immediately rose from his chair. "There you are." His smile remained warm, though she noticed the faint exhaustion beneath his eyes. He crossed the room and gently kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting." "It's all right." He rested a reassuring hand against the small of her back. "I'd like you to meet someone properly." Her gaze shifted toward the elegant woman standing beside the table. Selene stepped forward gracefully. "It's an honor to finally meet the woman who captured Kaelen's heart." Her smile appeared sincere. Elara returned it politely. "The honor is mine." Kaelen looked between them with visible relief. "I was hoping the two of you would get along." Selene laughed softly. "I don't bite." "That's reassuring." The conversation remained pleasant throughout dinner. Selene spoke little about the years she had spent away from Mooncrest. Whenever Kaelen asked questions, she gently redirected the discussion toward safer topics. She praised the palace gardens. Complimented the royal kitchens. Admired the annual Harvest Moon Festival preparations. Everything felt... normal. Yet something invisible lingered beneath the surface. Kaelen listened carefully whenever Selene spoke. Not with affection. Not with longing. Rather with the attentiveness of someone trying to piece together a story that had been shattered years before. Elara reminded herself that compassion wasn't betrayal. Even so, she found herself speaking less than usual. Her appetite had vanished. She barely touched the beautifully prepared meal. Kaelen noticed. "You aren't eating again." "I'm simply not very hungry." "You've said that twice today." She forced a reassuring smile. "I'll make up for it tomorrow." He studied her face for a moment before nodding. "If you're feeling unwell, Doctor Aldren should examine you again." "He already has." "And?" Her heart skipped. Now. This was the perfect moment. She opened her mouth. "I..." Before another word escaped, the palace steward hurried into the dining hall. "My King." Kaelen frowned. "What happened?" "The Northern Council delegates have arrived unexpectedly." "So late?" "They insist the matter cannot wait until morning." Kaelen sighed quietly. "I'll meet them in the council chamber." He turned toward Elara with genuine regret. "I'm sorry." She smiled despite the disappointment settling inside her chest. "Duty comes first." "It shouldn't have to tonight." "It's all right." He squeezed her hand gently. "We'll talk afterward." "I'll wait." "I won't be long." She believed him. She always believed him. Nearly two hours passed. The palace had fallen almost silent. Most servants had retired for the night. Moonlight spilled across the empty corridors as Elara carried the small wooden gift box toward Kaelen's private study. Perhaps he had finished his meeting. Perhaps they could still celebrate tonight. She reached the carved oak doors just as voices drifted from inside. "...there isn't another solution." She recognized Kaelen immediately. Another unfamiliar male voice answered. "The council won't support Lady Selene remaining inside the palace unless..." Silence followed. Then Kaelen spoke again. "I know." Another pause. Finally... "I'll speak with Elara myself." Elara frowned slightly. Speak with her? About what? The heavy doors opened before she could step away. Kaelen stopped in the doorway, clearly surprised to find her standing there. "Elara." She smiled softly. "I was looking for you." His expression warmed. "I'm sorry the meeting lasted so long." "I thought perhaps..." She glanced toward the small gift box hidden behind her back before deciding to wait just a little longer. "It can wait until we're alone." His smile faded. "There is actually something I need to discuss with you." A strange uneasiness settled inside her. "What is it?" Kaelen looked over his shoulder toward the still-open study doors before gently guiding her farther down the corridor. His voice became unusually careful. "Selene has nowhere else to go." Elara blinked. "I assumed she'd remain in the west wing." "She will." He hesitated. "The problem isn't the room." She waited patiently. "The council has concerns." "What kind of concerns?" "They believe her return may create political tension among the neighboring packs." "I don't understand." "They're demanding reassurance." She frowned. "Reassurance about what?" Kaelen exhaled slowly. "They want everyone to see that Mooncrest still honors the Ashbourne family." Elara nodded. "That seems reasonable." "It does." His silver eyes met hers. "They've suggested something." "What?" He remained silent long enough for her heartbeat to quicken. Finally, he spoke. "They want Selene to appear beside me during this year's Harvest Moon Festival." Elara stared at him. Her smile disappeared almost instantly. "The Harvest Festival..." He nodded. "As my ceremonial partner." The words echoed through the quiet corridor. She searched his face, waiting for him to laugh and admit it was some ridiculous misunderstanding. He never did. Instead, he looked genuinely conflicted. "I refused at first," he said quietly. "But the council insists it would strengthen our alliances." Elara's fingers slowly tightened around the small wooden box hidden behind her back. Inside it rested the tiny knitted booties meant to announce the happiest news of their lives. She had imagined countless reactions from Kaelen. Joy. Disbelief. Tears. Laughter. She had never imagined standing beneath the palace moonlight while her husband asked another woman to stand beside him at the kingdom's most sacred celebration. And she still hadn't told him... He was going to be a father.