His Cursed Luna

21. A Proposal

The guard's words were clear and direct: "Princess, The Lycan King of Northmoon, Diatoran Alfred Norgarian is expecting your audience."

As the guard relayed the message, Bridget knew that she had to be quick on her feet. She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her, hoping that she could handle the situation without arousing suspicion. In a confident and assertive tone, Bridget replied, "I have already told you. The Princess is sick."

However, her words were met with the sight of two Lycan Kings standing before her. Bridget's eyes widened in shock and fear as she realised that something was amiss. It was then that she realised that the Princess was not sick at all but rather missing for the last couple of days. She remembered that Princess Penelope had mentioned that she would be back in two days, but it had been three days already. Initially, no one had bothered about her absence, but now it seemed like a matter of grave concern.

Bridget stood frozen, staring at the two Lycan Kings before her. She couldn't believe her eyes; Princess Penelope was missing, and now the Lycan Kings were here, expecting her audience. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before addressing the Lycan Kings.

"Your Majesties, forgive me, but Princess Penelope is not available at the moment. She's currently unwell and unable to receive any visitors," Bridget said, trying her best to sound assertive and professional.

“Why haven't I been informed about the princess?" William demanded to learn.

Bridget knew that William had never shown any interest in his niece's welfare, but she also understood the importance of maintaining decorum in front of the Lycan King of Silverknight.

With a trembling voice, Bridget responded, "Your Majesty."

But before she could say anything else, William asserted, "I said, open it."

Bridget knew that she had no choice but to comply with his orders. Her wolf cowered in submission in front of William’s aura. She reached for the door handle and slowly pushed it open, revealing a dark, empty room. The Crowned Princess of Goldenrealm was nowhere to be seen.

"What is happening here? Where is she?" Lycan King Diatoran questioned with a frown.

"Your Majesty..." Bridget trailed off, not knowing how to answer. If they found out about the disappearance of Princess Penelope, it would be scandalous. She would be in a lot of trouble, especially in hours like this. She could even be dethroned, or worse, could be killed if they found out she was wolfless.

"Where is Princess Penelope? Why isn't she in her room?" William questioned, his voice booming in the dark quarter.

Suddenly, the curtain by the balcony rustled, a faint movement barely noticeable in the dim candlelight. A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned in its direction. The fabric swayed again, and then—slowly, deliberately—Princess Penelope stepped into view.

She stood just inside the threshold, half-shielded by the heavy drapes, her fingers curled tightly around the fabric as if anchoring herself. Her golden hair, usually immaculate, was slightly disheveled, a few loose strands falling across her pale face. Her eyes—those sharp, intelligent amber orbs—held a peculiar mix of sadness and surprise as they flickered between the two kings.

"What is the matter, Uncle?" she asked softly, her voice calm but laced with something unreadable.

Bridget exhaled sharply, the weight of the past few minutes lifting slightly from her chest. Relief flooded her veins, but it was immediately accompanied by confusion. For three long days, the princess had been missing. No one had spoken of it aloud, as if not acknowledging it would make it less real. And yet, here she was—standing before them as though nothing had happened.

Bridget swallowed hard, glancing at William and Diatoran. Neither seemed convinced.

William's sharp blue eyes narrowed, his brow creasing as he took a slow step toward his niece. "Penelope," he said, his voice low and measured. "Where have you been? And why weren't you in the room, resting?"

Bridget was sweating profusely now. She knew that lying to the Lycan Kings was a risky business. But she had no other choice.

"Ah, I needed some fresh air. That's why I came out to the balcony," Penelope replied softly, still holding onto the curtains.

Diatoran cleared his throat, "I apologise for the inconvenience, Princess. I just wanted to check on you."

Penelope smiled sweetly, "It's alright, your majesty. I appreciate your concern."

"Would you fancy a cup of tea, Princess?" Diatoran asked softly.

"I will be honoured, my King," Penelope smiled.

"I will wait for you in the garden, Princess. We can have our further discussion there," Diatoran added before leaving the room.

Penelope watched as Diatoran left the room, his imposing figure fading away as he stepped through the door. She was glad for the respite, for the chance to gather her thoughts and regain her composure. She had been gone for longer than she had intended, but there had been no other way. The situation had demanded it.

Bridget, who had been standing quietly in the corner, approached Penelope with a tray of tea and some biscuits. "Here you go, Your Highness," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you, Bridget," Penelope replied, taking a sip of the hot tea. It was just what she needed, the warmth and comfort of the tea soothing her nerves.

"So, what happened, Your Highness?" Bridget asked tentatively, her eyes flickering with concern.

“I cannot explain now, Bridget. I have more important matters to handle,” Penelope mentioned calmly.

Penelope changed into a simple gown and braided her hair before leaving for the garden, hoping to clear her head and ease her tiredness. As she approached the garden, she was met with a beautiful sight. A table was set by fountains amidst the flowers, a picture-perfect setting that seemed to be waiting just for her. Lycan King Diatoran and Lycan King William were already seated at the table, waiting for her arrival.

As she approached the table, Diatoran greeted her with respect, helping her with the chair. "Greetings, princess. Please take a seat," he said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, your majesty," Penelope responded with a gentle smile, taking her seat.

There was a moment of silence before Diatoran began to speak. "You must have heard about Elijah. The Ancients suspect Hykin escaped the fire and Elijah was behind it. Lycan King William, here forth I am here to assign a guard for Princess Isabella. She would be on house arrest since she is the soulmate of alpha Elijah."

William growled in disbelief, unable to comprehend how they could keep his beloved daughter under arrest. Diatoran calmly ignored William's outburst and continued speaking. "King William, however, being the father of Princess Isabella puts you in a difficult situation. Hence, the Ancient Assembly wants the Crowned Princess to take a step forward in this matter. Princess Penelope, they want you to take charge and call the decisions."

Penelope was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

"How could they? How dare you insult me at my own castle?" William roared, his anger boiling over.

"I am just a messenger here, King William. Please find the details here," Diatoran replied calmly, handing over a scroll sealed by the Ancient Assembly. William was trembling with rage, while Penelope remained in a state of disbelief.

She began to read the scroll as her uncle continued to yell. "She is just eighteen and not fitted to rule," he protested vehemently.

Diatoran interjected with a calm voice, "Ah, that's right. The Assembly and the Royal Council of Goldenrealm will help her. Besides, the Assembly wants her to find her mate as soon as possible who would help her to rule."

"Mate? What if she doesn't find one?" William gritted through his teeth, his frustration was palpable.

"In that case, she can have suitors and choose an appropriate mate. A gala will be organised soon and in the presence of Ancients, Princess Penelope will take the responsibility," Diatoran spoke calmly, trying to ease William's concerns.

Penelope's heart skipped a beat as the discussion progressed. A chosen mate! She had no faith in that word, feeling as though her life was being decided for her without her consent.

“Princess, one of my sons is still unmated. He is strong and pure blooded, a worthy choice for a king,” he spoke again.

So that's what he was after! An alliance. After the incident at ball, Ancient Assembly probably had talked to him.

Just when she thought things couldn't get any stranger, her shock multiplied as she heard the Lycan.