Chapter 7

Celine’s pov.

I sat on the terrace, cradling a warm cup of tea between my hands, letting the morning breeze caress my skin. The rich aroma of herbs curled in the air, filling my lungs as I took a slow sip, savoring the warmth that spread through me. The soft chirping of birds and the distant rustling of leaves made for a peaceful morning, one I wished could last forever. For a moment, I let myself believe it would.

The events of last night had completely escaped my mind. Perhaps it was exhaustion or the way I had trained myself to forget things that only weighed me down. Either way, I didn’t want to think about Lucien’s cold silence, the terrifying moment when he had almost hit me, or the Alpha King’s unsettling presence. I didn’t want to think at all.

The sky stretched endlessly, soft clouds drifting lazily over the treetops. This was what I longed for—peace, simplicity, a life where I wasn’t constantly questioning my worth. But peace never lasted.

Lucien’s footsteps broke through the silence, his presence a sharp contrast to the stillness of the morning. I turned slightly, watching as he stepped onto the terrace.

“You’re up early,” he said. His voice was calm, too calm.

I nodded, taking another sip of tea. “The morning is beautiful.” I replied.

He hummed, his gaze drifting to the garden before returning to me. “We need to talk.”

Something in his tone made my fingers tighten around the cup. “About what?” I asked calmly.

Lucien didn’t sit. He remained standing, his posture tense, as if he was bracing himself for something. “I’ve decided to appoint you as the ambassador between Emerald Forest and Bloodfang.”

I nearly choked. “What?!”

He finally looked at me, his eyes cool and calculating. “You’ll be responsible for fostering relations between both packs.” He continued.

I stared at him, waiting for the punchline. “You told me I didn’t need to work,” I said slowly, reminding him of the argument we had when we first got married. He had insisted that my role was to be his wife, to focus on preparing to be Luna—not to involve myself in work or politics.

“That was before.” He replied.

Before what? I set my cup down carefully, trying to keep my voice steady. “What changed?” I asked, trying to understand.

Lucien’s jaw tightened. “It’s a necessary move.”

I frowned. “Is Bloodfang seeking an alliance?” Was that what he and the Alpha King had discussed last night?

Lucien didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked past me, out into the garden, as if choosing his words carefully. “It would be beneficial for us,” he finally said.

I hesitated, my mind racing. Something felt off. Lucien had never been one to change his mind so easily, especially about me taking on a position of importance. He had always kept me at a distance when it came to political matters. But still… this was an opportunity. A chance to prove myself.

I straightened my shoulders. “If this is something you’ve truly decided, then I accept.”

Lucien’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he gave a short nod. “Good.”

That was it? I had expected him to at least offer an explanation or some kind of reassurance, but he simply turned away, gazing out at the horizon.

“When do I start?” I asked cautiously.

“In a few days,” he said. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements. There will be meetings you’ll need to attend, reports to go over.”

I nodded, trying to mask the nervous excitement bubbling inside me. I had spent so long feeling useless, feeling like I was simply an accessory in Lucien’s life. Now, I had a chance to do something meaningful, to prove that I was more than just a title. But deep down, there was a gnawing feeling in my gut. Why now? And more importantly… what did Bloodfang have to do with this sudden decision?

I took a breath and decided not to push further. If Lucien wouldn’t give me answers, I would find them myself. I picked up my cup of tea again, bringing it to my lips, but before I could take a sip, a voice interrupted us.

“The car is ready, sir.”

I turned my head to see one of the pack drivers standing at the entrance of the terrace, his hands folded neatly in front of him.

Lucien gave a short nod before glancing back at me. “I have things to take care of. We’ll discuss more later.”

And just like that, he walked away.

I watched his retreating figure, my thoughts tangled. His behavior was too sudden, too different. The Lucien I knew never changed his mind without reason.

The rest of the morning passed in a haze. I busied myself in the library, trying to distract my mind with books, but nothing could shake the lingering unease settling in my chest.

By afternoon, I decided to take a walk through the gardens, hoping the fresh air would help clear my head. The vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges were familiar, comforting in a way, but my thoughts remained restless.

A part of me wanted to believe Lucien was finally acknowledging me, that he was finally giving me a chance to prove my worth as Luna. But another part—the logical part, the cautious part knew better.

I sighed, rubbing my temple as I turned into a corner along the stone pathway. If I was going to be ambassador, I needed to prepare myself. I needed to be strong, to show that I was capable.

No matter what Lucien’s motives were, I would make this role my own. I would prove to him, to Bloodfang, to everyone, that I was more than just Lucien’s wife. I was meant for more than this. Even if I had to fight for it.