The Impostor Luna

The Savage King

Nora

I sat in the carriage, feeling a touch bizarre without Charlotte beside me. King Theodore had thoughtfully appointed Rachel and Rebecca to join me—two lovely faces that had the distinction of following Cynthia’s orders to give me a good thrashing. As you might imagine, the atmosphere was delightfully awkward. Sandwiched between them, I felt more hostage than a princess.

Adam held the reins, guiding our little procession, shadowed by a few Gamma soldiers whose mission was to deliver me safely into Clyde Murphy’s deadly clutches. The trek from Emerald City to The Frostfall’s realm would stretch over a week, and they had to fend off any rogues looking for a royal snack. Adam casually mentioned the northern wolf populace like he was discussing the weather, which did wonders for my nerves. Each night I slept fitfully, waking at every rustle, while Rachel and Rebecca around me snoozed as if on a royal spa retreat.

By the seventh night, we reached the Glacier Spine, where Clyde's army sprawled at the mountain's base. Through the curtains, I caught the glow of random campfires and the mouth-watering scent of barbeque. It was almost festive.

"Can you see The Savage King?" Rachel hissed in a conspiratorial tone.

"No," Rebecca yawned, "Where is he then?"

"Perhaps lurking in the shadows, sizing up his new bride," Rachel snickered, giving me a nudge. "Nora, does your heart flutter at the thought? Your days as a virgin are numbered. I wonder if The Savage King is just as ferocious in bed."

"Remember to call me Cynthia," I reminded her. "If you slip up and Clyde finds out I'm a fraud, we're all in danger, and it'll put the entire Emerald City at risk."

"I know better than to make such a rookie mistake," Rachel retorted, rolling her eyes. "And don't pretend you care about us or the Emerald City."

"Exactly," Rebecca added with a sneer. "We all know the only reason you took this on is because the king has your sister." She pinched my thigh sharply, and I had to fight back a yelp, almost biting through my lip to keep silent.

"Step aside, you're in our way," a Gamma soldier ordered.

"No, halt here. Have the princess exit the carriage," a commanding voice instructed.

Peering through the curtain, I saw our carriage surrounded by Clyde's soldiers. Their leader, a man looked about forty, his iron-gray hair and steely eyes made more terrifying by a scar slashing across his cheek.

“Damn,” Rebecca muttered, her voice laced with worry. “Are we in trouble?”

“Out you go,” Rachel said in a low voice, nodding toward outside.

“I can’t just hop out now,” I whispered back.

"Didn't you get the hint? Do you want us all to lose our heads?" Rebecca hissed, giving me a shove. "Get moving!"

I felt a flicker of irritation. "Can't you see this is a test?" I countered. “A true princess wouldn't rush to every command. That's for the omegas. If I step off now, the Savage King will definitely suspect something's wrong. If this mission fails, my sister dies. So don't question me. My will to survive is just as strong as yours!”

Rebecca relented, an unusual glimmer of respect in her eyes, and she stayed silent.

"So, what's the plan?" Rachel murmured.

Clearing my throat, I addressed the voice outside, “To whom am I speaking?”

“Marcus Antonius, General of The Frostfall.”

“Thank you, General,” I said graciously. “However, I’ll remain here until King Murphy himself arrives. I am, after all, his bride.”

Silence reigned for a beat before the general chuckled derisively. “Do you honestly think you merit a personal welcome by His Majesty? You're just a pawn of peace from a defeated kingdom. A shiny bauble. Now step out of the carriage. I’m trying to remain civil, but my patience is wearing thin.”

“Defeated kingdom? What nonsense is he talking about?” Rebecca asked, bewildered. “Wasn't this supposed to be a diplomatic marriage for mutual benefit?”

“The stark truth is, our forces have been obliterated," I responded, knowing full well her father and brother had battled in the war.

“No, you’re just spinning tales,” Rebecca protested, her face paling as she muttered the words. She lunged toward me, but Rachel quickly intervened, holding her back. "Calm down, Rebecca! Don’t harm her. We’ve got to count on her now."

“If you persist in remaining in the carriage, I’ll have to drag you out myself,” Marcus threatened

“Then come and fetch me, General,” I declared, uncowed. “A savage might disregard decorum, but a princess adheres to it.”