The Impostor Luna

He's my mate

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.”

“Are you slighting His Majesty as a savage?” Marcus's expression grew dark as he snarled and stormed forward, roughly pushing Adam from his perch. Rachel and Rebecca recoiled instinctively, pressing themselves back against the seats. Bracing myself, I lifted my chin defiantly.

Just as the general's hand reached for the curtain, a new, commanding voice cut through the tension. “Enough.”

The voice was far from thunderous, but carried a lazy authority that was impossible to ignore. Marcus immediately stepped aside and bowed to him. "Your Majesty."

"Do not show such disrespect to the princess, General. Have your men step back three paces—you’ve crowded the place enough to stifle the air," Clyde commanded, his hand outstretched to help Adam up, yet radiating a chill that lingered in the air. "You alright?"

"I am fine, Your Majesty," Adam stammered, opting to pull himself up as if contact with a king was a line he dared not cross.

I fixed my gaze on Clyde Murphy, half-expecting a scene out of a horror tale to unfold before me. Instead, his demeanor threw me for a loop. Where was the unrestrained barbarian I’d imagined? Why did he seem almost... easygoing? Was this an elaborate facade? Hypocrisy in the flesh? Very much like King Theodore’s feigned warmth at the abbey gates. Come on, Nora, stay on your toes.

Clyde chuckled softly, clearly entertained by Adam's nervousness. As he shifted his gaze to me, Rachel and Rebecca’s eyes widened. It was that classic response when an irresistible Alpha graces the scene.

Clothed entirely in black, Clyde’s opulent fur cloak draped over his shoulders. His platinum blonde hair and ice-blue eyes cut a striking figure. His high cheekbones and flawless skin appeared sculpted by a master artisan, crowned by arched eyebrows and a teasing smirk that epitomized the careless allure of a nonchalant playboy. I’d expected a sly silver fox nearing forty, yet was met by a bewilderingly youthful visage instead.

As his hand lifted the curtain, an electric connection seemed to crackle in the narrow space between us, sending my heart racing wildly to my throat. "Now that I’ve come in person, it’s time to step out, Princess,"his voice tinged with a magnetic pull I couldn't ignore.

"It’s too cold outside," I protested, shivering as the icy wind crept into the carriage. "Can’t I stay inside until we reach your palace?" I ventured, trying to sound both innocent and reasonable.

"Southern flower, this isn't even the coldest time in the North," he teased softly, his words wrapped in a gentle taunt. "We can travel there in my carriage, but your soldiers will have to stay behind."

"And my maids?" I asked, trying to mask the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind.

"Your call," he replied casually, barely sparing them a glance, his unwavering gaze firmly set on mine as if daring me to look away.

“Let’s go, Your Highness,” Rebecca urged, preparing to help me down.

Yet I resolutely ignored her hand.

Having Rebecca and Rachel around was like carrying the weight of an unwanted royal entourage. They served as the eyes and ears for King Theodore or Princess Cynthia, ensuring my every move aligned with the court's expectations. Their presence was a constant reminder of my shackles. But did I mention I had a plan? Because I do.

While the royal family might believe they have me caught in their web, I've been weaving my own threads for escape. Once settled in Frostfall, I’d correspond with my sister. The moment I confirm she’s found her mate and safely left Emerald City, I’ll melt away from Frostfall’s icy grasp too. As for where I’d land, perhaps somewhere like White Harbor with its promises of endless sun and sandy beaches—a place I've dreamed of through the pages of books.

And if Clyde Murphy decides to wage war on King Theodore after I vanish?

Well, that would be their problem, not mine.

As Theodore himself noted, this is to be my final act in the role of his daughter.

In my imagination, my spirit was already strolling along sunlit shores, with the cries of seagulls echoing in the skies. That is, until Rachel’s voice jolted me back to reality.

"Your Highness?"

"I'll go alone with King Murphy. You two shall return to Emerald City," I asserted calmly, my words carrying an unexpected certainty that surprised even me.

Rebecca and Rachel gaped at me as if I'd suggested they sprout wings and fly home on their own.

"But, Your Highness… without us, who will serve you?" Rachel pressed, her smile teetering at the brink.

I nearly laughed at her question.

How ironic.

Isn't it always I am the one serving them instead?

So no, I'd try my best not to have them around.

"Although we’re guests, King Murphy may not like too many strangers wandering in his place. Besides, there’s no way that Frostfall will be short on staff. I'm sure King Murphy has everything arranged," I said, turning my gaze toward Clyde with a mixture of challenge and curiosity. "Isn’t that right?"

Clyde raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by our little interplay. "Rest easy, ladies. I’ll see to the princess’s comfort," he assured smoothly.Extending his hand toward me. His eyes held mine, and I took his hand with deliberate caution.

I managed a smile, but the moment my fingers brushed his skin, a current of electricity raced through me, igniting fireworks in my veins.

My mate.

Leave it to fate—Clyde Murphy is my goddamned mate.