Bound To The Luna Queen

KAEL “Kael, get in here already, you cant be out all night.” I heard Eldas voice from inside as I maintained my gaze on the dark sky, I was looking at 5he stars as I imagined how my life has been and how far I had come. I sighed and walked into the palace. “Her Highness is summoning you, Kael,” Elda’s voice echoed through the quiet quarters, pulling me from my thoughts. Mira and I turned toward her at once. I blinked. Her Highness? At this hour? “Why?” I asked, uneasy. Had I done something wrong this morning? I couldn’t remember anything except greeting her politely though I was nervous. It had been years since I last saw her up close. Elda raised a brow. “How should I know? Get going,” she said gruffly. I sighed. She had a point. Best to find out directly. I smiled at Mira. “I’ll be back soon. I’ll help you later.” She nodded. “Be careful, Kael.” “I will.” I gave a small bow before heading toward the princess’s chambers. As I passed Elda, she added sternly, “Hurry up. Don’t keep the princess waiting.” “Understood, Auntie.” I quickened my pace, hands clammy, heart thudding. Was I nervous because of the summons or because of midnight? I was waiting to shift tonight. Even if the world no longer prioritized fated mates, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d meet mine. I hoped she’d be kind. If she already had someone, I’d respect that. She should be free to love whom she wished. A small smile touched my lips as I reached her door. I took a deep breath and knocked. “This is Kael, Your Highness,” I announced quietly. “Come in,” came her calm reply. My heart skipped. Only she could make me feel like this. Her presence always had this strange hold on me. I inhaled deeply. Pull it together, Kael, I told myself, then opened the door and stepped inside. The clock caught my eye. Twenty minutes to midnight. I hoped she’d get to the point quickly so I could return to the servant’s quarters. Even a modest celebration with those I cared about would be enough. As I approached, I noticed she wasn’t alone, Reeve, the daughter of the Beta, stood beside her. “Your Highness. Lady Reeve,” I greeted, bowing deeply. They both paused and glanced at me. “You may leave, Reeve,” Princess Lyra said softly. Reeve nodded, cast me a glance, and left. Once the door closed, I turned my eyes to the princess and immediately looked away. She was in a robe, and her beauty under the moonlight made my thoughts race. Stop that, I scolded myself. She’s royalty. You’re being inappropriate. But I could feel her gaze on me. “Follow me,” she said, walking toward her desk. I hesitated before obeying, stopping a respectful distance away. “You called for me, Your Highness?” I asked, nervous. She nodded, face calm and unreadable. She was always so composed, so distant. “How are you?” she asked. Huh? Me? “I..I beg your pardon?” I stammered. “You heard me,” she said. I cleared my throat. “I’m doing well, thank you, Your Highness.” “Come closer.” I frowned. “May I ask why?” “Don’t make me repeat myself.” I stepped forward. Three paces. “Still far,” she said. I took three more steps. “That’s enough.” I stood straighter, trying not to tremble. “Are you afraid of me?” she asked gently. I shook my head. “No, Your Highness.” “You say that, yet you won’t look at me.” I blinked up at her in surprise. “I’m not afraid of you!” My voice was louder than intended, and I instantly regretted it. I’d seen others punished for less. But instead of anger, she smiled faintly. “How many minutes until you shift?” She remembered? “I think… a few?” “How will you celebrate?” “Just quietly. I’d like to spend the evening with those close to me.” “Do you wish to return now?” she asked. I hesitated. “No, I can wait. Was there something you needed, Your Highness?” She stared at me, then slowly shook her head and walked to the window. She opened the curtains, bathing herself in moonlight. Her long black hair shimmered like silk, and her silver eyes glowed in the dark. “Watch closely, Kael,” she said, turning to me. I was confused until it happened. Her eyes flashed gold. A red string shimmered into existence from her pinky, stretching out… connecting to mine. A wave of warmth crashed over me. My knees buckled slightly. She was… my mate? She had known this whole time. “You are bound to me,” she said softly. I looked into her eyes. “Destined… but not meant to be.” Her gaze tightened. She stepped closer. She had always known. She had find her wolf and shifted two years ago and stayed silent. I knew my place. I was just a servant. She was the future queen. Should I leave this place? “You’re not thinking of someone else, are you?” Her voice turned sharp, intense. Right. Now that we were connected, she could hear my thoughts. I shook my head. “No.” I felt exposed. My mind was reeling. Should I ask her to reject me? “I’m not rejecting you,” she said flatly. I let out a humorless laugh. “Then what will you do with me, Your Highness? Keep me close, but never choose me?” “Reject me, Lyra. It’ll be easier for both of us.” Her eyes darkened. She stepped forward and gripped my shoulders. “I’m not rejecting you.” This wasn’t right. She didn’t have to bind herself to a servant. “I’m serious,” I said. “You don’t have to do this.” “Kael,” she warned. I looked away, helpless. Of all people, why me? “Look at me,” she ordered. My head swam. “Swear loyalty to me… or I’ll kill any woman who tries to love you,” she said darkly. My eyes widened. “You’re insane.” She didn’t blink. “Try me.” I bit my lip until I tasted blood. She reached up and brushed her thumb against it. “Stop hurting yourself,” she murmured. “Two years was long enough.” She smiled softly, sincerely. “Now I can finally hold you.” She slipped an arm around my waist and pulled me close. My breath caught. Am I insane for wanting this? For years, just glimpsing her from afar was enough. But now… this… “You’re beautiful, Kael,” she whispered, brushing her hand across my cheek before her lips touched mine. Her kiss was gentle, reverent. I felt light, trembling as my hands reached for her shoulders. When she pulled away, her gaze burned into mine. “You’re mine, mate. No one else can have you,” she said before kissing me again. And for one moment, I wished I could be hers, too. But who knows tomorrow… everything might change.