My Luna Is Not My Mate

Winning a space not his heart

The room felt smaller after Rowan’s words. The crackling fire, the soft glow of the candles, even the silver moonlight spilling through the open window—all of it suddenly seemed distant.

Isabella stood shocked. Her fingers still clutched the crimson ribbon she had spent the afternoon tying into a perfect bow. She had imagined placing it in Rowan’s hands. She had imagined watching his face light up with joy.

Instead… He had come carrying another woman’s future. Rowan took a cautious step toward her. “Isabella…” She raised a trembling hand, stopping him before he could come any closer. “You knew.”

His throat tightened. “I wanted to tell you.” “But you didn’t.” “I was trying to find the right—” “The right time?” she interrupted, her voice breaking. “Was there ever going to be a right time for this?”

Rowan lowered his head. “No.” She gave a quiet, bitter laugh. “Our wedding. Our vows. You stood before the Moon Goddess and promised me your heart.” Her eyes glistened. “Were those promises already breaking while you spoke them?” “They weren’t lies.” “They don’t feel true anymore.”

The words struck Rowan harder than any sword ever had. He reached for her again. “I’m sorry.”

She looked at him for a long moment. Then she slowly opened her hand.

The crimson ribbon rested across her palm. “I spent all day waiting for you.” Rowan frowned.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I thought tonight would become the happiest night of our lives.”

With a sudden movement, she tossed the ribbon toward him. It landed against his chest before falling to the floor. He stared at it in confusion.

“What is this?” Tears slipped down Isabella’s cheeks. “My gift to you.” He bent down and picked it up.

Only then did he notice the tiny silver charm tied carefully into the ribbon. It was shaped like a crescent moon—the traditional blessing given to couples expecting a child. His eyes widened. He looked up at her. “Isabella…” She placed one trembling hand over her stomach. “I’m carrying your child too.”

The words emptied the air from Rowan’s lungs. He stood motionless. “You…” She nodded slowly. “I wanted to surprise you.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I wanted to tell you that you were going to be a father.” She laughed through her tears.

“It seems I wasn’t the only one with news to share.” Regret washed across Rowan’s face. He took another step. “Please…” “Don’t.” She stepped back. “Don’t touch me.” He stopped immediately.

“I never wanted to hurt you.” “But you did.” Her voice cracked beneath the weight of her pain.

“You took away the joy of this moment.” She looked down at the ribbon lying between them.

“I should have remembered this night because we celebrated our child.”

Instead… “I’ll remember it because it was the night my heart broke.”

Another knock came but this time it’s a guard “my Lord, Lady Helena has arrived” Rowan nodded and the guard left “what!” Isabella exclaimed, “you already made you decision”

A heavy silence settled over the room. Then Isabella turned toward the door. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Leave.” He didn’t move.

“Isabella…” “I said leave.” Her words echoed through the chamber. “I cannot look at you right now.”

At that moment, the door opened. Clara hurried inside after hearing the raised voices from the hallway. The moment she saw Isabella’s tear-stained face, she rushed to her without asking a single question. “Issa…” Isabella collapsed into her embrace.

The tears she had tried so hard to hold back finally came without restraint.

Clara wrapped both arms around her, gently stroking her hair. “I’m here,” she whispered. “You don’t have to carry this alone.” Rowan watched from across the room. He wanted to speak. To apologize. To explain. But no words felt worthy anymore. He quietly placed the crimson ribbon on the table beside the bed. Then, with one last look at the woman he loved, he turned and walked out of the room.

Behind him, Clara held Isabella close while she wept, silently promising that whatever storms lay ahead, she would never let her face them alone.

The royal nursery overlooked the eastern gardens, where white roses swayed beneath the afternoon breeze. Warm sunlight poured through the tall windows, filling the room with a gentle glow.

Wooden wolves, carved horses, and tiny practice shields lay scattered across the embroidered carpet.

In the middle of the room sat Prince Lucien. The little prince frowned at the wooden tower he had spent several minutes building. The moment he placed the final block on top, the tower leaned to one side and collapsed. He stared at the pieces in disbelief. Then his lips trembled. A loud cry escaped him.

Queen Evelyn looked up from the chair where she had been reading. “Oh, my little prince.”She set the book aside and crossed the room. Lucien stretched both arms toward her.

She lifted him into her embrace, brushing a loose strand of golden hair away from his forehead.

“It was only a tower.” He buried his face against her shoulder and continued crying. She smiled despite herself. “You’ve inherited your father’s stubbornness.” The little prince sniffled.

Queen Evelyn carried him toward the window overlooking the palace grounds. “Look outside.”Lucien slowly raised his head. “Do you see those warriors training? They didn’t become strong in a single day.” She gently tapped the tip of his nose.

“They fell. They learned. And they stood up again.”

She kissed his forehead. “One day, you’ll become a brave Alpha worthy of leading this kingdom.” The little boy looked at her with wide, curious eyes.

She laughed softly. “But first…” She straightened the tiny collar of his tunic. “…you must stop crying every time your toys refuse to obey you.” Lucien gave a tiny pout. “There. That’s much better.” She smiled as he finally let out a small laugh. “My brave prince.” She adjusted the little silver wolf pendant hanging around his neck. “Grow up well. Become kind. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. And when you decided to get married…” She smiled thoughtfully. “…perhaps my friend’s daughter will walk beside you through life. Or will she give birth to a male wolf?” Lucien blinked, having no idea what his mother meant. Queen Evelyn chuckled. “You’re much too young to understand.” Her gaze drifted beyond the nursery windows toward the distant mountains.

The smile on her face slowly faded. A memory returned without warning. Helena, The garden. The healer’s quiet announcement. Her promise to stand beside her oldest friend. Evelyn sighed softly. “I wonder how Helena is doing.”

For reasons she couldn’t explain, an uneasy feeling settled over her heart. She only hoped that wherever Helena was, wisdom would guide the choices waiting ahead. Because she feared that the decisions made today would shape not only the lives of two women…

…but the future of the entire kingdom.

The corridor stretched into the quieter wing of the Ashford Estate, far from the master chambers.

Rowan’s footsteps echoed against the polished stone floor. He stopped before a pair of carved oak doors.

For several moments, he simply stared at them. Then he pushed them open.

The room was spacious, prepared earlier that evening by the household servants. A fire crackled gently inside the fireplace. Fresh linens covered the bed, and a small table had already been arranged with food and warm tea. Helena stood near the window.

The moment she saw Rowan enter, a smile spread across her face. “I knew you’d come.” Rowan closed the door behind him. His expression remained unreadable. “I came because there are things we need to make clear.”

The smile on Helena’s face faded slightly. She stepped closer. “I thought—” “You thought wrong.”

His voice was calm, but every word carried weight.

“I brought you to my estate because you’re carrying an innocent child.” Helena’s hand slowly rested on her stomach. “Our child.” “Yes.” He nodded once. “And because of that child, I will make sure you have a safe place to stay, good food, the best healer in the kingdom, and everything you need.” Hope flickered across Helena’s face.

Before she could speak, Rowan continued. “But don’t mistake responsibility for something it isn’t. Her smile disappeared completely. “My marriage hasn’t changed.” She stared at him. “You still choose her?” “I married Isabella because I love her.”

The answer struck harder than Helena expected. She lowered her gaze. “What about me?” Rowan drew a slow breath. “We shared a past.” His voice softened, though it remained firm. “But the life I chose… is with my wife.”

Helena’s fingers curled tightly against her dress. “So I’ll always be second.” “No.” Rowan shook his head. “You are the mother of a child who deserves protection and respect.” He looked directly into her eyes. “But I cannot give you promises that belong to someone else.”

The room fell silent. The fire continued to crackle between them.

Helena forced a small smile, though her eyes no longer held the warmth they had only moments earlier. “I understand.” Rowan wasn’t certain she did. “I’ll have servants assigned to this wing. If you need anything, they’ll see that it’s provided.” He turned toward the door. “Get some rest.” The door closed behind him.

Helena remained where she was, staring at the empty doorway.

Slowly, she placed both hands over her stomach. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “The child brought me into his home…” Her eyes drifted toward the door Rowan had just walked through. “…but not into his heart.”