My Luna Is Not My Mate

The reveal

The palace garden grew unusually quiet after the royal healer’s words settled into the cool night air.

Queen Evelyn remained motionless, her eyes fixed on Helena as though she were trying to find an explanation hidden within her friend’s expression.

The elderly healer lowered his head respectfully.

“My Queen, Lady Helena is healthy. She simply needs rest.” Evelyn gave a small nod. “You may leave.”

The healer bowed once more before walking back toward the celebration. The attendants hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. “You heard Her Majesty,” Evelyn said gently. “Leave us.”

Within moments, the garden belonged to the two women alone.

Music still floated from the palace courtyard, carried by the night breeze. Every burst of laughter reminded Evelyn that Rowan and Isabella’s wedding feast continued only a short distance away.

Helena rested both hands against the stone bench beside her. Her heart was racing. She had imagined many futures for herself, but not this one. Evelyn slowly sat beside her. “Are you frightened?” Helena lowered her eyes. “I don’t know what I am.”

The Queen reached for her hand. “You don’t have to face this by yourself.”

A faint smile crossed Helena’s face, though it disappeared almost as quickly as it came. “I won’t.”

Evelyn studied her carefully.

Most women would have been overwhelmed by such news.

Helena, however, seemed to be wrestling with something deeper than fear. “What are you thinking?” Evelyn asked quietly.

Helena looked toward the moonlit palace.

The celebration continued as if nothing in the world had changed.

Finally, she spoke. “I’m going to have a child.” There was wonder in her voice. Disbelief. And beneath it…

A quiet certainty. Evelyn squeezed her hand “Every child is a blessing.” “Yes.”

Helena placed a gentle hand against her stomach.

“A blessing.” The Queen noticed the change in her expression. It wasn’t simply relief. There was hope.

A dangerous kind of hope. “Helena…” She waited until her friend met her eyes. “This child is innocent. It deserves love and protection. But whatever happens next…” Her voice softened.

“…please don’t let this child become the reason another innocent person suffers.”

Helena remained silent. The moonlight reflected in her eyes. “I won’t harm my child,” she said at last.

“I wasn’t talking about your child.” Evelyn’s words hung between them. “I was talking about Isabella.”

The distant laughter from the wedding feast drifted into the garden once more. Helena closed her eyes briefly.

When she opened them again, there was a calmness in them Evelyn had never seen before.

“What happens now,” Helena said quietly, “will change all of our lives.”

The Queen looked at her old friend, and for the first time that night, she felt a quiet unease settle over her hearth

The celebration lingered long after the wedding vows had been spoken.

Rows of lanterns illuminated the palace courtyard as guests continued to eat, drink, and exchange blessings with the newly married couple. Musicians filled the night with lively melodies while dancers circled the bonfires beneath the full moon.

Outside the palace gates, a carriage decorated with white lilies waited patiently.

The driver stepped down and opened the door.

“My Lord… My Lady.” Rowan offered his arm to Isabella.

She slipped her hand into his with a smile that reflected nothing but happiness. “Are you tired?” he asked. “A little,” she admitted. “But if this is what happiness feels like, I don’t mind.” A faint smile crossed Rowan’s face.

He helped her into the carriage before turning to thank the palace guards.

Just as he reached for the carriage door, hurried footsteps echoed across the stone pathway. “Rowan!” He stopped immediately, Helena slowed to a stop a few steps away, trying to steady her breathing.

Her face was pale, and the confidence she usually carried had given way to uncertainty. Rowan glanced toward the carriage. “Isabella, I’ll only be a moment.” She nodded through the open window.

“I’ll wait.”

Rowan walked a short distance away with Helena until the sounds of the celebration became little more than distant echoes. “What is it?” he asked. “You look unwell.” Helena searched his face, struggling to find the right words. “The royal healer examined me tonight.” She drew a slow breath. “I’m pregnant.”

The words settled between them like a weight neither of them could lift. Rowan stared at her, unable to speak. His face drained of color.

For several long moments, he simply looked at her, as if hoping he had misunderstood. “…Are you certain?” “The healer is certain.” He ran a hand across his face.

The joy of the evening seemed to disappear all at once. His wedding. Isabella waiting in the carriage.

The vows he had made beneath the Moon Goddess. Everything collided in his mind.

Helena’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I didn’t plan for this.” Rowan closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, they were filled with conflict. “I need time to think. I can’t make this decision standing outside the palace.” Helena gave a small nod. “I wasn’t asking you to.” He looked back toward the waiting carriage.

Inside, Isabella sat quietly, unaware that the course of their new life had shifted in a matter of moments. Rowan turned back to Helena. “Go back.” She nodded and turned to leave “I’ll find you when I’ve decided what to do.”

Without another word, she stepped back.

Rowan remained where he was, watching her disappear into the moonlit path before slowly returning to the carriage, carrying a burden that no celebration could hide.

The journey from the royal palace to the Ashford Estate passed in comfortable silence.

The horses trotted steadily beneath the moonlit sky while the carriage rolled along the quiet road. Silver light spilled through the windows, painting soft patterns across the velvet seats.

Isabella rested her head lightly against Rowan’s shoulder. “It still feels like a dream,” she said with a quiet laugh. Rowan turned to her. “What does?”

“Being your wife.” She intertwined her fingers with his. “I waited so many years for this night that I kept wondering if something would happen to stop it.” He managed a faint smile. “But nothing did.” “No.” “You kept your promise.”

Her words struck him harder than she realized. He looked away, unable to meet her hopeful gaze for long. “I tried.” She noticed the change in his expression. “Tried?” He quickly shook his head.

“I mean… yes.” She smiled warmly. “You always keep your promises.”

The carriage came to a gentle stop before the Ashford Estate.

Servants stood waiting at the entrance, smiling as they welcomed the newlyweds into their new home.

Warm candlelight filled every room. Fresh flowers decorated the hallways, and the fireplace had already been lit, driving away the night’s chill. One of the older housekeepers bowed respectfully.

“Congratulations, Lord and Lady Ashford. May the Moon Goddess bless your home with peace, prosperity, and many joyful years together.”

“Thank you,” Isabella replied.

After the servants withdrew, she slowly turned to Rowan. “So…” He raised an eyebrow. “So?” “This is our home now.” “It is.” “Our first night together.”

She laughed softly, the happiness in her voice impossible to miss.

Rowan reached for her hand. “I’m sorry.” She blinked. “For what?” “For making you wait so long.” She shook her head. “I never counted the years.” “I did.” “I knew who I was waiting for.”

She stepped closer and rested her forehead lightly against his chest. “I would’ve waited even longer if it meant ending up here with you.” Her words filled him with both gratitude and guilt. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently.

“I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for those lost years.” “I don’t want you making up for anything.” She looked up at him, smiling. “I just want my husband.” He returned the smile, but it never quite reached his eyes.

Weeks after starting a new home with Rowan, he hardly eat, Isabella thought that maybe that’s how he behave not knowing that a huge secret is settling with him.

Isabella no longer feel bored since her childhood orphan friend was brought to her by Rowan as a companion.

But today, everything seems different in another joyful mood

The room glowed softly beneath the silver light pouring through the open window.

Isabella sat beside it, a length of crimson ribbon resting across her lap. Her fingers traced its silky surface as a smile lingered on her lips. Every now and then, she glanced toward the full moon hanging high above the Ashford Estate. She folded her hands together. “Moon Goddess,” she whispered, “thank You for the life You’ve given me. Thank You for bringing Rowan safely home… and thank You for allowing me to dream of becoming a mother.” Her smile grew brighter.

She had spent the entire afternoon thinking about how she would share her joyful news. She imagined Rowan’s surprised expression, the way his eyes would soften, and the happiness they would share as they planned for the future.

A knock sounded at the door. Before she could answer, it opened. Rowan stepped inside. He looked exhausted as always ever since his wedding night. His shoulders, usually carried with quiet confidence, seemed weighed down by something far heavier than the armor he once wore into battle. Isabella rose at once. “My Lord.”

The familiar greeting drew a faint smile from him, though it vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. She walked toward him, still holding the red ribbon. “I’ve been waiting for you.” “I know.” “Let’s talk.”

Rowan looked at her, then lowered his eyes. “I’m sorry” The excitement on Isabella’s face slowly gave way to concern. “What is it?” He struggled to find the words. “I should have spoken sooner.” She reached for his hand. “You’re frightening me.” Rowan closed his eyes for a brief moment before meeting her gaze again. “I’m sorry.”

The room fell quiet. Whatever he was about to say had already stolen the warmth from his face.

Isabella tightened her grip on the red ribbon, her heart beginning to race. She had been waiting all day to share a joyful secret.

Instead, she found herself waiting to hear the words that had left her husband looking like a man carrying the weight of the world.