A Luna for the Lycan King novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

I was surprised as we walked through the tower. The place was beautiful. It was well decorated and had every luxury. I mean … lock me up with Darren in here and I could stay forever. The punishment of being here was two things: shame and freedom. Other than that, Winifred could easily live a comfortable life here. And maybe that was an option. But if she had been brainwashed, then there was a chance to reunite their family.

As we entered the grand room, my eyes landed on a group of maids meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny. The sunlight peeking through the windows was dimmed by the richly colored tapestries that adorned them, casting an eerie glow over the space. The only source of light came from the flickering flames of the fireplace, where Milo sat in a lush red armchair, his gaze fixated on the dancing embers.

“Dad, have you eaten anything?” Lyle asked as he approached him. Milo didn’t respond and simply kept staring at the orange glow.

I grabbed a chair and pulled it up beside him. “Milo, I’m back. We won the first two battles. Darren is fighting hard, but our little pup is growing too fast, so I had to return.” His eyes flickered as he slowly turned his head to look at me. I was keeping things casual and comfortable, hoping he’d relax and focus on the present, but I was betting his mind was lost in the past.

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“I had two difficult pregnancies. Especially toward the end.” Winifred’s voice came from a dark corner. Milo looked back at the fire and I turned to look at her.

“I heard that things may progress quickly. I don’t have much experience around pregnant lycans or wolves. I don’t know what to expect under the best of circumstances, let alone with a royal pregnancy.”

I watched as she stepped toward the center of the room. Lyle moved closer to me but refused to look at his mother. It was going to be a long road toward healing in this family.

“I wish I could help you. I really do have the best intentions for this kingdom.”

And there it was again. Her obsession with the kingdom and what was best. It was this that first made me suspicious, but when Lyle voiced it, it just made sense.

“I’m sure you do.” I could see there was a lot of pain in her eyes as she looked at Lyle and Milo. I glanced at Milo, hoping against hope that Winifred’s presence might spark some reaction in him. But he remained as still as stone, lost in his own world of flickering flames and unspoken regrets.

“Lyle—” Winifred stopped and I could see her bottom lip quiver. Her eyes began to water as she moved her gaze to Milo. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was barely a whisper as she turned and walke..

away.

As the door clicked shut behind her, I felt a surge of anger rise

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within me. “Alright, that’s enough,” I snapped, pushing myself up from my chair.

“Look at yourselves,” I hissed, glaring at Milo and Lyle. “You’re supposed to be leaders, for Moon’s sake! Not sulking children!” I reached up and slapped the back of Lyle’s head.

I turned to Milo, softening my tone slightly. “Your mate is clearly not herself. Something’s wrong, don’t you think? Not to get your hopes up, but I also don’t want you to cause irreparable damage. There is a chance there is more to this situation than meets the eye. I want to speak with you in Darren’s office.” Milo’s eyes finally met mine.

He didn’t say anything but he stood to his feet. Progress.

We made our way to Darren’s office and his scent of cinnamon wafers greeted me. It was as if his presence was here, embracing me. It was bittersweet. It hadn’t even been a day since I’d left him, but there was a deep ache in my chest from his absence, even more so since I knew this absence would not be short. I felt Milo and Lyle’s presence behind me, and I took in a deep breath. I needed to help them and had to push my own pain aside.

“Alright, boys,” I said, turning to face them as we entered the room. I settled into Darren’s chair, the leather cool against my skin, and gestured for them to sit. I leaned forward, my voice low and urgent. “I think there is a possibility that the Waiting Ladies and Men might be brainwashed. And Winifred … she would be a victim, too.”

“That’s a serious accusation,” Milo’s brows furrowed as a frown

Chapter 80

formed on his lips.

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“It is, but you have to admit it makes sense. It has been on my mind, and I just wonder-” Lyle began but Milo cut him off.

“Wishful thinking. You are looking for a way to not blame your mother, but-”

“But you can’t say for certain.” I interrupted Milo this time, staring him down. “Their obsession with what is best for the kingdom. Putting their lives on hold for the sake of the kingdom. I’m not saying the brainwashing is perfect. It wouldn’t be, but I think there are triggers that make them act more irrationally. We are going to look into it. But in the meantime, you need to keep this in mind. If there is proof of it, then you will need to forgive Winifred. And if there isn’t … you will still need to forgive her. Not for her, but for yourself, so you can move on. That doesn’t mean you have to accept her back into your life, but accepting that you need to heal. The same goes for you, Lyle.”

“It’s not a secret. I’ve had some issues with my mother for quite some time. That relationship will never become a close one, because her fear of my father hurt all of us. That part doesn’t make sense. I mean, if she was brainwashed-” “It was probably only regarding protecting the kingdom and the Waiting Ladies and Men. It would have been different brainwashing to instill no fear.” I listened as Milo sighed.

“Look, I would love to believe that, but until there is proof, I can’t. However, I will keep that in mind. Just in case, I don’t want to completely destroy the chance to have a relationship with Winnie. If there is a chance she’s been manipulated, then

So,

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we owe it to her … to all of those in the Waiting to find out. And if the culprit must be put to death. Are you prepared for that? If they’re found before Darren’s return, then you will have to carry out the sentence.” Milo’s eyes were fixated on me.

“I am prepared to do that.”

“You’re showing great leadership. I’m proud of you, and I know Darren would be, too.” Milo finally smiled. At least this was a starting point. Sitting in the tower in the dark wasn’t doing him any good.

“Speaking of queenly duties,” he said, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, “we should probably discuss the upcoming crowning ceremony for tomorrow night.”

“A celebration! Yes, that’s exactly what we need. We’ll have a feast, and-”

“Wait,” I interjected, holding up a hand. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but … could we keep it small? Private?” I bit my lip, searching for the right words. “I’d rather wait for Darren to return before we have any grand celebrations. It doesn’t feel right without him.”

Milo’s smile faltered for a moment, but he nodded in