Princess Elara lounged on the velvet cushion beside the High Luna, laughing softly at something on her communication device. One of her fans had just asked when she planned to reveal the lucky wolf destined to become her mate.
The moment she spotted Brandon, she rose smoothly to her feet and slipped her arms around him.
"Princess, you look radiant on this moonrise."
Elara laughed under her breath. "You always say that."
She grabbed his hand before he could slip past her and tugged him closer like he wasn't trying to leave. Like he was still a reckless young pup sneaking through palace halls.
"How's Emma? I thought she'd be here with you."
"She's busy with her story." He glanced over his shoulder, turning toward Luna Alexandra as he spoke.
"Moonrise, my High Luna."
Brandon's voice came steady as he stepped in.
The High Luna didn't look up at first. She slid her glasses off slowly, placed them beside a stack of papers, and finally lifted her eyes to him.
"Brandon."
