"Why are you still standing here, Micah? Execute my order!" Gideon commanded, his gaze remaining fixed on the Luna Queen with unsettling intensity.
"I heard your bride fainted. That is why I came," Luna Queen Presley suggested. "Why don't you leave us? I would like to speak with Miss Valois alone."
Gideon offered no objection. He turned and strode out of the chamber, followed closely by his Beta and the rest of his retinue.
"Close the doors," Presley ordered the servant. "See that we are not disturbed."
As the heavy palace doors clicked shut, the Luna Queen finally turned her full attention toward Adeline. The girl sat stiffly on the edge of the silk-covered mattress, her body coiled with tension as she moved to stand.
"Stay in the bed," Presley said, her tone more of a command than an invitation.
Adeline froze instantly. She lowered her head, her gaze dropping to her lap where her fingers fidgeted nervously against the fine linens.
"You do not possess a wolf, do you?" Presley asked, her eyes searching for any flicker of a latent spirit.
"No, I do not, Your Majesty," Adeline answered, her voice barely a whisper.
"Gideon will not let you survive. He is cursed to never have a woman by his side," Presley stated, her expression cold. "If you wish, I can find a way out for you."
Adeline blinked, stunned. She lifted her gaze to meet the Luna Queen's. "How is that possible? I was brought to this palace on the Alpha King's direct command."
"Just answer me: do you want to become Gideon's wife or not?" Presley demanded in a firm tone.
Adeline remained silent, paralyzed by the sudden weight of the choice. She could not fathom why the Luna Queen would offer to help her escape this union.
She had heard the dark rumors surrounding the eldest Prince, and only moments ago, she had witnessed the coldness with which he was prepared to punish her family.
Strangely, she found she no longer cared what became of them. If they would die or survive had nothing to do with her since they never even cared for her.
"Why have you gone quiet, Adeline? If you dream of being beloved by Gideon, forget it. I simply want you to live," Presley continued. "A cursed Alpha Prince is not someone a girl like you can handle. Do you truly wish to die at such a young age? Consider this my generosity toward you."
"That is exactly what confuses me, Your Majesty," Adeline countered, her voice gaining a sudden strength. "There is nothing free in this world. Why would the Luna Queen help a girl who is an omega, unless she had a motive of her own?"
Presley smiled, a thin, sharp expression. "You are a curious girl, and brainy as well," she murmured. "My motive is simple: I want to keep Gideon safe. Some matters are not meant to be spoken aloud, especially when you are not intended to become a permanent member of this family."
Adeline bowed her head slightly. "I apologize for my insolence, Your Majesty."
"So, what is your decision?" Presley pressed.
"I would like a moment to think, Your Majesty," Adeline stated, her heart racing.
"Very well. Take your time. But remember, the curse on Gideon will claim your life if you marry him. I am still searching for his cure, and until I find it, I refuse to let another woman suffer at his side. There is a reason every noble Alpha in Valdaria refused to offer their daughters to him."
Adeline fell into deep contemplation. She remembered the way Gideon had spoken earlier, the way he had demanded the count of the lashes she had endured.
In that moment, she had sensed a genuine concern, a feeling she had never experienced from anyone in her life.
And then, there was his fury. He had been ready to punish the very people who had broken her.
But why would he do that? she wondered.
'He doesn't even know me. Perhaps he was simply insulted by the envoy who brought me here like a piece of unwanted item. He likely wants to intimidate me. And it worked; that gaze of his was terrifying. I wish I had a mother like Gideon's. She cares so deeply for his well-being.'
"Your Majesty, if I accept your proposal, will I be returned to my family?" Adeline inquired, her voice trembling slightly. "I cannot go back to that house. Is it possible for you to hide me elsewhere in the capital? I hope I am not overstepping by asking."
"You would be sent to a distant town, far outside the capital's reach," Presley answered. "If Gideon were to find you, he might kill you for your desertion. I can see that he is intent on this marriage, but I am looking toward his future. I will not have the world branding him a monster because his bride died at his side."
Adeline felt a cold shiver at the thought of Gideon's wrath should he discover her flight, yet the allure of freedom was a siren song she couldn't ignore.
Marriage had never been her dream.
All she craved was a life lived in the light, a chance to explore the world on her own terms and find a happiness that wasn't dictated by the cruelty of others.
"Your Majesty, what if the Alpha Prince directs his fury at you for sending me away? His temper... it seems dangerous," Adeline whispered, her voice filling with trepidation. Despite her own desperation, she did not wish for the Luna Queen to suffer for an act of mercy.
"Gideon will never be truly angry with me. I know how to navigate his moods," Presley asserted, a soft, knowing smile playing on her lips. "He may be sullen for a time, but it will pass."
"Then I accept your offer, Your Majesty. I have no wish to marry the Alpha Prince," Adeline declared, a genuine smile finally gracing her tired features. "I will never forget your benevolence. I mean that with all my heart."