Estelle’s POV
“So you are the woman my grandson has chosen as his mate,” Josephine said.
I straightened my shoulders, eting her sharp gaze. Her electric blue eyes studied with an intensity that made feel exposed. I couldn’t read her expression at all.
“Yes, Your Grace,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “I’m Estelle.”
Josephine continued to observe in silence. I resisted the urge to fidget under her scrutiny. Oliver stood quietly beside , but I could sense his watchful attention.
Then, without warning, Josephine’s face broke into a brilliant smile.
“Oh, my dear!” she exclaid, moving toward with surprising speed for soone who was supposedly unwell. Before I could react, she pulled into a warm embrace.
I stood frozen for a mont, completely caught off guard. Her arms wrapped around with genuine affection, and I caught the faint scent of lavender in her hair. Slowly, I returned the hug.
Over Josephine’s shoulder, I caught sight of Oliver. His shoulders were shaking slightly as he tried his best not to laugh at my obvious shock. I wrinkled my nose at him in a playful glare. He knew this ti that I was worrying over Josephine’s reaction, but he didn’t say anything!
“I am so excited to finally et you properly,” Josephine said as we pulled apart. Her hands remained on my arms, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “I’ve heard so much about you from Cyril and Oliver. And of course, from Zayne himself.”
“You have?” I asked, surprised.
“Oh yes,” she nodded eagerly. “I’ve been urging that boy to bring you to et for weeks now. But he keeps finding excuses. Work this, council etings that. If it weren’t so inconvenient for to leave the palace grounds, I would have snuck out to visit you myself.”
I blinked in surprise. The image of the previous Lycan Queen sneaking out of the palace to visit was both endearing and amusing.
“I do regret not eting you properly when you were here for the engagent party,” Josephine continued, her expression becoming slightly apologetic. “And during the lycan summit as well. I wasn’t feeling well at the ti.”
“Please don’t worry about it,” I said quickly. “I completely understand. I’m just happy to et you now.”
I glanced at Oliver, who was now openly smiling at our interaction, before turning back to Josephine.
“I’m very happy to et Zayne’s family,” I sincerely said.
Looking at both Oliver and Josephine, I felt sothing warm settle in my chest. Between them and Killian back at Blackmoon, I was finally experiencing what it felt like to have a proper family around. These were people who cared about without expecting anything in return.
Asher’s parents may have raised , but they didn’t care about my well-being. They only cared about what I could do for their son. They have not abused , but they definitely could not be considered family.
This feeling was both wonderful and foreign.
Just then, the door burst open without so much as a knock.
“Grandmother, what are you doing to poor—”
Zayne stopped mid-sentence as he took in the scene. His silver hair was slightly disheveled, as if he’d been running. His eyes moved quickly between his grandmother and , clearly assessing the situation.
“Zayne!” Josephine’s voice carried a sharp note of disapproval. “What have I told you about knocking before entering a lady’s room?”
Despite her chiding tone, Zayne moved forward to greet her properly. He leaned down to press a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his earlier urgency lting into obvious affection.
“Sorry, Grandmother,” he said softly.
He nodded in greeting to Oliver, then turned to with a smile that made my heart skip.
“Estelle.”
“Your Majesty,” I replied, trying to ignore the way his presence imdiately made the room feel smaller.
Josephine watched this exchange with sharp eyes. “I bla you entirely for not bringing Estelle to et sooner,” she said, turning back to Zayne with an accusatory look. “I’ve been wanting to et my future granddaughter-in-law for so ti now.”
Zayne’s cheeks actually colored slightly. “Grandmother...”
“Don’t ‘Grandmother’ ,” she continued, warming to her subject. “You keep hiding her away like a dragon hoarding treasure. It’s completely unnecessary.”
Both Oliver and Josephine laughed at Zayne’s obvious discomfort, but then Josephine’s laughter turned into a cough. The sound was harsh and prolonged, imdiately drawing Oliver’s attention.
“Perhaps we should proceed with your examination,” Oliver said gently, his physician instincts taking over. “We can continue catching up afterward.”
Josephine nodded, still clearing her throat. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
She turned to Zayne with a pointed look. “You need to take proper care of Estelle while she’s here. She made a special trip to visit, and you should be a good host.”
“Of course,” Zayne agreed readily. “I’ll make sure she’s comfortable.”
I started to shake my head. “There’s really no need. I should probably head back soon if you’re busy—”
“He’s not busy,” Josephine interrupted firmly.
She gave a aningful look. “Besides, you wouldn’t want to leave poor Oliver stranded here, would you? He’ll need transportation back.”
“Absolutely,” Oliver chid in quickly. “I’d hate to impose on the palace staff for a ride.”
I looked between the two of them, recognizing the obvious setup. They clearly wanted Zayne and to spend ti together.
“Actually,” Oliver continued, “I sowhat recall you were just about to head out for a celebratory al and drinks with River and the others.”
“Yes,” I said slowly, wondering where he was going with this.
“And you haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
As if summoned by his words, my stomach chose that exact mont to let out a loud, unmistakable growl.
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