[redith].
A few hours later, the car rolled through the iron gates of the Oatrun Estate just as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
I exhaled the mont the tyres stopped.
Dennis stepped out first, stretching his arms as if the trip had been nothing more than a casual stroll.
I followed, smoothing my skirt, already spotting servants moving toward us with quiet efficiency, which was good, considering that the trunk was full. Overflowing, really.
And then I saw Draven. He stood at the entrance with his arms crossed loosely over his chest, his dark eyes already on the second I stepped out of the car.
Relief ward my chest before I could stop it.
"Welco back," he said, his voice low, familiar.
I smiled faintly. "Thank you."
At the sa ti, the servants opened the trunk at my gesture, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the packed baskets and crates.
"Take everything to my workstation," I instructed calmly. "Handle the herbs gently."
"Yes, Luna," they answered in unison, already moving.
Draven’s gaze followed the procession for a mont before returning to . He stepped closer, lowering his voice.
"Did you get everything you needed?"
I nodded. "Yes."
That was the truth, but Dennis ruined the peace.
"Oh, she got the herbs," he said cheerfully, clapping his hands once. "But Moonstone Market gave us a little... family reunion on the side."
My head snapped toward him. "Dennis."
Draven’s posture changed instantly. "Family reunion?" he repeated, slow and sharp, his eyes flicking between us.
Dennis tilted his head, utterly unapologetic. "Her mother. And Mabel."
Instantly, silence dropped like a blade, then I felt Draven’s hand curl slightly at his side.
Dennis continued, because of course he did. "We ran into them a few shops down. Mabel tried to make a scene. Raised her voice. Threw around words like filial duty." He shrugged. "You know. The usual."
Draven’s jaw tightened. I didn’t look at him. I didn’t need to. I could feel the shift in the air—the Alpha’s restraint tightening like a drawn bow.
"And?" Draven asked quietly.
Dennis grinned, sharp and humourless. "And she learned very quickly that insulting the Luna in public isn’t a hobby with a long lifespan."
I finally turned to Draven then. "It’s over," I said firmly. "Nothing happened that needs revisiting."
His asured gaze searched my face. "...Did they apologize?" he asked.
I didn’t answer, but Dennis did. "No," he said simply. "And they didn’t deserve the chance."
That was when Draven exhaled slowly, visibly reining himself in. He stepped closer, placing a solid hand at the small of my back.
"Next ti," he said, voice coldly calm, "they won’t get even that much grace."
I leaned slightly into his touch. "There won’t be a next ti," I replied.
His thumb brushed once, subtly, against my spine as if in agreent.
Just then, Dennis started walking toward the house. "Well. Herbs are safe. Pride is intact. No bones broken." He glanced back at us. "All in all, a productive trip."
I watched him go, then looked back at Draven. "I’m fine," I said before he could ask.
He studied for a long mont, then nodded. "Good," he murmured. "Because you’ve got an event to prepare."
But as we walked into the house, he slowed his steps beside . "Do you need my help in your workstation today?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes attentive.
I almost laughed. I shook my head instead. "No. I really don’t."
In my mind, the image of him—Alpha, future King, broad shoulders, tall, handso and all—sorting and grinding herbs made my chest warm and guilty all at once.
"I have more than enough helping hands," I added gently.
He nodded, accepting it without protest.
"That’s good," Dennis cut in smoothly, inserting himself between us as he stretched his arms. "Thank the moons I won’t be put to work today."
Then, with a smirk, he strode ahead of us like a man who had just escaped execution. I rolled my eyes.
"Don’t mind him," Draven murmured, his voice low and amused. "He lives for monts like this."
Before I could respond, he glanced down at again. His expression softened. "You must be hungry."
I opened my mouth to answer, but he didn’t give the chance. He reached for my hand, his grip warm and firm, and gently tugged along.
"Co," he said.
Draven led away from the main hall, past a quiet corridor, and into one of the smaller dining rooms tucked away from the bustle of the estate.
I stopped short at the small feast that awaited . Though it wasn’t anything excessive, just thoughtful.
There was warm soup still steaming. Fresh bread. Sliced fruit. A light at dish. Even a small pot of tea already poured, its familiar herbal scent curling softly in the air.
I turned to look at him. "...You arranged this?"
His lips curved faintly. "I didn’t want you to skip lunch today."
My heart squeezed gently. Then, he pulled out a chair for before I could protest. "Sit."
I obeyed and settled down to enjoy the al my dear mate and husband had planned for . There was no way I would let his effort go in vain.
Once I had finished eating, I nodded, my body finally calm and full.
Then Draven walked all the way to my workstation, lingering only long enough to make sure everything had arrived safely.
Once he was satisfied, he squeezed my hand lightly and left to it.
With my maidservants gathered around, I set to work again.
The new herbs from Moonstone were beautiful, fresh and potent. I could feel it even before touching them—clean energy, strong scent, life still humming inside their leaves and roots.
Together, we unpacked them carefully, separating what needed imdiate attention from what could wait. I showed them how to lay certain herbs flat, how to hang others upside down, and how to keep the most delicate ones away from direct heat.
Ti slipped by quietly. Eventually, when everything had been sorted and stored properly, I straightened and exhaled.
"That will be all for now," I told them. "Go get so rest. Co back by five this evening—we will start on the healing balms then."
They bowed in unison, gratitude clear in their eyes. "Thank you, Luna."
I smiled back, gave a small nod, and left them behind.
---
The elevator ride was quiet, almost soothing. When the doors opened onto our floor, I stepped out and walked straight to our bedroom.
The space was empty and peaceful. I didn’t bother wondering where Draven was because right now, my body was asking for one thing and one thing only.
I went straight into the bathroom.
Steam soon filled the air as I ran warm water into the tub. I added a few drops of rose oil, watching the surface ripple as the scent blood softly.
Once the tub was ready, I stripped without ceremony and eased myself into the bath. And imdiately, warmth wrapped around .
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