The Hidden Luna Queen

And I couldn't let that happen.

So, taking advantage of Xaden's prolonged visit to the palace, I had slipped out earlier that morning to a nearby drugstore and purchased some more dark hair dye. It was nearly noon by the time I finished dyeing the entirety of my long hair.

Xaden might have unintentionally-discovered that I was Alpha Burton's illegitimate child during our visit with Orenda Gorre, but that was all he knew. Meaning he still didn't know the truth about my hair color.

He had already determined that he would look into whatever he could about my father and my past, and if he was able to learn something because of my hair, he would follow every crumb he could find.

I... had no idea what to expect at the end of that trail... but I just knew it could only lead to trouble.

Of course, it would. After all, why would Father have gone to such lengths otherwise to keep me a secret?

The thought filled me with trepidation. I shook my head, clearing as much of the fear away as possible, while I gathered all the wrappers and stained tissues I had accumulated and dumped them in the trash bin.

I needed to be careful... especially with my pregnancy progressing as quickly as it was.

Gazing down at my baby bump, it was becoming more and more obvious every day that my protruding abdomen was due to more than just mere bloating. Right now, my baby appeared to be the size of a small plum. Soon enough, I would not be able to wear anything but loose clothing to go out in public.

Slowly, I let my hands roam over my bump. He was getting so big... I wondered how much longer it would be before I could feel him start to kick.

Excitement tickled my stomach. I looked forward to small moments like that more than anything else. I wanted to experience those moments that proved he really was alive and thriving inside me, not just a bump under my clothes. I wanted him to grow and be as healthy as possible.

That was why I was determined not to do anything that jeopardized my health and safety, nor that of my little baby boy. That was my promise to him.

All of a sudden, I heard the bedroom door creak open from beyond the boundary of the ensuite bathroom. Curiously, I peered outside the bathroom, suspecting maybe Maggie brought something upstairs, until I saw Xaden striding inside, weighed down with obvious exhaustion.

Immediately, I rushed out to check on him. "What happened?" I murmured, brushing some hair out of his face. "You look like you haven't slept in days."

He gave me a lopsided smirk. "You look beautiful too, Maeve," he teased lightly.

"Xaden," I pressed softly.

Ile pursed his lips, lost in thought for a few seconds before finally answering me. "My father is going to hold another banquet. Tomorrow night."

I tried to hold back a grimace. "Another? Whatever for?"

Xaden sighed, falling into a seated position on the edge of the bed. "There was just a scuffle on the border," he murmured, shocking me into sitting down beside him, listening with bated breath. "It got close-very close... but our troops managed to pull through and stop the enemy forces from pushing forward."

I fell paralyzed. It was like I couldn't breathe.

"Oh my..." I faltered, feeling at a loss. "Did we lose anybody?" Was this banquet in honor of soldiers we might have lost...?

To my relief, he shook his head. "We suffered some casualties, but no losses. According to the healer on site, everyone will be fully recovered in a matter of days."Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

I pressed my lips together nervously. I wasn't well versed in the ways of battle, but I knew Xaden was. Among the many things he was known for, people always spoke of how brave he was in the midst of any combat. He was not only quick on his feet but also carried the strength and courage of ten men.

If he was this shaken up about what had happened, then it had to be something rather significant.

"Is it over, then...?" I asked, trying to look for a brighter light at the end of the tunnel. "Have the tensions come to an end?"

Xaden hesitated for a brief moment before resting his hand on top of my own, holding onto me as tight as he could. The uncertainty that lingered in his eyes tangled my stomach into knots. "I... fear it may only be the beginning."