Rejected Luna Queen

Nesta’s POV

The next morning, I woke up to the soft crackle of the fireplace and a presence in the room that immediately put me on edge. What is going on?

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I saw the queen mother standing by the fireplace, her face lit up with a beaming smile. She looked almost regal, a stark contrast to my groggy state.

She noticed I was awake and clapped her hands together, the sound echoing sharply in the quiet room. I frowned, still disoriented.

“Why is she here? So early?” I wondered, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

“Good morning, my dear,” she greeted warmly, her smile unwavering. “I hope you slept well.”

I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. “Morning,” I mumbled, still trying to process her unexpected presence.

She moved closer, her eyes bright with a strange mixture of excitement and warmth. “I brought you something special,” she said, gesturing to a small table by the window.

On it, I saw a breakfast tray laden with a variety of dishes, including my favourite steak, cooked to perfection. She knows just how to make my anger lessen.

thought you might appreciate a hearty meal to start your day,” she continued, her voice gentle but insistent.

I glanced at the tray, then back at her, my frown deepening. “Why are you here?” I asked, my voice tinged with suspicion. “And why so early?”

The queen mother’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. “I wanted to ensure you were comfortable,” she said. “And to speak with you about some matters. It’s important to me that you feel welcomed here, despite everything.”

Her words were kind, but I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “What matters?” I asked cautiously.

She sat down in a nearby chair, her expression turning serious. There are things we need to discuss regarding your role here,” she said. “But first, please, enjoy your breakfast.”

Reluctantly, I reached for a piece of steak, my hunger overpowering my wariness. As I took a bite, the rich, savoury flavour was a stark reminder of how deprived I had been back at the Red Moon Pack.

The queen mother watched me with an appraising eye. “There are many things we need to address,” she said softly. “But know this, Nesta. You are not alone. We are all here for you.”

Her words hung in the air as I continued to eat, the warmth of the food contrasting with the cold knot of uncertainty in my stomach.

The queen mother’s early morning visit was unsettling, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to change. I don’t think I want her to talk about it too.

The queen mother’s suggestion to go on a horse ride took me by surprise. I stared at her, processing the idea of discussing important matters while riding through the estate. I always loved horses but never rode one before.

She seemed determined, though, and before I could protest, she clapped her hands, summoning a maid who entered the room with a bundle of clothing.

“I’ll give you a moment to change,” the queen mother said with a smile. “I’ll be back shortly. We have much to talk about.”

As she left, the maid carefully laid out the outfit on my bed. It was a beautiful riding ensemble: a fitted, deep green jacket with intricate silver embroidery along the edges, a pair of sleek black riding breeches that looked both practical and stylish, and a crisp white blouse with delicate lace at the collar and cuffs

There were also knee–high black leather boots, polished to a gleaming shine, and a matching black helmet with a silver band.

I ran my fingers over the fabric, admiring the craftsmanship. The outfit was elegant and sophisticated, clearly designed to impress. I changed quickly, the jacket fitting perfectly and accentuating my figure.

The breeches were surprisingly comfortable, and the boots slid on smoothly. The blouse added a touch of femininity, its lace trim soft against my skin.

1 caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and paused. The deep green of the jacket complimented my blue eyes, and the entire ensemble made me look poised and confident. For the first time in a while, I felt a spark of self–assurance.

The maid returned, her eyes widening with approval as she took in my appearance. “You look lovely, Miss Nesta,” she said with a warm smile. “Shall we head to the stables? The queen mother will join us there.”

I nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. As we walked to the stables, I couldn’t help but wonder what the queen mother had in store for me.

The morning sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the palace grounds. The stables were bustling with activity, and the scent of hay and horses filled the air.

When we arrived, the queen mother was already there, dressed in a similarly elegant riding outfit, though hers was a rich burgundy colour. She looked every bit the regal figure she was, exuding confidence and grace.

“Ah, there you are,” she said, her eyes lighting up as she saw me. “You look wonderful, Nesta. Are you ready for our ride?”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, I am.”

She smiled, gesturing to a pair of beautiful horses already saddled and waiting. “Excellent. Let’s go, then. We have much to discuss.”

We mounted our horses and set off at a gentle pace, the morning air crisp and refreshing. As we rode, the began to speak, her tone calm and measured.

queen mother

“Nesta, there are many things we need to discuss regarding your role here,” she said, glancing at me. “But first, tell me how you’re feeling about everything. I want to understand what you’re going through.”

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to open up. “I’m confused,” I admitted. “And I’m a bit scared. There’s so much happening, and I don’t know what to expect.”

She nodded, her expression sympathetic. “That’s understandable. But know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you, and we’ll get through this together.”

As we continued to ride, the queen mother laid out her plans and expectations, explaining the significance of my role and the responsibilities that came with it.

The queen mother and I rode back towards the stables, the morning sun cast long shadows across the palace grounds.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

The ride had been enlightening and somewhat calming, the rhythmic motion of the horse beneath me providing a strange sense of peace. We were nearly back when we turned a corner and bumped into Nolan on his imposing black stallion.

He sat tall and proud, the dark horse beneath him a perfect match for his brooding presence. His hair was tousled by the wind, and his eyes, usually so intense, were shadowed by a darkness I couldn’t quite place.

Despite the cloud of anger and something else I couldn’t identify, there was no denying how handsome he looked. I’m a weird way that made my belly summersault. Yeah, weird.

sonem, our eyes met. His gaze Bicked over my riding ought, lingering for a heartbeat before returning to my face.

There was a spark of something–surprise, perhaps, or recognition. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the familiar

coldness

Nolan‘ the queen mother greeted him, her tone even. “Out for a ride?

He nodded cuntly, his eyes never leaving mine. “I needed some air.”

There was a tense silence, and I shifted uncomfortably in my saddle. The weight of his gaze was almost unbearable, and I struggled to maintain eye contact. My heart pounded in my chest, the memory of last night’s encounter still fresh and raw.

The queen mother, sensing the tension, spoke again. “We’re just returning from our own ride. I was having a discussion with Nesta

Nolan’s jaw tightened, and I saw a flicker of something–anger, jealousy?-flash in his eyes. He looked away, his hands gripping the reins tightly

“I see

The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, and I felt the urge to break the silence. “It was… informative,” I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.

He looked back at me, his expression unreadable. “Good,” he said flatly. “I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for.”

With that, he nudged his stallion and rode past us, the powerful horse moving with a grace that belied its size. I watched him go, a mix of emotions churning inside me.

Despite everything, despite the anger and confusion, a part of me still cared deeply for him. I hate that part of me. I want to. smother it.

The queen mother placed a reassuring hand on my arm. “Let’s head back,” she said gently. “There’s still much to discuss.”

I nodded, forcing myself to focus. As we continued our ride back to the stables, I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder at Nolan’s retreating figure.

The encounter had left me shaken, but also more determined than ever to find my place in this complex web of relationships and responsibilities.

After the ride, the queen mother and I settled in the sunlit drawing room with a plate of freshly baked cookies between us.

The sweet aroma filled the air, and I found myself relaxing, even if just a little. The queen mother’s presence, while formidable, had a certain calming effect.

She took a delicate sip of her tea and smiled warmly at me. “You look much more at ease now. I’m glad the ride did you some good.

I nodded, managing a small smile in return. “It was… refreshing. Thank you.”

Her eyes, sharp and perceptive, lingered on my face for a moment before she spoke again. “Nesta, I’ve been meaning to ask you about your pregnancy. How far along are you?”

The question was inevitable, and I had prepared myself for it. Still, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. I didn’t want her to do the maths and realise the truth.

“Not too far along.” I replied carefully, picking up a cookie and taking a small bite to buy myself some time. “It’s still early days.”

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I see. Well, you must be very careful, especially with everything that’s been happening.

“Of course, I said, trying to keep my tone light. “I’m taking all the necessary precautions.”

The queen mother’s gaze softened. “Pregnancy is a delicate time I remember when I was expecting Rowan and Nolan. Those were challenging yet joyful times.”

I smiled politely, unsure of what to say. The idea of sharing any more details about my pregnancy with her made me uneasy. I would love to have something like that but I can’t risk it.

“I can imagine. It must have been a lot of work, carrying twins.”

She laughed softly. “It was, but it was worth it. They brought so much joy and chaos into our lives.”

I could feel her studying me, searching for any sign of discomfort or hesitation. “Nesta, you must know that you’re part of our family now. Whatever happens, you can rely on us for support.”

Her words were kind, but they also reminded me of the precariousness of my situation. I didn’t want to get too comfortable, not when the truth could shatter everything.

“Thank you I said softly, looking down at my tea. “That means a lot.”

The conversation shifted to lighter topics after that. We spoke about the palace, the gardens, and some of the history of the pack.

But the queen mother’s earlier words lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the secrets I was keeping and the delicate balance I needed to maintain.

The queen mother was perceptive, and I knew I had to be cautious. For now, I would keep my secrets close, protecting both myself and my unborn child from the potential fallout.

Later, as I lay in my room, I thought about the queen mother’s kindness and the burden of the truth I was carrying.