The Hidden Luna Queen novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Maeve POV

“Sire?” Maggie gaped.

My mouth dropped open. He bought everything?

“Y–You bought all of those clothes anyway?” I asked, baffled. That white–haired woman he’d spoken to inside the store must have been the owner. “Everything?”

Kaden smirked in response.

“That wasn’t necessary…”

“Of course it was,” he insisted. “You looked marvelous in every single one of those dresses. It would have been a crime to let them gather dust in that store.”

I didn’t know what it was like to wear clothes for the sake of fashion. I’d never been allowed the privilege of having the choice. Everything I had ever worn in my life was either my sister’s old, torn hand–me–downs or the uniforms that the omega. servants would wear as they worked around the house.

For me to have so many clothes than I knew what to do with didn’t feel right

To be honest, I thought they should have gone to someone who actually needed them.

“I couldn’t possibly wear all of that…” I murmured, fidgeting with my fingers.

“Miss Maeve,” Maggie said with a tone that meant she was serious, “you forget that you are His Highness’s intended Luna. Princess. There’s no such thing as having too many clothes.”

Biting my lip, I reluctantly nodded.

Evidently, I had a lot to learn when it came to the needs and wants of an Alpha Prince’s Luna. I didn’t necessarily agree with what they had to say yet, but I forced myself to take it. This was my chance to live my life and spoil myself for once.

I gazed at Kaden. “Where do you want to go next?”

“I’m afraid I have to leave,” he admitted, somewhat annoyed. “I could only squeeze in enough time to visit you here.”

Xaden looked heavy with guilt. “I’m sorry, Maeve,” he murmured, pulling me into a hug, and it felt like I was being embraced by a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night. I sighed, wrapping my arms tightly around him, savoring the feeling of his heartbeat against my cheek and not wanting to let go.

“Please go ahead. You must have so many things to deal with everyday.” I whispered.

Before he pulled away, I felt him squeeze me one last time. And, looking into his eyes, I saw his reluctant pain.

I tried to ignore the dull ache in my chest when I watched him walk away. It wouldn’t do me any good to be so clingy… he was

a busy man, the best Prince. He had a lot on his plate and he didn’t need me to make things harder on him.

With a quick shake of my head, I forced myself to smile.

“Where should we go now, Maggie?” I asked, turning to her. I felt comfortable enough to defer to her judgment.

She took me by the arm with a knowing sparkle. “Let me lead the way

Maggie came to a stop and pointed across the street. “That’s what I want to show you, Miss Maeve”

Curious, I followed the direction of her finger and saw a corner store with large, open windows and various toys and furniture

on display. Clancing up at the sign overhead, I read the big, bold words: Pampered Pups.

Oh she had led me to a baby store. I suddenly felt warm inside.

“Shall we?” Maggie asked.

I smiled. “Let’s go.”

The moment we entered the store, it was like we were transported to another world. Soft lullabies played overhead as I looked on in awe. surrounded by plush blankets, cozy pillows, and everything nice in between. It was a baby’s dream come to life.

I did not know if Father ever spoiled me with such things, but….

I stopped myself.

Spoil? What’s wrong with spoiling my baby?

Babies were born to be spoiled and pampered! Father would have certainly used it against me, though. Another reason for me to become indebted to him. I had no doubt about that.

I refused to be anything like my parents had been to me. I wanted to give my baby the best life he could ever want. I could just picture it: my little boy curled up in a blanket soft as clouds as he slept without a worry in the world.

Because he had someone to protect him.

“Isn’t it adorable, Miss Maeve?” Maggie asked, brimming with pride. “As soon as I heard of the pregnancy, I knew I had to bring you here.”

My mouth had fallen open as I tried to take in as much as I could at first glance. “It’s bigger than I expected,” I gasped.

How was I supposed to know what I needed to get?

“Hello, ladies, and welcome to Pampered Pups!” A young–looking saleswoman wearing a muted, mint green uniform shirt approached us with a big, bright smile. “How can I help you both today?”

I was a nervous wreck. I wanted to see what at they offe offered but I was a little paranoid after that last store.

He was something I wanted to cherish

I felt Maggie’s comforting hand on my back. Meanwhile, the saleswoman looked at me with gentle patience. “Are you alright?” she asked.

Nodding, I wiped my eyes dry. “I want to see more, please.”

The saleswoman smiled. “Okay. We have plenty for you to see.”

We were in that store for what seemed like hours, looking at all the onesies and toys that we could find. In my mind, I could envision my baby boy wearing each one of those outfits and playing with every one of those stuffed animals and games. We ended up buying more than I’d expected, but Maggie was more than happy to carry the bags for me.

As we prepared to leave Mona Road, we had to walk through a farmer’s market. The wonderful smell of fresh fruits and all those brightly colored vegetables tickled my senses and 1 felt my mouth start to water

“Oh-“Maggie suddenly exclaimed, recalling something, “is it alright if we walk around here for a moment, Miss Maeve? 1 wanted to buy some quality cuts of beef.”

I blinked. “Beef?” I repeated. “What for?”

“For you and the baby, of course! It’s rich in proteins and nutrients that will help the little one stay strong and healthy.”

The doctor’s words from that morning suddenly flashed in my mind.. but what Maggie had said sounded awfully appealing to me. As long as I ate foods that benefited my baby, everything would be fine.

I think.

Regardless, I gave Maggie my approval and followed her further into the market. Once we reached the butchery section of the market, however, I was hit with the strong scents of fish and cured meats..and.. and blood, and I felt my stomach start to Twist.

I needed to leave.

“Maggie,” I mumbled, feeling sick, “I can’t stay here. 1-1 need fresh air…”

She quickly turned around and gasped. “Miss Maeve, you’ve gone green,” she winced “Please, don’t worry about me. Go rest and I’ll find you once I’m done here”

That was all I needed to hear.

I quickly rushed away as soon as I could and found a bench to rest some distance away. Taking long deep breaths in and out… and in and out.. seemed to help, thankfully, so I could avoid throwing up in front of all of Mona Road.

I had just straightened myself up, when all of a sudden…

“Well, well, well,” a snide voice drawled, and my skin crawled with apprehension. “Look what the wolves dragged in”

I didn’t need to turn around to see who that voice belonged to. But I couldn’t understand. She was supposed to be confined to the Moonstone estate after that catastrophic meltdown at her birthday party.

What was Sarah doing in the capital?