The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 603

Chapter 603: Beside Me, Always

[Third Person].

The atmosphere at the Oatrun Estate changed almost overnight. Where tension once lingered in corridors, urgency now lived there instead.

Servants moved briskly through hallways carrying bolts of fabric, sealed invitations, polished silverware, and ceremonial décor. Guards rotated in stricter formations. Advisors came and went at all hours.

The estate no longer felt like a noble household. It felt like a kingdom preparing for a transfer of power.

Draven was currently in his study, reviewing guest confirmations and security arrangements with Dennis, Beta Jeffery and Oscar.

Stormveil’s coronation would not just host pack leaders, but the old nobles and former Kings. Wolves that matter.

"This is not just a ceremony," Oscar reminded. "It is a declaration of dominance."

Draven nodded once in understanding.

Meanwhile, Meredith was in a different wing, a sitting room with Madame Beatrice and two royal seamstresses. Rolls of ceremonial fabric were spread across the table. Sketches of regalia lay open.

She was not allowing anyone to overdecorate her.

"People must still be able to recognize me," she said calmly.

Madame Beatrice’s lips curved faintly as she nodded in approval. On the other hand, the seamstress carefully asked, "And the crown, Luna?"

Meredith’s fingers brushed the sketch of the Queen’s circlet. Traditional design. Heavy. Ornate. She studied it for a long moment.

"It must command silence," she finally said. "But it should not look desperate for attention."

---

Later that evening, Meredith found Draven on the balcony overlooking the estate grounds. From above, they could see lanterns being tested in the courtyard.

"It feels real now," Meredith murmured.

Draven stepped beside her. "It has always been real."

She glanced at him. "Are you nervous?"

He considered the question. "Not about ruling," he answered honestly. "About protecting what comes with it."

She knew what he meant, so she slipped her hand into his. "For two weeks," she said softly, "let’s allow ourselves to breathe."

He looked at her and then nodded.

***

Three afternoons later, the sun filtered through the tall windows of Randall’s private study. Unlike the usual political atmosphere of the room, today it was quieter, measured.

Meredith sat across from Randall at the long, carved desk. No servants or guards were present. Just the former King and the future Queen.

Randall poured tea for both of them before speaking.

"Power," he began evenly, "is not maintained by strength alone. It is maintained by perception."

Meredith listened without interrupting.

"You defeated Wanda publicly. That was necessary. But victory creates fear. And fear must be managed."

She tilted her head slightly. "You think they fear me?"

Randall gave her a look that almost resembled amusement. "They fear unpredictability. And you are no longer predictable."

Then, he leaned back in his chair. "A Queen must know when to speak. When to remain silent. When to allow her King to be feared, and when to soften him in the public eye."

Meredith absorbed every word. "What about alliances?" she asked.

"Never humiliate those you may need tomorrow," Randall replied calmly. "Even if they deserve it."

There was a quiet pause between them.

Meredith studied him. He was power-hungry, strategic, and ruthless when needed. But he was not foolish.

"I understand," she said finally.

Dennis, who had followed discreetly with a few warriors, leaned toward Jeffery and muttered, "They love her more than they love my brother." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

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