Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Engagement Party
Estelle’s POV
Zayne appeared, dressed in a stunning suit. His silver hair was a striking contrast against his dark suit.
I quickly schooled my expression, hoping none of my reaction showed on my face.
Zayne’s eyes found mine immediately as he crossed the room with confident strides. “Estelle,” he said, his voice warm as he approached. “You look beautiful today.”
I raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Only today?” I asked.
A small smile curled the corners of Zayne’s lips. “Especially so today.”
Cyril chuckled beside us. “It’s good you’re finally here, Your Majesty. It’s not good to keep a lady waiting.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I haven’t been waiting long.”
“Nevertheless,, thank you for your patience,” Zayne said, his lips quirking up in the slightest smile.
I gestured toward my friends, who had been unusually quiet since Zayne entered. “These are my friends from Blackmoon Pack, Juliet and Velma.”
Zayne turned to them with polite attention. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
Juliet’s cheeks turned pink. “The pleasure is ours, Your Majesty. We’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Zayne replied smoothly.
Velma stepped forward, her usual boldness returning. “You’d better treat our Estelle well. She’s been through enough heartbreak.”
My stomach clenched at her words. Juliet nodded enthusiastically beside her.
“We’re sad to see her go, but we’re so happy she’s found someone who can truly cherish her,” Juliet added.
I kept my expression neutral, though their words touched something deep in my chest.
They knew about Asher. They had the first row seats to witness what those years in Moonveil had cost me. As friends and subordinates who worked with me, they worked alongside me to build Moonveil up from scraps, and saw the way I’d slowly lost pieces of myself trying to be the perfect wife and mother.
Juliet and Velma weren’t aware that this was just a business arrangement. But their faith in this relationship and their genuine happiness for me made my throat tight with emotion.
Zayne’s expression grew more serious as he looked at them. “I appreciate your concern for Estelle. She means a great deal to me.”
The way he said it made something flutter in my chest again. Even if this was just for show, he played his part well.
His attention shifted back to me. “Shall we?”
I placed my hand in his outstretched palm, very aware of the ring on my finger. The moonstone caught the light as our hands joined.
Zayne’s fingers brushed against the band, his touch gentle as he examined the ring. A smile played at the corners of his mouth before he lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles.
Heat rushed through me at the contact. My heart hammered against my ribs.
Juliet and Velma made soft cooing sounds behind us.
“Ready?” Zayne asked, his eyes meeting mine.
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
We made our way to the main hall, where the engagement party was in full swing. The space was magnificent, with soaring ceilings and elegant decorations in silver and deep blue. Guests filled the room, their conversations creating a pleasant hum of background noise.
Almost immediately, people began approaching us. Alpha after Alpha, along with their Lunas and Betas, came forward to offer congratulations.
“Your Majesty, congratulations on your engagement,” said a distinguished older man I recognized as Alpha Maurice from the Northern Peaks Pack.
“Thank you,” Zayne replied. “Alpha Maurice, this is my fiancée, Estelle Harper.”
“Luna Estelle, it’s an honor,” Alpha Maurice said, bowing slightly. “We look forward to a prosperous relationship between our packs.”
The conversations continued like this for what felt like hours. Zayne handled each interaction with practiced ease, introducing me to important figures and navigating political pleasantries. I found myself impressed by how naturally he commanded respect while still being personable.
“Alpha Chadwick sends his regrets that he couldn’t attend,” one Beta informed us. “But he wanted me to convey his best wishes for your union.”
“Please give him our thanks,” I replied smoothly.
Eventually, Mason appeared at Zayne’s elbow. “Your Majesty, Councilman Aldric requests a word,” he said. He looked worriedly at me for a split second before turning back to Zayne. “It’s about his previous arrangement.”
Zayne pursed his lips. Even though I hadn’t spent much time with him, the amount of time that we did spend together was enough for me to recognize this was a look of irritation. He glanced at me. “Will you be alright for a few minutes?”
“Of course. Go handle your business.”
He squeezed my hand gently before releasing it. “I’ll be back soon.”
I watched him disappear into the crowd, his tall frame easily visible even among the other guests. Without him beside me, I felt somewhat exposed, but I straightened my shoulders. I could handle this.
“Luna Estelle!”
I turned to find Jude approaching, his dirty blond hair slightly mussed and his tie loosened. He looked like he’d been searching the room.
“Have you seen Zayne anywhere?” he asked. “He called for me, but now I can’t find him.”
“He’s speaking with Councilman Aldric,” I replied. “He should be back shortly.”
Jude groaned dramatically. “Typical. He summons me and then disappears. I swear, sometimes I think he does it just to watch me run around like a headless chicken.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his theatrical frustration. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to.”
“How are you feeling, by the way?” His expression grew more serious. “Better than when we last met, I hope?”
The memory of collapsing on the street made me wince slightly. “Much better, thank you. And thank you again for helping that day.”
“Don’t mention it. Though I have to say, I’ve never seen Zayne move so fast in his life. He practically teleported when I called him.”
Before I could process what that might mean, a sharp crash echoed through the hall.
The sound of shattering glass cut through the conversations, making everyone turn toward the source of the noise.
