Chapter 215: Chapter 215 Breaking Royal Protocol
Phoebe’s POV
I wasn’t thrilled about this particular rule. Since my pregnancy was still in its earliest stages, nobody could tell yet. My scent hadn’t shifted either, which would’ve been a dead giveaway to anyone with a decent nose.
It wasn’t that I wanted to keep it secret, but everything felt so messy right now.
Besides, I needed to tell Perry before anyone else found out. Well, Marcela already knew, but she didn’t count—she was a healer, after all.
While my food was being prepared, I climbed the stairs to the master bedroom on the second floor. I collapsed onto the bed and found myself staring blankly at the ceiling.
My hand drifted to my still-flat belly as I tried to picture what my baby might look like. I hoped they’d take after Perry—having a gorgeous baby like him would be amazing. I never thought much of my own looks, honestly. I avoided mirrors most of the time because I hated seeing my reflection staring back.
My imagination ran wild, picturing a tiny version of Perry wrapping their little fingers around my shirt. I could almost see them yawning or crying...
The image made me smile and filled my chest with warmth. I couldn’t wait to hold my baby.
That’s when Wade’s knock interrupted my daydream, announcing lunch was ready.
"Would you like me to bring your meal up here, my queen?"
His tone was respectful as always. I opened the door to find him bowing deeply.
He couldn’t be more than a year or two younger than me. As a freshly appointed warrior tasked with guarding the queen, he was obviously trying to make the best impression possible.
I’ll come down, I scribbled in my notebook. Since his head was still lowered, he missed it completely, so I tapped his shoulder.
"Oh, forgive me, my queen. I didn’t catch that."
I couldn’t help but laugh quietly. This young warrior was adorable. His cheeks actually turned red from embarrassment at missing my note.
"Right this way, my queen." He gestured awkwardly for me to go first. "Warrior Orion grilled some chicken, and I prepared a few sides. It might not match the palace kitchen, but if you need anything—anything at all—just let any of us know and we’ll handle it."
Only Perry, Marcela, and Timothy knew that I couldn’t taste food anymore. Everything was flavorless to me, but I wouldn’t crush their enthusiasm by sharing that detail.
Wade was practically bouncing with excitement as he rattled off the details before catching himself.
"Sorry, my queen, I’m talking your ear off." He rubbed his head, blushing again.
It’s fine—I enjoy having someone to chat with, I wrote, showing him the page. His face lit up with a grin.
"I get pretty chatty when I’m nervous. My apologies for that."
I shook my head with a smile, and we headed to the dining room together. The table was loaded with several dishes that looked absolutely delicious.
Sometimes I wished my sense of taste would return. It had been forever since I could actually taste anything, but I couldn’t complain. My life was good now—I didn’t want to be ungrateful.
The only things I truly longed for were Perry’s safe return and a smooth delivery. Everything else I could live with.
But when I reached the dining room, I noticed all three warriors standing off to the side. There was only one plate and set of utensils on the table—mine.
I grabbed my notebook and wrote something down.
Why aren’t you sitting down to eat? I showed them.
Justin, clearly the most senior of the three, answered me. "We’re not permitted to dine with you, my queen. That’s protocol."
My frown deepened. I hadn’t thought about this before. Back when I was stationed at Central City’s gates, I always ate in my tent, even though I’d mingle with everyone else.
Then I won’t eat either. I refuse to eat alone, I wrote firmly.
All three warriors looked torn.
"My queen, you can’t do that. We’re honored that you want to share a meal with us, but it goes against regulations," Justin tried to explain.
I knew the rule existed, but...
We’re not at the palace, I pointed out. That was true, but still...
"We still need to follow protocol. You’re the queen, the highest-ranking shifter in this kingdom after the king. We can’t show you that kind of disrespect."
I pressed my lips together, crossed my arms, and leaned back like a stubborn child. I’d made my position clear—no eating unless they joined me.
They could figure out what to do about it.
Seeing me like this, they looked ready to cry. "Please, my queen, don’t do this to us," Justin pleaded.
There’s nobody here. Nobody cares about protocol right now. We’re not in the palace, and I don’t want to eat by myself, I wrote and held it up for them to read.
I stayed exactly like that after they finished reading.
Finally, slowly, Justin sank into the chair beside me. Orion followed suit, while Wade quickly set out extra plates and silverware for everyone.
This made me beam, and I could see all three of them couldn’t help but find their young queen endearing.
Let’s eat! I wrote, feeling much better. The three warriors looked uncomfortable at first, but soon they were enjoying their meal happily.
