Sabrina’s POV
I’ve been called a lot of things growing up. Nice, kind, beautiful, caring, rude, even sly. I have never tried to dispute or prove them wrong, because at one point, it was only obvious that I would prove someone’s fears and conclusions right, but that wasn’t even what I was trying to say.
The point was the fact that, no matter how much they tried, no one could exactly say I was a coward. I was never against putting up a fight when the need be and when push came to shove, I always came out victorious.
It was a given for me. I don’t lose. Even if I felt a little defeated, all I needed was the tiniest push, and I would be back on track again.
Just like the push Alice had given me.
We didn’t really see eye to eye, I avoided her as much as I could, but tonight, she has definitely helped the flames of our friendship burn brighter.
I blinked out of my thoughts, just to take a good look at my surroundings. The crowd was silent now, and I felt each and every one of their eyes boring holes into every part of my body. While their stares were amusing, I enjoyed the reaction of just one person.
Kieran.
I have never been so happy to see someone else so shocked and confused. She looked like a deer caught in highlights, and if I had my way, then her reaction in this moment would be painted as a portrait and hung up on every entrance and exit in the palace, and the gates leading to the packs.
Yes, it was that good. I felt victorious already.
Her eyes were wide with surprise, and even though there was a visible distance between us, I just knew her heart was probably about to birstbout of her chest.
She clenched her fists by her side and I watched her mumble under her breath.
Just like that, staring at her suddenly became boring. If she was this surprised just by my interruption, then I wondered how she was going to react when I brought out the big guns.
My gaze darted to Xander next. He was cleary agitated but that didn’t matter. I wasn’t sure I could ever get tired of talking about how regal he looked. The little wake up call from Alice had given me a new perspective.
He was mine. He was always mine. It had shown me how much I deserved him and how I was willing to go to any lengths to make sure a slimy skunk didn’t come in between us out of nowhere.
“Sabrina?” he finally said, clearly confused.
“What is it?” he asked, his voice thinning out of patience but I chose to not focus on it.
“Forgive me Your Majesty,” I curtsied.
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but there’s something I would like to say.” I said.
“You can’t.” His response was sharp, his voice cutting through the air. “Not now.”
“But…” the words were barely out of my lips before Xander spoke up again.
“Can you not see I was about to make an announcement? How dare you interrupt me?” His voice rang out in the hall.
The entire place was packed to the brim, but it was still as quiet as a graveyard. That showed just how much power and respect Xander commanded, and I shivered at the thought.
“Whatever you have to say will have to wait.” he added.
“You have to understand, Your Majesty,” The urge to address him by his name hung on my lips, but I got a grip on myself.
“There’s no better time to say this than now, it’s urgent.” I added.
A small murmur rippled through the crowd, accompanied by some gasps but I pushed them aside.
“Are you dictating to me?” His eyes were narrowed and his voice was low, so low I felt my hsir stand and goosebumps erupt my skin.
“Are you asking me to wait for you?” he asked and I swallowed.
He was mad, furious, but there was nothing that could be done about it. I had to speak, and I was going to do it too.
“Please, forgive me my King.” I pleaded out. “It is not my intention to undermine your authority. All I’m asking for, is a couple of minutes of your time.”
The silence that settled between us was deafening and my heart thundered in my chest as I waited for his response. There were two possible outcomes for this; one, my wish would get granted or I would get ignored.
I didn’t want to count my eggs before they hatched, but a tiny part of me just knew he was going to agree to it. We were very close after all.
I wasn’t expecting anything less if I was being honest. We had practically grown up together and everyone in the pack knew that.
“Five minutes.” Xander finally let out, after what seemed like forever. His eyes still burned with whatever anger was left, but I could easily tell he had a message for me.
“Make it quick” he said and I nodded.
“Thank you, Your Majesty” I said, before straightening.
I watched as he settled back in his throne and Kieran followed suit. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Kieran staring at me and I didn’t try to hide the smirk that made its way to my lips.
She still had that confused look on her face, and for a moment I actually pitied her. Poor thing.
If only she knew.
With one more glance at Xander and a courtesy in his direction, I turned to the crowd. Curious faces greeted me, and before I spoke, I sought the attention of one of the people that mattered the most to me.
Xander’s mother.
Luckily for me, I didn’t have to do too much to be able to locate her.
She was still rooted in the same spot I had left her. Even she was eagerly waiting to see why I had caused a commotion.
“Good evening esteemed guests.” My voice filled the air in contrast to the silence in the room.
“I apologize to the King once again for any interruption I might have caused tonight.” I said, slightly turning to him.
“First off,” I swallowed. My eyes caught sight of a server passing by with a tray and I signaled at him. When I had a champagne flute sitting in between my fingers, I continued.
“I would like to make a toast to our king for being such a great leader all these years and making our pack one of the best” I said and people nodded in agreement.
“Asides that, I have something else I would like to add,” I said and everyone looked at me intently.
I felt someone’s heated gaze at my back, but I didn’t need to think too much to figure out who it was. If this was any indication, it simply meant he was paying attention to me.
“Our pack has been without a Luna for the longest time, and while others would crumble in the absence of that particular pillar, we have stayed strong. All thanks to our Alpha.” I was pouring out my feelings and I hoped to the goddess it would work out in my favor. It had to.
“Even at that, it is of my opinion that he needs someone to be by his side. He might not burden us with his problems the way we do to him, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he needs a partner, a confidant.” I explained and I could see a few people nodding in agreement.
“Xander and I have known each other for the longest time.” Something flashed in his mother’s eyes and I masked a smile.
“We grew up together, always playing the nastiest pranks and getting into all sorts of trouble together.” I said, a smile lacing my lips.
The crowd let out a ripple of laughter and I just knew I was on the right track.
“Even when the webs of responsibility tried to tear us apart, we waxed stronger, with his ruling and me giving my all to the palace. That is why, I have thought long and hard about this.” I cleared my throat.
“I have decided to make a proposal” I said and gasps filled the hall.
“King Xander,” I turned to the man in question.
“Make me your Luna.” I finally said.
More silence settled between us. It remained like that for a while, until slowly, claps started resonating. It started out small, before rising into a high crescendo. At this point, I could no longer hide my smile. The claps behind me certainly meant the people had my back. All I needed now was Xander’s approval.
My eyes flickered towards Kieran as she shifted in her seat. I almost snickered. She hadn’t seen my idea coming, neither did Xander but he didn’t show it. No one could have seen it coming.
His face was stoic, and neither his eyes nor body language gave anything away. I had no idea what he was thinking.
My insides churned and my palms became
sweaty. A small part of me wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole, but at the same time, I wanted to know what he thought about it.
“Sabrina.” he suddenly said, and the entire hall went quiet. He has been quiet for so long.
He paused for a few seconds before he added “No.”
My face paled.
“What?” I felt my blood dry up from my system. “You can’t be….”
“No.” He cut me off again, his voice firmer than the last. “I refuse your proposal”
Did he just?…
It couldn’t be…