Page 70 of A Hunter for Luna

We clung to each other in the aftermath, sweat cooling on our skin as our racing hearts gradually slowed. He peppered my facewith soft, sweet kisses, nuzzling into my hair with a contented sigh.

I'd never felt so cherished, so utterly safe and adored. Tears pricked my eyes once more, the intimacy of our joining leaving me raw and exposed in the very best way.

As he bent his head to capture my lips once more, sealing our declarations with a kiss, I thought my heart might burst from sheer joy and wonder. In his arms, in his heart, I'd finally found my home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

LUNA

After three weeksof exhausting political maneuvering that went nowhere and the sudden excitement of averting a duel when Benedetto lost his temper, I waited in the afternoon sun with my stomach fluttering with pleasant anticipation.

Pip swooped and landed on my shoulder, chirping excitedly as if sensing my emotions. It'd been too long since I'd seen my sister and Sofia. My stomach twisted with nerves. I just hoped they'd been well.

And I needed to find out what my father was up to. There was no gossip about it, just veiled hints, which worried me more than outright slander. What did he have in store for Rose?

Vala was coming with them, and I sincerely hoped she didn’t stir up trouble right away.

The carriage rolled to a stop, and the door swung open. Rose leaped out, blond curls bullying, her face lighting up when she spotted me.

"Luna!" She rushed to squeeze me tightly. I returned the favor.

Sofia followed at a sedate pace, her expression calm and kind as always. Rose let go of me, standing close by.

Vala stepped down last, graceful and poised, her smile serene but calculating.

"You look well." Sofia looked me over critically. "Kalion suits you."

"It's good to see you." A lump formed in my throat. I glanced at Vala, who watched us with a practiced smile. "Welcome, Lady Vala."

Vala stepped forward and placed a kiss on my cheek. "Of course, my dear. Now, is this the drake I've heard so much about? Is this him?"

Pip hissed and back winged off my shoulder. He circled Sofia and Rose, nipping at their hair. Then he landed on the wall and watched Vala, giving a wary chirp.

“Yes,” I said. “Though, technically Pip is an it. Drakes choose their sex when they’re grown. We call him he because it doesn’t seem to bother him and it’s easier in conversation.”

"Well, well," Vala said with a laugh, meeting Pip's gaze. "A feisty little creature, isn't it? It suits you, Luna."

Everything was a game to her. I thought and suppressed an eye roll. But at least she seemed genuinely interested. Why hadn’t she ever tried to find a drake for herself? She was more than powerful enough magically.

As we moved inside the villa, Benedetto stepped into the hallway, his expression pleasant. He locked eyes with Vala, and I sensed the shift in the atmosphere, a tension that was like the calm before a storm.

"Mother," Benedetto said tersely, inclining his head in a barely respectful nod. "We need to talk. Now."

Vala raised an eyebrow, her smile unfaltering. "Oh, Benedetto. Always so direct. A good host would give me time to wash first, but very well."

“That’s a signal for us to go and clean up after our journey.” Sofia gave me a knowing glance.

I indicated the maid waiting in the hall. “She’ll lead you to your rooms.”

Rose laughed as they walked down the hall.

Benedetto and Vala had stepped into the study, leaving the door slightly ajar. I positioned myself to linger nearby, listening as their voices rose and fell.

"You're building a faction in my name," Benedetto bit out. "Without my knowledge or consent."

Vala's reply was calm, almost mocking. "I simply did what you would not. You may not want the throne, but the empire needs strong leadership. And if not you, then who? Vivaldo? Do you want to burn on the same pyre as the emperor? He’ll see you dead in minutes if he ascends to the throne."

She was manipulating him, but she also had a point. I had a surge of sympathy for Benedetto. He hated this kind of game, and she knew it.

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