Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 216: Unexpected Promotion

Tiana's POV

A hush fell over the court. Rhylen's expression didn't change, but I saw his fingers curl into fists. The king turned to the guards.

"Take him away," he said, standing up from the high chair.

As they dragged Rhylen from the chamber, I let out a slow breath. It was over. The traitor had been caught. Justice had been served.

But as I looked at the king, I felt a shiver run down my spine. My own secrets were now at risk of being exposed. And if they ever came to light, I wouldn't have the luxury of a trial.

Even though the king sent a friendly smile my way, I could not help but feel a sense of nervousness at that. It seemed as if his smile was knowing like he knew I was hiding something.

But in reality, it was just my conscience.

*+*-*-*-*-*-*

The courtyard was crowded and noisy, filled with whispers and anticipation. Nobles sat on a raised platform, watching from their fancy seats, while soldiers and ordinary people gathered below, waiting for justice to be served. The air smelled damp and bloody. Executions were never clean.

I stood at the front, my hands clenched into fists. My heart was calm, but my mind was a mess. This should have been a moment of triumph, but instead, I felt uncertain.

"You're no better than him," a voice in my head said. "You're a traitor too."

I pushed the thought away. No, I had my reasons. I wasn't betraying anyone, rather was making things right. The pack had turned against me, abandoned me, and hunted me. I was just trying to survive.

But did that really make me different from Rhylen?

The crowd fell silent as Rhylen was dragged forward, his hands tied up, chains clanking with each step. He looked calm and emotionless, even though he was about to die. The king sat on his throne, his face expressionless as he looked at Rhylen.

"Commander Rhylen, you have been found guilty of treason," the king said clearly. "Your actions caused many deaths. You will be executed for your crimes."

Rhylen took a deep breath, then looked directly at me with a smirk. "Talia is not who you think she is."

The crowd murmured in confusion. Rhylen's words felt like a knife to my heart, and my blood ran cold. The king frowned.

"Explain yourself, traitor," he said.

Rhylen laughed and shook his head. "You'll figure it out. And when you do..." He looked at me again. "I wonder if you'll still be standing there, using that fake name."

"You are only saying that to make the people doubt me because I have exposed you," I said, trying to keep my voice from wavering. "I have my papers to prove it, and the king himself has better it."

"That's a lie! It's forged!"

Peter stiffened beside me, his hand resting on his sword hilt, eyes darting between us. The king remained unmoved. "You have wasted your last words, Rhylen."

"Surely, the king knows his own seal," it was Theo who spoke, making me heave a sigh of relief. "I was present when she presented her papers."

The executioner stepped forward, holding up his sharp sword. For the first time, Rhylen's confident smile started to fade away. I saw a flash of something in his eyes. Maybe regret or fear, but it disappeared before I could tell for sure. The sword came down swiftly, and it was all over. Rhylen's life was ended, and soon the heads of the other traitors would follow. Their bodies were thrown away like trash. Justice had been served, but I felt sick to my stomach as I turned away. I couldn't shake off the thought that kept echoing in my mind: "You're no better than him."

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The throne room was quiet when I was summoned to appear before the king. He sat on his grand throne, his fingers tapping gently against the armrest. Peter stood to my right, his back straight and his face expressionless. As soon as the doors closed behind me, the king began to speak.

"Your actions in uncovering this treachery have not gone unnoticed," he said.

I swallowed. "I did only what was necessary."

He studied me for a moment. "Necessary, yes. And effective. With Rhylen gone, his position must be filled."

The room felt eerily quiet, and I started to feel suspicious. The king continued, "As of today, you will take Rhylen's place as commander."

There was a stunned silence after he spoke. I blinked, thinking I must have misheard him. "I... Your Majesty..." I stuttered.

"Are you refusing the position?" the king asked sharply, challenging me. I hesitated, unsure of what to do. If I said no, would people think I was suspicious or doubtful? I had worked too hard to get where I was, and I didn't want to lose my place now.

"No," I said finally, trying to sound confident. "I accept the position." Peter, who was standing beside me, let out a slow breath, but I couldn't tell if he was relieved or worried. The king nodded. "Then it's settled. You will answer only to Peter and me. You're dismissed." I bowed and turned away, my mind racing with thoughts and worries.

*+*+*+*+*+*+

As soon as I walked into the barracks, I felt a change in the atmosphere. The men who had nodded at me before now avoided eye contact. Whispers followed me as I walked. "She's only been here a short time, how did she get that promotion?" "The king must have lost his mind." "She's a woman, what does she know about leading soldiers?" I clenched my teeth and kept walking, trying to ignore the negative comments. Peter walked beside me, saying nothing.

We passed a group of men, and one of them, a tall, broad-shouldered soldier with a scar down his cheek, sneered just loud enough for me to hear. "Guess sleeping your way to the top works after all."

I stopped.

Slowly, I turned, my pulse a steady, dangerous beat. "Say that again.”