Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 219: Friends With Lord Dune

Tiana's POV

I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the heat rising up my neck. "What is the matter, Lord Dune?" I asked. Dune tilted his head, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your promotion," he said. "But I'll leave you alone now." His eyes stayed on me for a second longer, and I caught the silent message. He wanted to see me later.

Dune turned and walked away before I could respond. I shut the door, letting out a deep breath. Peter spoke in a low voice. "I didn't know you were friends with Lord Dune." There was something in his tone, something that sounded like jealousy.

I swallowed, still trying to process everything. "Not necessarily" I said.

"Oh? Why then will he come to greet you personally?"

"Courtesy? The king just made me commander," I said pointedly.

"I know that," he sighed, rolling his eyes. "But Lord dune rarely ever does that for someone."

"Our relationship is somewhat complicated."

Peter crossed his arms, watching me closely. "How complicated?" he asked. I hesitated, unsure of what to say.

The truth was, Lord Dune was someone I was working for to uncover whatever the king had been planning and I hadn't even gone far with it. I had barely even had time for my own mission.

"Lord Dune has stood up for me to the soldiers more times than I can count," I scoffed. "My relationship with him is none of your business."

I could still feel Erika moving inside me, restless and impatient. I had bigger problems than Peter's jealousy. But as I looked at him, part of me wished things were different.

I couldn’t shake the way my body had reacted to Peter’s kiss. It was as if I’d completely lost control—something had taken over me, a force I couldn’t deny. Erika’s presence was undeniable, creeping into my thoughts, stirring a madness I hadn’t asked for.

"Really?"

"Peter be serious," I sighed. "He's only what? About twenty years younger than the king. About twenty years older than you are." I scoffed as I walked away from the room. I had a job to do, and Peter, despite the chemistry, was still a means to an end.

I needed to see Lord Dune. Now.

The palace hallways were unusually quiet as I walked to Lord Dune's chambers. My footsteps echoed off the stone walls, making me feel like I was being watched. Every corner I passed made me feel trapped, reminding me of everything I had left behind and the complicated situation I was now in.

I couldn't let myself get distracted, especially not by Peter, no matter how tempting he was. When I reached Lord Dune's door, I knocked softly and then went in without waiting for him to invite me. He was standing by the window, looking out at the dark landscape below, his back to me.

"Talia," he said, his voice smooth and commanding, without turning around. "Come in." I closed the door behind me and stepped into the room, trying to seem calm even though I wasn't. I didn't want Lord Dune to know how nervous I felt.

“Lord Dune,” I greeted him, keeping my voice steady.

"One of my greatest enemies has been executed," he commented.

“That is good news Lord Dune," I said.

"I have been relatively busy as of late but I heard that you were the one who exposed his treason."

"I did what I had to do."

Lord Dune’s lips curled into a thin smile. “Good. I always knew you’d be more capable than they gave you credit for.” He took a few steps forward, his gaze never leaving mine. “Tell me, Talia, how did it feel?”

I frowned, unsure of his meaning. “How did what feel?”

Lord Dune raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Taking control like that - was it as satisfying as you thought it would be?" I hesitated, unsure how to answer. Part of me wanted to admit how exciting it had been to finally take charge. But this wasn't the time for honesty.

"It was necessary," I said, giving the answer I knew he wanted to hear. Lord Dune chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Necessity is a good excuse, but don't fool yourself, Talia. You're playing a much bigger game than you realize. Having power isn't just about getting a title, it's about making sure no one can take it away from you." I nodded, understanding what he meant. It wasn't just about becoming the new commander, it was about keeping that position.

Lord Dune's next question caught me off guard. "You and Peter have something going on?" I froze, wondering how he knew.

"I... what do you mean?" I asked, trying to sound calm. Lord Dune stepped closer, his eyes sharp and knowing. "You were alone with him after the fight. I'm sure you've talked about your plans for the future by now, haven't you?"

I clenched my fists at my sides, my pulse quickening. Was he testing me?

“It was nothing,” I lied smoothly, my voice too calm. “I did what I needed to do.”

Lord Dune studied me for a long moment, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “If you say so. But be careful, Talia. The affection you might think you have for him could be your undoing. Remember, loyalty is what matters in this game, not desire.”

"All my actions are to get information."

"No part of you wants him?"

I didn’t answer, instead shifting the subject back to the matter at hand. “I’ve been given the command position, but there are still many who doubt me. The soldiers—especially Darren, don’t seem to respect my authority.”

Lord Dune’s smile faltered for a moment, his gaze turning cold. “Darren will fall in line. He’s been nothing but a thorn in my side for far too long. His disrespect will be his undoing, just like Rhylen’s.”

I nodded, "He was actually sentenced to the dungeons."

"The rest of those who disrespect you?"

“I’ll deal with them,” I said, swallowing my doubts.