Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 62: Pick A Mate From a Noble House

Theo's POV

After a while, we mounted our horses again and continued our ride through the quieter parts of town before heading back toward the pack grounds. By the time we returned, the sun was fully up, and everywhere was busier.

"I had a great time," Tiana said as we dismounted the horse.

"So did I," I replied.

She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Maybe we can do this again sometime?"

“Definitely,” I said without hesitation. "When the market is busy."

"Alright then. I shall see you later," she smiled when she heard a guard call out to me.

"Your majesty, I have been looking for you," he said running in my direction.

As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t help but feel a warmth in my chest. Fiona’s words from the night before echoed in my mind.

You really like her.

And for the first time, I didn’t try to push the thought away.

"Your Majesty!" the guard called out again, rushing toward me with urgency.

I turned to face him, straightening as he approached. "Yes, you called me. I hope there’s no problem?"

"We have searched all over for you this morning. But noticed your horse was out of the stable." The guard bowed slightly.

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Your father requested to see you before court this morning, but it seems you will have to attend court first because it is time. He did mention it was important."

I nodded, hiding my irritation. Court mornings were always long and draining, and I hated it. It was filled with endless discussions that rarely led to swift resolutions because of the ministers. The first thing I was going to do when I became alpha was change about half of them.

"Very well. Let him know I’ll see him after court," I said.

"Of course, Your Majesty," the guard replied before hurrying off.

The saddle boy came around just then and took the reins. "Good morning your majesty."

"Morning Thomas," I smiled at him. "How's your mother faring?"

"Quite well your majesty," he smiled. "It's all because of your kindness."

I smiled as I remembered the first day I had met him while visiting town. He had begged me for work because his mother was sick and had no money. I had offered him some money but he insisted on working and told me he was good with horses. I decided to put him to the test and he has not disappointed.

With a sigh, I made my way to the council chamber. Inside, the Alpha, my father, sat at the head of the long oak table. Peter stood beside him.

The ministers and noble lords had arranged themselves in neat rows and columns of rank. As usual, I took my seat to his left after greeting him.

As expected, most of the issues being brought up were more of tax collection but a few lords brought up more issues on border patrols and rogue activity. I noted their faces because I realized those were the ones who cared about the pack the most.

When the court session finally ended, I was relieved. However, that feeling was very much short-lived. "Theo, join me for breakfast. There are matters I’d like to discuss privately. It is why I didn't have breakfast before court."

"Of course," I replied. "But you should have not waited for me. You should have eaten, you're getting older."

"I was not aware that you were not going to be available for breakfast in the morning," he shrugged. "Peter, join us as well."

*+*+*+*

The dining hall was quieter than usual since it was just three of us. After the last time I had a confrontation with my sister, I hadn't seen so much of her.

The scent of freshly baked bread and steaming tea that wafted through the air made my stomach grumble.

We sat at a smaller table near the windows, and almost immediately my father took a sip of his tea. "You’ve been doing well, Theo. The ministers respect your contributions."

"Thank you," I said, unsure where the conversation was heading.

He set his cup down and leaned back slightly. "But Theo, there’s something I need to address—your mate."

I stiffened slightly, my jaw tightening.

"You’re nearing the age where you should have found her by now. I’m not getting any younger, and I would like to see my grandchildren before I pass the mantle of Alpha fully to you."

"You have a daughter who can give you grandchildren," I replied dryly, hoping to deflect the conversation.

He ignored the comment entirely, "As Alpha, your choice of mate is crucial. It’s not just about continuing our bloodline—it’s about alliances, stability, and ensuring our pack remains strong. I’ve been thinking… Perhaps you should start courting women more intentionally. Your mate may not simply appear to you."

I exhaled slowly, already tired of the topic. "I am working towards that," I said, careful to keep my tone neutral.

He studied me for a moment, then added, "I’ve been considering inviting the Lycan Princess and her family here. It would be a friendly gesture, and we could offer them more aid in dealing with their rogue issues."

I shook my head. "You can send them gifts, but I’m not interested in Elara that way."

He frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? You two seemed close."

"We’re friends," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "The same way Fiona and I are friends. Nothing more."

My father’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression growing more perceptive. "This is about Tiana, isn’t it?"

Peter cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

I straightened in my seat, my tone unyielding. "Yes, it’s about Tiana. And before you say anything, I’m getting to know her. That’s all."

My father sighed deeply. "It’s not that I have anything against her, Theo. But as Alpha, you need to consider what’s best for the pack. It would be better if you chose someone from within our pack, or at least someone of noble lineage from another place whose background we can vouch for. Someone like Elara. We hardly know anything about Tiana or where she comes from."

"That’s why I’m taking the time to get to know her," I said, my voice firm. "And this conversation is over."

"Just one question... Was she the reason you abandoned your duties yesterday at noon and this morning?”