Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 63: A Dinner Date With The Women From Noble Houses

**Theo's POV**

I straightened my shoulders and then rolled my eyes before meeting my father’s piercing gaze. "I didn’t abandon my duties. I took time to clear my mind, which helps me serve this pack better. Isn’t that what an Alpha-in-training should do?"

My father’s lips tightened, not bothering to hide his disappointment. "Taking time is one thing, Theo, but neglecting court preparation and showing up late is another. You must understand that every action you take is watched by the pack, the council, and potential allies. This… indulgence could tarnish the respect you've worked so hard to earn."

Peter shifted uncomfortably but said nothing, his eyes fixed on the steaming cup in front of him.

"I’m aware of my responsibilities," I said. "And I won’t allow anyone to question my dedication to this pack."

"You won't allow anyone but you're giving them enough reasons to?" He raised a left eyebrow at me.

"I take two days to have time to myself and suddenly that's ruining my reputation and making me not fit to be alpha?" I asked him, cocking my head slightly to the left. He took in a breath and pushed his chair back, standing up to take a step closer.

"Do you think I brought this pack to where it is by taking days off?" He asked me in a voice similar to a snarl. I loved my father but sometimes he was overbearing which made me dislike him in those moments. "I am not going to stay here forever. My days will soon be over and you need to act right!"

"I understand father," I answered, not looking to prolong the discussion further.

My father exhaled, his stern expression softening slightly. "I just want what’s best for you, Theo. You’ll understand that one day."

"I already do," I replied, standing. "If that’s all, I have matters to attend to."

"Very well," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

I nodded once, then turned and left the dining hall.

*+*+**+*

The next morning, I was unfortunately stuck at council meeting again. Several times I had wished this did not happen six times out of seven in a week, but what choice did I have?

The court session dragged on too slowly, as if one was having an intense training session. By the time the meeting finally ended, my head was pounding, and my patience had worn thin.

I wanted nothing more than to go back to my chambers and forget the world existed for a while. But fate, or rather my father, had other plans.

"Your Majesty," a servant called out, hurrying toward me as I crossed the hallway. She bowed quickly before thrusting an envelope into my hand.

I frowned. "What is this?"

"It’s from your father," she said, avoiding my gaze like the envelope might explode if I opened it too quickly.

With a sigh, I ripped it open and unfolded the paper that was inside. The first thing I noticed were the names and family crests beside them. My confusion turned to irritation as realization dawned.

A list. Of women.

"Is this a joke?" I muttered under my breath.

"Your Majesty," she began hesitantly, "your father has arranged for you to have lunch with some of the women on that list. He thought it would be a good opportunity for you to… get to know them. As finding a mate will be crucial."

"I can see that clearly," I said through gritted teeth and tore the list into pieces, letting them fall to the floor. "Inform my father that this is not necessary and there are better ways for me to spend my time than sit with a bunch of pompous dolls I have no business with.”

"Your father has instructed me that I escort you to—"

"I’m not doing this," I said, my voice colder than I intended.

The servant paled, stammering something unintelligible before scurrying away.

Fuming, I turned and headed straight to my father’s chambers. If he thought he could manipulate me like this, he was sorely mistaken.

I didn’t bother knocking, I opened it like I owned the place.

"What the hell is this about?" I demanded.

My father didn’t even look up from the papers on his desk. He sat there, calm as ever. I was certain that if this was another time, he would have given me a lecture on the importance of courtesy.

"Father," I snapped, moving towards his front to block the light from the windows but he still did not act like someone was in his front. "Do you really think parading me in front of a line of women is the way to find a mate? It’s ridiculous. And disrespectful!"

Still, he didn’t respond. Instead, he calmly set his quill down and leaned back in his chair, yawning. "A lot of these other packs need to up their game," he shook his head. It was obvious he had been looking at spy reports.

"Father?"

"Oh yes," he said as if suddenly remembering I was here. "Are you done ranting?" he asked in a calm voice while blinking innocently at me.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Am I—what?"

"You heard me," he said, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. "Are you done... With your rant?"

I opened my mouth, then closed it again, momentarily at a loss for words. How was he so calm?

Because he's not the one in your position, a voice in my head responded.

Before I could say anything, he called out, "Jareth!"

The doors opened, and a guard stepped in. But not just one. A whole line of them filed in behind him.

My confusion turned to suspicion. "What’s this?"

"You’ll see," my father said, his tone as infuriatingly casual as ever.

I turned back to him, glaring. "You can’t seriously—"

"Escort the Prince," he interrupted, waving his hand as if I were some unruly child to be dealt with.

"Escort me where?" I demanded, but the guards were already closing in.

Their formation left no room for argument or escape. As they ushered me down the hall, I caught a glimpse of Peter leaning against a pillar, arms crossed and a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Enjoying yourself?" I snapped at him.

"Very much so," he replied, still laughing and after that, I heard my father’s voice, echoing down the hall. "Good luck, Theo," he called.

I closed my eyes briefly, suppressing every curse word that threatened to escape my lips.

This was going to be a long day.