Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 94: Tension

**Theo's POV**

Standing against the gate of the servant quarters, I watched the head servant pacing as she began listing down strategies and plans for the dinner I mentioned. She was truly passionate and her arm movements were so forceful, as she explained how the dinner could be.

“What about a moonlit theme? But it would be something in the nature of a tribute to the Moonstone Pack, should we not? How about a silvery grey curtain and silver candles with a half-dipped glass flower vase with white and blue flowers in the center?” she said eagerly, looking at me with sparkling eyes.

“Anything you believe will make the evening more exciting,” I answered with a half smile. “I’ve learned to trust everything that comes out of your mouth.”

She only smiled even wider and nodded to what I said. “Of course, Your Majesty. For supper, I was picturing something royal—maybe honey-glazed lamb roasted, garlic mashed potatoes and some steamed vegetables. Oh! There must also necessarily be a fish dish as there has to be something other than meat. To this, we can add spicy rice, freshly baked bread and some sort of a sweet that has berries in it. Does that sound suitable?”

“Perfect,” I replied nonchalantly and moved my hand in a small circle dismissively. "You do not need to consult me again on the matter. Just ensure it’s flawless. Tiana will also need help preparing so make sure she has all she needs. Send expert maids please."

“Got it,” she responded, smiling at me and inclining her head in response.

I just grinned in satisfaction and left as she called the other servants in another room giving them orders.

The walk to Tiana’s room felt longer than usual. My boots echoed softly against the marble floors, the quiet halls were unsettling because they let me focus on my own thoughts. The letter from Elara felt heavier than it should, tucked securely in my robe. Each step I took brought a fresh wave of conflicting thoughts.

I needed to calm myself down as there was nothing my father could actively do. All I had to do was burn the paper so he would never have an idea he received a letter from her.

When I rounded the corner leading to Tiana’s door, I hesitated for a brief moment.

I raised my hand to knock but froze as a soft sniffle reached my ears.

I leaned against the doorway of Tiana's room for a moment before knocking softly. The muffled sound of her sniffles had stopped abruptly, as though she’d heard me coming, but it was too late—her red, puffy eyes told me everything I needed to know as I opened the door.

“Tiana,” I said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. She looked back briefly, before looking away immediately.

She stood by the window, her back to me, pretending to be engrossed with the view outside. The sunlight spilled across her dark hair, illuminating the faint tremor in her hands as she wiped at her face.

I crossed the room quickly, closing the distance between us. "What’s wrong?" I asked.

She flinched slightly at my touch but didn’t move away. Turning to face me, she tried to smile, but it wavered. “Nothing,” she whispered, her voice breaking ever so slightly as she wiped her cheeks again.

“Don’t lie to me,” I said softly, cupping her cheek and tilting her face up so I could meet her gaze. “You’ve been crying. What happened?”

“Nothing,” she insisted, brushing my hand away as she stepped back, the fragile smile still plastered on her face. “I’m just... emotional. In a good way.”

I raised an eyebrow, not buying her story for a second. “Emotional about what?”

She hesitated, fiddling with the hem of her dress. “My dream… It’s coming true. Getting mated to a good man, someone who treats me well... I never thought it would happen to me.” Her words were earnest, but the way her voice wavered told me there was more she wasn’t saying.

I stepped closer again, wrapping my arms around her. She stiffened for a moment before relaxing into my embrace, resting her head against my chest. “You’re a terrible liar,” I murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I’m not lying,” she protested weakly, though her voice lacked conviction.

I held her for a while, letting the silence stretch between us. Whatever was bothering her, she wasn’t ready to tell me. Not yet.

Reluctantly, I pulled back, keeping my hands on her shoulders. “Tiana, the Moonstone Pack arrived earlier than expected,” I said carefully, watching her reaction.

Her brows furrowed slightly but she did not seem shocked. It was like she already knew. “They did?”

“Yes. Both the Alpha and Beta are here with their heirs. My father has planned a celebratory dinner for tonight, and you’ll need to attend as Luna-to-be.”

At the mention of the dinner, I noticed her visibly tense, her hands clenching at her sides. Her gaze dropped to the floor, and she swallowed hard her earlier façade cracking.

“I see,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilted my head, studying her. “Tiana… What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” she said again, though her body betrayed her. Her shoulders were stiff, her jaw tight, and she refused to meet my eyes.

“It’s not nothing,” I pressed, stepping closer. “If you’re uncomfortable—”

“I’ll be fine,” she cut me off, forcing another one of those fragile smiles. “I’m just nervous, that’s all."

"This is more than nervousness Tiana," I murmured. "We are going to be mated the day after tomorrow. What's wrong? You can tell me."

"I swear by the moon goddess, I'm fine. I am just nervous... You know, I am representing the pack... I don't want to mess this up."

"Okay," I said, kissing the top of her head even though I didn't believe her.

"And how about you?" She asked. "Are you alright?”