Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 35

**Briony's POV**

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Luna Queen Selena said, her voice flowing like warm honey. "Especially you, Briony. The warriors can't stop singing your praises."

My face burned hot as I scrambled for a proper response. Thank god for Layla's social skills.

"Being remembered by Your Majesty is our honor," she said with a graceful curtsy. "Thanks for making time to visit us."

"I never pass up a chance to see future potential," Alpha King Nathan replied, his deep voice filling the room. "Polaris City's young generation, especially its future leaders, has always fascinated me."

His gaze swept over the guys standing across the room. They all looked unnaturally stiff - Maxwell standing ramrod straight, Christopher's usual playfulness replaced with formality, and even Benjamin's eyes had lost their typical indifference.

"I believe you've already met Instructor Conrad," the Alpha King nodded toward the Sentinel trainer.

"Yes, I've witnessed these young warriors in action," Conrad answered. "Briony's performance has been particularly impressive."

"I'm looking forward to seeing that for myself," the Alpha King said, studying me with calculating eyes.

Prince Derek stepped forward. "Dad, maybe we should let everyone relax? They look more stressed than the embassy guards."

His mother laughed softly. "Derek's right. This isn't a formal meeting - think of it as family getting together."

Isabella jumped in. "Dinner's ready. Should we continue over food?"

We followed her to the dining room, where the table was set with a white linen cloth, fresh flowers, and glowing candles. Servants brought in steaming bowls of soup that made my stomach growl.

Prince Derek approached me. "Would you sit beside me?" 

He towered over me by at least a foot, broad-shouldered with a strong jaw that screamed royal blood. But his eyes seemed friendly, almost curious.

Before I could answer, I heard a low growl from behind. When I turned, Maxwell and Christopher were exchanging looks, while Benjamin's expression had darkened considerably.

"Tonight's going to be interesting," Layla whispered, barely containing her laughter.

I struggled to find words. "I... that would be my honor, Your Highness," I finally managed, my voice embarrassingly high.

Derek pulled out my chair with natural grace, as if we weren't separated by an enormous social gap. I sat down carefully, mentally reviewing every scrap of dining etiquette Isabella had ever taught me.

The seating arrangement seemed intentional. Alpha King Nathan sat at the head with Luna Queen Selena on his left and Prince Derek on his right, with me next to Derek. Layla sat to my right, followed by Ethan and Gamma Thomas.

At the opposite end was Alpha Adam with Isabella beside him. The triplets and Noah were positioned far from me, with my father nearly at the end of the table. I noticed the triplets looked tense, which made me uneasy.

Servants brought out Silver Pine mushroom soup. The rich aroma made my stomach clench with hunger after our long run, but I forced myself to eat slowly instead of wolfing it down like I wanted to.

"How do you structure your cub training?" Prince Derek asked. "Conrad mentioned you start at age five, which differs from our approach."

I noticed Conrad watching me, waiting for my answer.

"Training has to be fun to work," I said, trying to sound confident. "Cubs love games, so we turn training into competitions. We set weekly goals with small rewards, which keeps them motivated."

"How exactly?" Derek leaned in slightly.

"We've turned hide-and-seek into tracking practice," I explained, relaxing a bit. "Kids hide in the forest while others track them using scent, footprints, and sounds. They don't realize they're learning crucial skills - they think they're just playing."

"I should add," Griffin cut in, "Briony designed these games herself based on my teaching framework. The cubs adore her, probably because she's closer to their age. They follow her instructions better than they do with us adults."

He smiled. "Every trainer has their strengths, but Briony's talent is keeping kids focused while making them excited for the next session. That's rare."

"I'd love to see it myself," Derek said, "Your innovative approach."

"You're welcome anytime," I smiled. "The grounds are open to everyone. Cubs start at nine in the morning."

As I finished speaking, I heard another soft growl from across the table. When I looked up, the guys were all suddenly fascinated with their food, faces suspiciously blank.

Derek glanced over my shoulder, his mouth curving slightly. He quickly then refocused on me. "Your combat skills are just as impressive. Conrad tells me you can shift while running - not everyone can do it."

"That was just..." My cheeks heated up again. "Necessity in a tough situation. I had no choice."

Servants brought the main course - perfectly cooked steak with asparagus and fresh bread rolls.

As I focused on eating, Layla suddenly asked, "Your Highness, are you done with school? Since you don't need to take the throne right away, what's next for you?"

My eyes widened at her directness, but Derek just laughed. "I'm planning to tour the different packs, learning about the various clans while continuing to study under my father. He's in excellent health, but understanding my future responsibilities is still important."

"That's the mission of all leaders," the Alpha King joined in, pride evident as he patted his son's shoulder. "While also seeking the mate the Moon Goddess has arranged for you, to become the strongest leader possible."

"That sounds just like Adam's advice to these boys," Luna Queen Selena smiled, glancing at the triplets and Noah. "A mate bond is lifelong, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."

Alpha King Nathan cleared his throat. "Briony, I hear your fighting skills are remarkable. Conrad tells me you even left him with bruises during training."

"What?" I looked up, surprised. "I don't remember..."

"Don't be modest, young warrior," the Alpha King said appreciatively. "Making Conrad sustain injuries is no small achievement. It's been a while since he faced a real challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing more during the selection tests."

I could only nod, unsure how to respond. Isabella smoothly changed the subject, asking Luna Queen Selena about preparations for the upcoming Moon Festival.

As dinner continued, I tried to relax, but I still felt Prince Derek's occasional glances, and noticed the triplets' unusual silence. Even Christopher, who normally couldn't stop talking, barely spoke.

Finally, dessert arrived - rich chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. My body craved the calories after our long run, but the formal setting meant I had to eat with delicate bites instead of devouring it like I wanted to.

"Now," Isabella stood gracefully, halting all conversation, "I'd like to invite everyone to the terrace for drinks."