Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 85

**Briony's POV**

"Some families see mate selection as political chess pieces rather than the Moon Goddess's blessing," Luna Selena said with a sigh. The sunlight streaming through the windows gave her silver hair an almost ethereal glow.

"They're too lazy to find their true mates," Derek snorted. "Too much work, apparently."

I nodded, understanding completely. Finding a mate wasn't just about pairing up; it was about becoming strong enough that you supported rather than burdened each other.

"What's more concerning," Nathan added, "is how certain groups push for 'pure' royal bloodlines, claiming it produces stronger offspring."

"Pure garbage," Derek muttered. "All it does is make the divide between packs worse."

I caught Derek's eye, seeing my own worries reflected there. This kind of thinking would only make bridging the gap between different packs harder.

"We can't openly criticize these families, of course," Nathan said carefully before turning to me. "But I think you've got enough to deal with for now. I imagine Seraphina's counting the minutes until you're back."

"I'll take her," Derek jumped in, practically leaping from his chair. "We can talk about next week on the way."

I stood to say goodbye to Luna Selena, her scent warm and oddly familiar. When I turned to Nathan, I hesitated - would he be okay with a hug?

"Come here, kid," he said, opening his arms. The simple gesture sent a wave of emotion through me. Was this what having a real father felt like? That unconditional support? Before letting go, he squeezed a little tighter, saying more in that silent moment than words could.

As we left, Derek slowed his pace, letting me take in our surroundings. The walls were covered with huge murals showing ancient legends, and the building itself seemed to grow right out of the mountain, with light pouring through carefully placed windows.

"The castle was built directly into the mountain," Derek explained, noticing my curiosity. "Every stone comes from here, supposedly blessed by the Moon Goddess. The builders chose each piece carefully to work with nature, not against it."

I was about to ask more when I realized we'd reached the car. Sebastian was waiting for us.

"Sebastian, could we have a minute?" Derek asked.

Sebastian nodded and opened the car door. Once we were settled in the back and the privacy glass was up, Derek pulled five plain envelopes from his jacket.

"These are for you," he said, handing them over. "From your friends."

I took them, confused. "How do you know they're for me? There's not even a name on them."

"I collected them myself," he said with a hint of smugness. "Royal privilege - nobody checks what I'm carrying. They've all been worried sick about you. When I mentioned I'd be seeing you today, I offered to play mailman."

I hugged the envelopes to my chest, noticing some were thicker than others. I could already imagine their different handwriting styles and what each might have written.

"I'll be going back to Polaris City pretty often," Derek continued. "Even after they're back in school, I can help you stay connected."

I just nodded, my mind already wandering. Nathan's revelations, these letters, my shifting identity - how would it all fit together? How could I keep my promises while being honest with my friends?

We reached the training center quickly. I was about to get out when Derek suddenly wrapped an arm around my waist.

"What are you doing?" I backed away, staring at him.

"Showing everyone you've got powerful friends," he winked. "Dad mentioned someone's been giving you trouble here. I want them to know you're tight with the royal family."

"I don't need protection!" I pushed his arm away. "I can handle my own problems."

"Be honest," he smirked. "If Maxwell or Christopher, even Benjamin, saw someone messing with you, would they just stand there?"

"I'm so tired of you self-appointed bodyguards," I grumbled, though secretly touched by their concern.

"Admit it - you kind of like it," he flashed what I guessed was his go-to charming smile. "Don't worry, I'll keep it subtle."

Sebastian opened the door, and I expected Derek to say goodbye, but he insisted on coming in to "check out where I was living."

"Where are these friends you keep talking about?" he asked immediately, scanning the place. "Mark, Sophia, and Cyrus, right?"

"Are you seriously vetting my social circle?" I rolled my eyes but led him to the indoor garden area. My friends were sitting in wicker chairs, looking surprised as we approached.

"No need for introductions," Derek jumped in before I could speak. "I'm Prince Derek."

It was painfully awkward. Sophia could barely speak, Mark looked at Derek like he might be a threat, and Cyrus's voice was even quieter than usual.

"I'm glad Briony's found such good friends," Derek said, suddenly sounding all official. "I was worried someone might try to use her talents, or boost their status through her."

"Us?" Mark asked sharply, looking between Derek and me.

"She has more people concerned about her safety than you might think," Derek replied. I shot him a warning look, but he ignored it and cupped my cheek. "You know it's true."

"I can take care of myself, thanks," I tried to move away, but his hand slid to my back, almost like he was marking territory.

"We'd never let anyone hurt Briony," Mark declared firmly. "She can protect herself, Your Highness. And we've got her back too."

"See? I'm fine," I told Derek, trying to ease the tension. "No need for royal babysitting or inspections. Please tell whoever sent you that I'm okay."

Derek ignored me and said: "Dad mentioned someone's been hostile toward you. My timing seems perfect. Hope my performance was obvious enough to make anyone messing with you think twice."

"What?!" I stared at him. "So you were being over-the-top on purpose?" He laughed, clearly pleased with himself.

"Wipe that smirk off your face, Rek!" I elbowed him in the ribs. He grunted but laughed harder. My friends watched in shock - clearly they'd never seen anyone treat a prince this way.

"Get back to your fancy training," I sighed.

"Don't be mad," he pulled me into a quick hug. "I need to go. See you Saturday. Walk me out."

At the door, I complained: "Now I have to answer a million questions, and I don't want to lie to them. You guys are such troublemakers."

"Stop pretending," he laughed. "You're actually enjoying this."

A sudden idea hit me. I lunged forward, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. He caught me automatically, looking confused.

"Going straight back to training?" I whispered in his ear.

"Yeah, why?" he asked.

Before letting go, I squeezed him once more. "Just wondering who'll be more annoyed when you show up covered in my scent?"

I pulled back with a sweet smile, satisfied to see his expression change as he realized I'd used his own tactics against him. Sebastian cleared his throat, clearly getting what I'd done. I turned away triumphantly, hearing Derek's resigned sigh as I walked off with a smile.