Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 87

**Briony's POV**

"Training's been intense but worth it," I told Sebastian as I slid into the car. "Totally different from Polaris City, but I'm loving it."

Sebastian closed my door and settled in beside me. "Prince Derek sends his regrets. He tried to join us this morning, but the Queen had other plans for him - preparation meetings for tonight's event."

"Wait, if he's in meetings, why am I here so early?" I frowned. "I thought I was just his plus-one for dinner."

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You don't know?"

A knot formed in my stomach. "Know what?"

"You'll be attending all the strategy meetings today as a consultant," he said casually. "The attendees want your insights on training programs, defense systems, patrol strategies. The Queen didn't mention this?"

"Not a word," I stared at him, stunned. "Nobody told me I'd be talking security with royal elders."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "Sorry, not upset with you. I just hate being blindsided, especially with something this big."

"Your position is unusual," Sebastian explained gently. "You've excelled in every area, showing intelligence beyond what most seasoned warriors possess. And you're in Sentinel training, which demonstrates strategic aptitude. The King's team was particularly impressed with how easily you identified flaws in security plans during your fight with Conrad. They want more of those insights."

"Oh god," I groaned, sinking into my seat. "I'm completely unprepared! What if I say something stupid? What if I suggest things they've already tried and failed at?" I paused, another thought striking me. "And what about Derek? I thought tonight was about keeping him company. What's really going on here?"

"In a way, you are protecting him, just not how you imagined," Sebastian smiled. "We have plenty of warriors handling physical security. Derek's situation is more delicate - he's 22, still without a Moon-blessed mate. Naturally, elders and some Alphas are pressuring the King to force a decision."

That made more sense, especially after what Nathan had told me last weekend.

"With you by his side - a strong, intelligent warrior who isn't of age yet - the royal family can temporarily sidestep the mate issue," Sebastian continued. "Your friendship with the Prince is genuine, which helps. If elders suspect something deeper and gossip starts... well, we won't rush to correct them."

"So let me get this straight," I said, organizing my thoughts. "I'm supposed to attend security meetings, give my opinion to people decades older than me like I actually matter, while simultaneously keeping matchmaking mothers from throwing their daughters at Derek?"

"Precisely," Sebastian nodded. "Fortunately, you're not afraid to speak your mind."

"You seem pretty invested in this plan," I said. "What's your stake in all this?"

His eyes grew distant. "Since losing my mate, I've devoted myself to the royal family. They've treated me like family, and Derek is like a nephew to me. I've seen the ugliness of power plays and the terrible consequences when packs interfere with the Moon Goddess's choices. I want better for Derek - I want him to find what I had. Despite the pain after my mate's death, I never regretted a moment with him." His gaze refocused on me. "You genuinely care about Derek without wanting anything from him. That alone earns my respect. The Queen appreciates that quality in you too."

I wondered silently if Sebastian knew about my blood connection to the royal family. Something to check with Selena later.

"Will I be on my own in these meetings?" I asked. "Or will Derek or the Queen be with me?"

"Someone will accompany you at all times," he reassured me. "We may put you in front of these people, but we won't leave you to face them alone. Your concerns are valid - some elders are... traditional. They don't appreciate female involvement in strategy, especially someone your age. But times are changing. We now have two female Alphas, and about a third of Sentinels are women. It's natural for them to join defense planning."

Maybe it was better they hadn't told me earlier - I'd have been a nervous wreck all week.

We arrived at the castle via a semi-hidden path that led to an entrance built right into the mountainside. The stonework blended so perfectly with the surroundings that I wouldn't have noticed it was a door if I hadn't seen it opening.

Inside was a spacious underground garage filled with luxury vehicles. Sebastian led me through interior corridors decorated with royal tapestries and sculptures. As we passed a massive floor-to-ceiling window, I stopped dead in my tracks - beyond it lay a stunning outdoor pool with graceful curves, its edges designed to look like natural stone, perfectly integrated with the surrounding rock garden.

It reminded me of the pack house back in Polaris City. Without warning, images of the triplets, Noah, and Ethan flooded my mind.

"Briony?" Sebastian's voice snapped me back to reality. We were standing in front of an elevator. "I think the Prince would love to give you a proper tour later. Few people, especially young ladies, appreciate these architectural details the way you do."

That made me smile. "I'm definitely not your typical girl." I hesitated. "Speaking of which - I know I promised to wear that gown tonight, but the Queen isn't making me wear formal stuff all day, is she?"

"I believe she understands your comfort preferences," he winked, gesturing me into the elevator.

When we reached Luna Queen's suite, I stopped short just inside the door. The room had been transformed. My evening gown hung prominently, but beside it were at least five other fancy dresses. Another rack held light-colored outfits - slacks, jackets, vests, shirts, and my absolute nemesis: pleated skirts. A third rack displayed business attire in cool greens, blues, and purples, while a fourth featured warm tones - yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks.

"Don't look so shocked," Luna Selena appeared from behind the clothing forest. "First impressions matter greatly in our world."

I stared at her and Sebastian. "Are all these clothes really necessary? It's just meetings and dinner. What am I missing here?"

"You haven't missed anything," she admitted. "Isabella and I just thought if we told you everything at once, you'd probably refuse."

Can't argue with that assessment.

"Nathan and Taric have good reasons for wanting you in these meetings," she continued. "You're intelligent and have excellent tactical instincts. But things have gotten complicated. When certain elders heard that 'Derek's companion' would attend, they insisted on bringing their own daughters to 'learn about pack management.'" 

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Nathan can't stop this without revealing your relationship to the royal family, and if he did that, Derek would be drowning in girls hoping to become queen."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building. This was going to be a very long day.