Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 94

**Briony's POV**

Alpha King Nathan and Luna Queen Selena joined us in the gathering area minutes later. Nathan wore a dark blue suit that looked almost black in certain light, a silver royal insignia pinned to his chest. Selena floated beside him in a silver-white gown that rippled like water with her every movement, tiny crystals catching the light. Her upswept hair was crowned with a delicate silver tiara marking her as Luna Queen.

"Everyone set?" Nathan asked, his eyes sweeping over us.

We nodded, and at his signal, the head guard commanded the doors to open. The announcer's voice boomed through the hall as we entered in formation - guards first, then Derek and me, with Nathan and Selena following.

The ballroom was breathtaking. Soaring arched ceilings supported crystal chandeliers that bathed everything in warm light. Ancient tapestries and portraits of stern-faced past Alpha Kings lined the walls. The central floor gleamed, cleared for dancing and surrounded by elegantly set tables.

Hundreds of eyes locked onto us as we entered. I felt their scrutiny like physical pressure against my skin - judging, assessing, wondering who this girl was with their prince. I straightened my spine and lifted my chin, the way I would before a fight.

We approached a slightly elevated platform where the royal table stood. After we took our positions, Nathan delivered a brief welcome speech, thanking everyone for attending the day's meetings and officially opening the evening's festivities. The band started playing, and servers began circulating with trays of food.

"See the girl in purple?" Derek whispered. "That's Stella Cairns. She's been gunning to be my mate since we were kids. Her dad's been pushing for the match for years."

I glanced where he indicated and caught a dark-haired woman staring daggers at us. "Yeah, she looks thrilled to see me."

"Three rejection letters and counting," Derek chuckled. "Now she's watching her plans implode in real time."

Nathan signaled for us to sit. To my surprise, Derek pulled out the chair between himself and his mother for me. The placement clearly meant something, because it set off another wave of whispers around the room.

"You sure about this?" I muttered as I sat. "People are practically gossiping out loud."

"That's the whole point," Derek grinned. "Let them talk. Keeps them too busy to push their daughters at me."

The dinner was elaborate - course after course of perfectly prepared meat, seafood, vegetables, and desserts. I watched Luna Selena from the corner of my eye, copying her movements with the bewildering array of silverware.

"Relax," she said softly. "Nobody's going to exile you for using the wrong fork. You're doing fine."

After the main course, Derek leaned close. "Ready for our big moment?"

My stomach dropped. "Dancing? I completely forgot. Derek, I don't know how to dance. At all."

"Just follow me," he said. "I won't let you fall on your face."

When the last plates had been cleared, the band shifted formation. Nathan stood and offered his hand to Selena, while Derek did the same to me. I took a deep breath and accepted, and we walked to the center of the floor as guests moved back to give us space.

"Eyes on me," Derek said, placing one hand on my waist and taking my hand with the other. "Pretend they're not even here."

As the music started, Derek guided me through the steps. I was clumsy at first, terrified of crushing his toes, but I gradually found the rhythm. It wasn't that different from combat training - balance, coordination, reading your partner's movements.

"This isn't as bad as I thought," I admitted.

"I'm a decent teacher," he smirked. "Though I bet Maxwell or Christopher would have you dancing like a pro in half the time."

The mention of their names sent an unexpected pang through my chest. "How are they doing?"

"Missing you like crazy," Derek said. "When I brought them your letter, they nearly tackled me to get it faster."

I couldn't help laughing. "Hope they didn't rough you up too much."

"It was brutal," Derek sighed dramatically. "Maxwell threatened to personally hunt me down if you came back with so much as a hair out of place."

More couples had joined us on the dance floor as we talked. Just as the first song was ending, a hand tapped Derek's shoulder.

"Your Highness," a sugary voice cut in, "surely you've shown enough courtesy. Perhaps it's time someone more... suitable... joined you for the rest of the evening?"

It was Stella, her purple gown as elaborate as her expression was hostile.

Derek's arm tightened around my waist. "That's incredibly rude, Stella," he said, voice cool but firm. "I'm with my chosen companion for the evening."

Her perfectly shaped eyebrows drew together. "She's just some random warrior, not even of age. You can't seriously think she deserves this position?"

"Briony's worth isn't yours to judge," Derek's voice dropped dangerously. "And you're questioning the Alpha King's guest. Think carefully about your next move."

Stella's mouth fell open in shock. She glared at me before stalking away, practically vibrating with anger.

"Sorry about that," Derek muttered. "Should've warned you she might try something."

"Please," I rolled my eyes. "Compared to what happens in combat training, that was nothing."

When the dance ended, we rejoined Nathan and Selena. Servers brought drinks, and Derek quietly reminded me to only accept glasses directly from Sebastian.

"The prince is right," Nathan added seriously. "Poisoning attempts are rare these days, but historically, it's happened."

"Father," Derek said suddenly, "I think Briony should receive a Sentinel mark. It would let her communicate with us through mind link in settings like this. Much safer."

Nathan considered this, then nodded. "Good point. She's proven herself worthy, and secure communication would benefit everyone. I'll discuss it with Taric."

I blinked in surprise. "Really? I thought I'd have to wait at least until next year."

"Special circumstances call for special measures," Nathan smiled. "And this isn't just for tonight. The mark would simply formalize what we already know about your abilities."

"Speaking of safety," I said, changing the subject, "would anyone really try something here?"

"We can't afford to take chances," Nathan replied.

Luna Selena's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Like Miss Cairns just now. That was quite bold, wasn't it?"