Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 95

**Briony's POV**

"Can you believe she thinks batting her eyelashes will win Derek over?" I whispered to Nathan as we watched Stella storm away, her head still high despite the rejection.

"For families like the Cairns, political marriages matter more than the Moon Goddess's blessing," Nathan explained. "They see royal connections as stepping stones to power." He paused. "I met Selena much later than Derek found Rowan. Now they just need to wait for their third mate."

The way Nathan spoke about Rowan impressed me. Many Alphas would struggle with their son loving another man, especially with bloodline continuation at stake.

"If the Goddess already prophesied a third mate, why the long wait?" I glanced toward Luna Selena. "Wouldn't she want the Alpha King's power completed sooner?"

"The Goddess works in mysterious ways," Selena replied with a gentle smile. "Personally, I think the future Luna Queen still has her own trials to face before she's ready."

"Pardon the interruption," a silver-haired elder approached, his tone polite but his eyes calculating. "Miss Briony, your insights during today's meeting were quite refreshing. I'd love to discuss a few points with you privately."

I hesitated, remembering Derek's warning about these seemingly friendly elders. I glanced at Derek, who nodded but kept his arm firmly around me, clearly intending to join us.

"Perhaps we could speak on the terrace," the elder suggested, then frowned when he noticed Derek. "Prince Derek, surely you have more pressing matters? I can look after Miss Briony."

"My place is with Briony," Derek replied firmly. "Our shared interest in strategy and training formed our friendship. Her achievements as a Sentinel trainee speak for themselves. She doesn't need looking after."

"Remarkable for a female warrior," the elder said with barely hidden contempt that made my blood boil. "Women certainly have their place in battle - tending wounds, protecting cubs."

I took a deep breath, fighting back the urge to snap at him. Derek's gentle pressure against my waist reminded me to stay calm.

"Briony fights alongside warriors of all kinds," Derek stated. "She outperforms most at her level in mixed training. During selection, she beat several well-trained male warriors - " his lips quirked into a smile, "including me."

I exchanged a grin with Derek, surprised he'd admit that so readily.

"Sentinel training?" The elder's mask slipped, his voice thick with doubt. "Impossible - you don't even meet the age requirement."

"Warrior Taric and Alpha King Nathan thought I qualified for early admission," I shrugged. "So here I am."

"All new recruits require Council approval," the elder narrowed his eyes. "How did you get authorization?"

Derek's gaze hardened. "My father, as Alpha King, doesn't need to explain every decision. The king makes necessary judgments while elders serve as advisors. Only major issues require your full consultation."

His statement directly challenged the elders' attempts to position themselves above royal authority. I suddenly understood why I'd arrived at the training center later than others, and why I still hadn't received my Sentinel mark - not because of age, but because of these power-hungry elders.

"Derek!" A woman with purple hair suddenly pushed into our circle. "I've been looking everywhere for you. You still owe me a dance."

Derek's expression cooled instantly. Their scheme was painfully obvious - separate me so she could get to Derek. Their tactics were laughably transparent.

Before Derek could respond, I stroked his chest lightly and said, "Go ahead. Why not have Rowan join me while you indulge this purple-haired beauty's fantasy? Let her pretend for one dance that she has a chance with you." I made sure everyone could hear, then winked at Derek.

Derek's smile grew into genuine laughter. Purple-hair's face darkened, but she was smart enough not to show her anger openly.

"Whatever you want, little one," Derek gently touched my jaw. "Ten minutes, then Rowan brings you back to me."

Rowan approached smoothly, nodding to Derek before turning to me. "Heard I'm playing bodyguard? Though you clearly don't need protection." The three of us shared knowing smiles. "We'll be back in ten, Your Highness." He winked at Derek.

Derek kissed my temple lightly. "See you soon." I nodded.

"You're not mates, yet that boy is completely taken with you," the elder muttered after Derek left. "How many women have chased him for years without success? How'd you win him over so easily?"

"Weren't we discussing strategy?" I raised an eyebrow, keeping my tone respectful but firm.

"Honestly, I'm just curious what makes you special," he admitted. "You've received extraordinary treatment from the royal family, raising questions. You've won everyone over, even your new protector seems devoted to you."

I could feel Rowan standing alert behind me. His distrust of this elder was palpable, and I was inclined to trust his and Derek's judgment.

"There's nothing special about me," I said. "I'm just a warrior, no different from anyone else who took the Sentinel tests. I've discussed strategy with the Alpha King and been lucky to receive guidance. That's all."

"Did you really participate in rescue operations around Samuel Alpha's territory?" he abruptly changed subjects.

"I did."

"Hard to believe. No Delta or Gamma would bring a girl on such a dangerous mission."

"Maybe not in your pack," I replied evenly. "But ours encourages full development rather than limitations. Many of our young wolves start training early based on their talents - some in medicine, others in cub care. Our Omegas work closely with other ranks. I have a knack for combat, so I joined the rescue team for field experience. I'm also good at defense strategies, which is what I recommended to Samuel Alpha. He refused simply because they came from a girl, and now he's paying for that arrogance."

I fell silent. My position was clear; he didn't need more from me.

I felt Rowan trembling slightly behind me, suppressing laughter.

The elder shifted to safer topics as we walked the terrace. He asked about training facilities, whether I'd seen other parts of royal territory, and how I balanced school with training.

Rowan touched my shoulder. "Time's up. Derek's waiting." I nodded, relieved to escape the interrogation.