The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 280: Let Them Be Jealous

Cindy's POV:

Adam's private manor sat halfway up a hill on the outskirts of the Royal Court. Tonight, it was ablaze with light, glowing like a castle carved from fire.

The carriage rolled straight into the inner courtyard.

"Escort the bride and groom to their chamber—!"

At the jubilant shout, I was swept up by a group of attendants and delivered into the lavish master bedroom prepared for us.

Red rose petals carpeted the floor, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of wine.

Adam was pushed in right behind me.

The door shut, leaving just the two of us.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Charged. Intimate.

We stood facing each other, barely a foot apart.

The kiss and marking in the cathedral still had our bodies humming with heat.

Adam looked at me, his gold eyes burning like live embers.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed. His breathing turned ragged.

My cheeks burned. My heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt.

"Cindy..."

He stepped toward me, reaching out to pull me into his arms.

Bang bang bang!

Just then, urgent knocking rattled the door.

"Your Highness! Duchess Spencer! Don't rush into ... that yet! There's a line of socialites waiting outside to participate in 'joy blessing'!"

That booming voice belonged to Chase.

Adam froze mid-step, murder flashing across his face.

"Damn it," he muttered, pulling his hand back and straightening his clothes. "Come in!"

The door swung open.

A tide of socialites flooded into the room in glittering gowns.

It was a werewolf wedding custom—the "joy blessing."

On the wedding night, unmarried maidens and married women would enter the bridal chamber to ask the bride for pastries or touch the hem of her dress to soak up the "joy," praying for good luck or children.

But before they could get within arm's reach, they ran straight into a wall.

"Stop! All of you, stop right there!"

Viola stood in front of me like a gate guardian, brandishing a broom she'd apparently found somewhere, hands on her hips.

"You can look. Don't touch. Anyone sticks a grubby hand out, I won't be polite."

Behind her stood Tyrone with his staff, and Sterling, who'd appeared from the shadows like usual.

They circled me like overprotective wolves, holding the crowd a solid three meters away.

"Oh my, what's all this?"

"We're just here for a little blessing. Why are there weapons involved?"

The ladies grumbled, but one look at those fierce faces kept them from pushing their luck.

"Ladies, forgive them."

I said with a smile, "They're soldiers. Paranoia comes with the uniform. Please, look around. The sweets are on the table over there—help yourselves."

The women reluctantly shifted focus.

As they nibbled pastries, their eyes wandered—to the bridal chamber, and then to the adjoining hall piled high with wedding gifts.

"Good heavens, look at that!"

A sharp-eyed countess pointed at a massive wooden chest. "Is that ... an entire crate of top-grade spirit crystals?"

"And that one—Moonridge silver mine deeds?"

"Moon Goddess, help me! This isn't a gift pile. It's a mountain of gold!"

Their eyes practically popped out of their heads.

The Free Traders Guild, major guilds, and the academy had sent lavish tributes.

Gold, gemstones, land deeds, rare materials... Each piece was worth a fortune.

The way they looked at me changed instantly.

No longer sizing up a "lucky girl," but staring with awe—and something close to reverence.

This wasn't just wealth.

It meant alliances. Power. The unshakable strength behind Silverpeak Pack.

"I always said Prince Adam had excellent taste," one woman who'd mocked me at a tea party now simpered. "Marrying the Duchess of Silverpeak is like marrying a treasure vault."

"Indeed, Duchess Spencer truly keeps her cards close."

I only smiled faintly at the flattery.

That was reality.

When you're powerful enough, the whole world suddenly finds you charming.

"All right, that's enough sightseeing," Adam finally cut in. "I still have to go drink with the guests. If you're bored, go enjoy the banquet. Don't clog up the room."

The ladies left at last, reluctantly.

Adam looked at me, reluctant to leave.

"We've got social obligations," he said, squeezing my hand. "Those old wolves will try to drown me in wine. Rest if you're tired. Don't wait up."

"Go," I said, adjusting his collar. "Try not to overdo it."

He walked out, glancing back every few steps.

The room finally quieted.

"Whew—" Viola tossed the broom aside and flopped onto a couch. "I'm dead. Those perfumes are worse than poison gas."

"True," Sterling said, stepping out of the shadows with a stolen pastry. "But the sweets are decent."

Looking at these friends who'd fought and bled beside me, I felt my shoulders finally loosen.

"All right. Once we've caught our breath, we'll go face those nobles. We're not leaving Prince Adam and Dean Dross to fight alone."

"That's right! Tonight, we drink until we drop!" Viola sprang up. "Prince Adam confiscated one of my bottles before. I've been holding that grudge. I'm getting it back tonight."

"Deal," I said, laughing.