The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 284: Mating Night (Part One)

Cindy's POV:

The banquet's noise finally receded like a tide, leaving only the master bedroom deep in the manor—ringed by countless red roses—so quiet I could hear pine logs crackling in the fireplace.

I pushed open the heavy oak door, and warm, damp heat rolled over my face.

The room had already been remade into the most comfortable nest imaginable.

The huge windows were sealed behind thick velvet drapes, and hot water from the boiler below flowed through elegant brass piping, steadily filling a white marble tub big enough for four or five people.

"Whew..."

I let out a long breath and felt like every bone in my body was coming loose.

The day's ceremonies had been glorious—also absolutely brutal on the body.

With the attendants' help, I removed the laurel pearl crown that weighed like a brick, then took off the jewelry at my neck and wrists—beautiful, but tight enough to make you feel trapped.

When the deep-red velvet gown slid onto the carpet, relief washed through me like I'd never felt before.

After my bath, I changed into a plum-colored velvet robe.

Kelly had made it for tonight—bold, fitted, the collar and cuffs embroidered in silver thread with delicate silver wolves and butterflies, the symbol of Silverpeak Pack joining the Ryken royal blood.

Barefoot on the soft Vanesian rug, I watched the candles flicker, and the heaviness in my chest eased into something lighter—almost ... quietly anticipatory.

He was mine.

The man who'd taken blades for me, driven for me through wind and snow, even given up military power for me—tonight, he would belong to me completely.

Then footsteps clattered from the front courtyard, along with a muffled growl of irritation.

"Slow down! Slow down! How much did His Highness drink?!"

That was Chase's booming voice.

The door flew open, and a heavy cloud of liquor—every kind of hard drink blended into one—charged into the flower-sweet room.

Chase hauled Adam in like he was carrying a sack of grain, half-dragging him across the threshold.

The prince, who usually looked like he could command the sun, looked like a drunk golden retriever now—glassy eyes, unsteady feet, his whole weight hanging off Chase as he slurred, "Drink! For ... for Cindy ... cheers!"

"Your Grace, my apologies." Chase looked helpless as he lay Adam on the bed. "The academy people are vicious. Especially Toast with the battle axe—and that mercenary commander. They poured him like he was a barrel. His Highness was happy, so ... well, this happened."

Looking at Adam's slumped body on the bed, his face as red as a cooked shrimp, I felt a mix of exasperation and amusement.

"Alright. Leave him to me. Go collect your reward."

Once Chase was gone, I went over and gently wiped Adam's burning cheeks with a warm towel.

"Mmph..."

Feeling the coolness, Adam frowned and made a miserable little sound in his throat.

The next second, his eyes snapped open—pure animal reflex, the kind that wakes at a threat.

Then he recognized me, and his gaze melted instantly—soft, even a little stupidly fond.

"Cindy ... is that you? Heh..."

Before I could answer, his expression changed. He shoved past me and stumbled into the corridor.

"Blargh—"

A violent bout of vomiting followed.

I sighed, picked up the hangover cure I'd had ready, and followed him out.

He threw up into the cold night air until his stomach had nothing left, then leaned against a pillar and gulped for breath.

Between the cold wind and emptying his guts, his eyes cleared noticeably.

"Better?" I handed him a handkerchief and wiped the mess at his mouth, my tone sharpened with blame. "Are you a fool? You just drank whenever they poured? You're a Prince; who would dare stop you if you wanted to decline a drink?"

Adam took the handkerchief and looked at me, embarrassed—like a kid caught doing something dumb.

"I didn't want to." His voice was rough, but stubbornly sincere. "Today is our wedding day. They're your people. I wanted them to know—me, Prince Adam Ryken—if it's for marrying you, what's a little alcohol? If it were poison, I'd drink it anyway."