The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 287: Women's Matters Should Be Handled by Women

Cindy's POV:

Compared to Adam's fury, I found the whole situation absurd—so absurd I almost wanted to laugh.

This new mother-in-law of mine had redefined my understanding of the phrase "utterly clueless."

She had ruled the palace corridors for years, even King Ryken yielding to her. She should have been the most honored woman in the kingdom.

Yet, she allowed Princess Margaret to manipulate her completely—even to the point of stealing.

This wasn't mere foolishness. It was a sickness—and it needed treatment.

"Adam, calm down." I met his blazing eyes. "You're her son. Confronting your mother over property is improper. And if this explodes publicly, it won't just shame her—it will shame the entire royal blood."

"So what? We just let it go?" His chest rose and fell sharply with anger.

"Of course not."

I gave a cold smile and smoothed my skirt. "If this is a woman's matter, then a woman will handle it. When we enter the palace, say nothing. Watch me."

"But—"

"Trust me." I rose onto my toes and straightened his slightly crooked tie. "I handled Evelyn. I handled Franklin. Do you think I can't handle your mother?"

He looked into my confident eyes. The rage slowly faded, replaced by helpless affection.

"Fine. I'll follow your lead. But if she dares mistreat you, I'm flipping the table."

We continued and boarded the carriage bound for the palace.

After entering the palace, tradition required that we first visit Stillwater Palace to greet Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth looked particularly spirited today, dressed in a deep plum robe, basking in the garden sunlight.

When she saw us, her smile widened instantly.

"Good kids, come here." She took my hand, scanning me from head to toe, her eyes darting playfully between Prine Adam and me. "Looks like last night ... went well?"

My face burned, and I lowered my head.

Adam, shameless as ever, grinned. "Thanks to your blessing, Grandma."

Queen Elizabeth questioned me warmly—about my meals, my rest, even Astra's condition—every inquiry laced with genuine concern.

At last, she dropped the smile and tapped Adam's shin lightly with her cane.

"Listen here, boy. A girl as good as Cindy is a blessing you earned over several lifetimes. If you dare treat her poorly, or if you dare follow the example of your useless Uncle Niall, I'll be the first to break your legs!"

Adam raised his hand immediately. "Grandma, rest assured! If I ever wrong her, Fenrir can tear me apart first!"

Queen Elizabeth nodded in satisfaction.

"Go now. See your father and mother. And remember—no matter what happens, I stand behind you."

Her words carried weight. Clearly, nothing rotten in the palace escaped her notice.

After bidding her farewell, we made our way to the main hall.

King Ryken and Queen Isabella were already waiting.

Queen Isabella's POV:

King Ryken and I were seated at the head of the hall.

King Ryken looked radiant today, practically glowing with delight.

I sat beside him with a composed smile, but my gaze kept drifting, unable to meet the girl's eyes.

Guilty.

Of course, I was guilty.

Truthfully, I regretted it the moment I returned last night. I knew Margaret had played me—but the dragon ruby was already in her hands. Regret came too late.

All I could do was pray that Cindy hadn't noticed the missing ruby yet—and wouldn't ask me about it.

"Your son and your daughter-in-law have come to greet Father and Mother."

They knelt in formal salute.

"Up, up." King Ryken laughed heartily and gestured for them to rise.

He looked at Cindy with open satisfaction—even a trace of emotion.

"Cindy," he said, "when you first graduated from the academy, I had already considered pairing you with Adam. But at the time ... well, you and James were declared destined mates. I had to respect that. Still, fate has brought you back together. A few detours—but the ending is right."

Those words gave her an undeniable status—and tremendous honor.

King Ryken continued praising her, holding her hand, repeatedly instructing Adam to cherish his wife.

Adam agreed without hesitation and even declared solemnly before us, "Father, rest assured. In this lifetime, Cindy will be my only mate."

My expression darkened at once.

Dissatisfied.

Extremely dissatisfied.

In my view, an Alpha who listens so intently to a woman is simply spineless and lacking ambition.

By rights, King Ryken should have been instructing the new bride to be "submissive to her mate" and to "produce heirs for the royal line as soon as possible," rather than letting her wrap Adam around her finger.

But with King Ryken right there, I didn't dare utter a word of protest.