The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 313: A Late-Night Confrontation

Cindy's POV:

Night had fallen over Crystal Palace.

This private estate belonged to Margaret. Even in the dead of winter, every window blazed with light. The stone steps at the entrance were polished so smooth they reflected our shadows.

I walked up those steps with Isabella at my side. Behind us followed Martha, along with several elite guards carrying six large oak chests. The chests were heavy, and the guards' boots thudded against the stone as they climbed.

Isabella clutched my sleeve tightly. I could feel her trembling. For decades, she had lived under Margaret's pressure and control. Marching up to the palace like this, bold and uninvited, was something she had never done before.

"Who's there?" a guard demanded at the door, his tone rude and dismissive.

Before I could speak, Martha stepped forward, forcing courage into her voice. "Watch your manners! Queen Isabella and Princess Cindy are here. Announce us at once!"

The guard's face changed when he recognized Isabella. But when he saw the six large wooden chests behind us, confusion replaced his fear.

At that moment, the palace steward hurried out. He was a sly old Beta. The moment he saw the scene before him, his eyes began to dart around.

"Your Majesty. Your Highness." He gave a stiff bow, though his smile did not reach his eyes. His gaze stayed locked on the chests. "May I ask why you've come so late and with so many large boxes?"

I gave him a gentle smile, calm and polite—almost too polite. "I heard Princess Margaret enjoys collecting art," I said evenly. "Inside these six chests are Oliver's manuscripts and several rare paintings. We brought them tonight so the Princess and Lady Lily can take a look."

The moment he heard the words "Oliver's manuscripts," his eyes lit up.

Everyone still remembered the art exhibition at the Ducal Estate. It had shaken the entire capital. Oliver's work had become priceless overnight.

And everyone knew I owned more of his art than anyone else in the country.

Clearly, he thought we were here to offer gifts and apologize.

"Oh! Mr. Silva's manuscripts?" His attitude flipped completely. Deep wrinkles formed at the corners of his smiling eyes. "Please, come in! Come in at once!" He quickly ushered us inside and ordered the royal attendant, "Bring out the finest wine. See that they are well attended in the salon!"

We were led into a salon.

The guards placed the six chests neatly on the marble floor. The wood hit the stone with heavy, dull thuds.

"Cindy," Isabella whispered, holding her steaming cup with both hands. Her voice was barely audible. She kept glancing around, as if Margaret might appear at any second. "Why did they let us in so easily?"

"Greed blinds people," I replied softly. I lifted the cup and gently blew it. "If they think we're sheep bringing gifts, why would they turn us away?"

I closed my eyes without taking a sip.

As a high-ranking Alpha, if I focused, my hearing could cut through thick walls and long corridors.

"Diana," I called within my mind. "Help me focus on the main great hall."

"With pleasure," Diana replied lazily in my mental space. Then she sharpened my senses to their peak.

Soon, the faint clink of silverware and low voices drifted clearly into my ears, traveling across two hallways and several carved wooden doors.

"Mother, did you hear?" Lily's voice carried sharp excitement and scorn. "Isabella and Cindy are here. They're waiting in the salon. And they brought six whole chests of Oliver's manuscripts! I told you. Isabella only acted tough because Cindy was around. The moment she went back to the palace, she must have panicked. So here she is, running over in the middle of the night with gifts to beg forgiveness."

"Of course," Margaret said coolly, a note of superiority in her tone. "An Omega is still an Omega. Even if she wears a crown, she should remember her standing in front of us. Since she's arrived, let her wait. Keep them in that room for a while. It won't hurt to remind them who truly holds power in this Royal Court."