The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 357: Niall's Visit

Prince Adam's POV:

The Moon Goddess Festival was the most sacred and most passionate celebration of the entire year in the kingdom.

From early morning, the whole Royal Court was wrapped in a strong festive atmosphere.

Although light snowflakes still drifted down from the sky, every household along the streets had already hung silver totem banners that symbolized the Blessing of the Moon Goddess.

Rough battle songs echoed across the main square. Huge bonfires had been lit, and the air was filled with the rich scent of roasted meat from high-level spirit beasts. The sharp, intoxicating fragrance of strong malt ale brewed by dwarves floated through the crowd.

This was a celebration that belonged to the werewolves.

"Your Highness." My butler, Julian, pushed the door open and walked in. His brows were tightly furrowed. Even his usually perfect bow tie looked stiff and slightly crooked. "Prince Niall and his family have arrived. They just reached the Royal Court."

I was holding a parchment report about the security deployment for the Royal Court. My hand paused for a moment when I heard that name.

"Got it. My father has already arranged accommodations for them." I did not even look up as I spoke in a calm voice.

"But Your Highness..." Julian took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "Prince Niall's carriage wasn't heading toward the palace. They didn't visit the Queen Mother at Stillwater Palace either. Their entire family came straight to our manor, bringing a large group of attendants and many gifts. They are waiting in the main hall now."

Smack!

The parchment in my hand slammed heavily onto the desk with a dull sound.

I raised my head sharply. My golden pupils instantly narrowed into thin, dangerous slits.

Inside my mindscape, Fenrir let out a deep growl filled with killing intent.

"What a clever move, my dear uncle."

I let out a cold laugh, the corner of my mouth curling in mockery.

According to the kingdom's customs, when royal members from distant territories arrived in the capital, the first thing they had to do was enter the palace to pay their respects to my father. After that, they would visit my grandma to show both loyalty and family respect.

It was an unbreakable rule.

Yet that old fox, Uncle Niall, had done the exact opposite.

He completely ignored theking and his own mother, yet made a grand show of coming here first to pay respects to me, his newlywed nephew.

"What is he trying to do? Is he trying to show goodwill?" Julian asked, confused.

"Goodwill? He is digging a trap for me." I stood up and walked to the window. My gaze turned cold as I looked at the busy streets outside. "By deliberately breaking royal etiquette like this, he wants to send a vicious message to my father and to all the nobles in the Royal Court. He wants everyone to believe that he had already considered me the real power in this kingdom. He's even hinting that my influence has surpassed my father's.

"He's using this so-called flattering gesture to plant a seed of suspicion between my father and me. Throughout history, which king in his prime could tolerate his son having greater prestige than himself? Especially when my father is already a suspicious Alpha with an extreme desire for control."

This worthless prince, who seemed only to drown himself in alcohol and women and even drove his Luna to death for a mistress, was actually cunning and vicious to such a terrifying degree!

"Go call Cindy and Viola," I said, forcing down the anger in my chest. "Tell them an unwelcome guest has arrived."

Cindy's POV:

When I heard the message Adam sent and listened to his brief explanation of Prince Niall's malicious intentions, the contempt in my heart grew beyond words.

"Such a cheap little trick. I can't believe he even bothered to think of it."

I sat at the dressing table while Jewel draped a long black battle robe over my shoulders. Today was supposed to be the Moon Goddess Festival. I should have been wearing bright, festive clothing. However, I had no mood to celebrate. Sephiria's cold, thin corpse still seemed to linger before my eyes.

That woman had spent her whole life being gentle and kind, died quietly in the cold and broken Coldmoon Monastery. Meanwhile, her husband and children were now dressed in luxurious clothes, wearing fake smiles as they came to my manor to play their political games.

Bang!

A loud crash sounded beside me. Viola had kicked over a round stool in the room.