The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 370: Prelude to the Celebration

Prince Adam's POV:

Margaret wore an extremely flashy dark purple gown today, with a diamond-studded crown on her head, like a poisonous peacock showing off its feathers.

She seemed to have recovered from the humiliation of being forced to hand over two hundred thousand gold coins at the Crystal Palace that day. That same fake and arrogant smile was back on her face as she chatted and laughed with the noblewomen around her.

And Uncle Niall, walking beside her, made my stomach turn.

According to werewolf traditions, when a bonded wife had just passed away, no matter the reason, the surviving partner should at least remain subdued and dress modestly for a period of time.

But Uncle Niall?

He wore a deep red formal suit embroidered with intricate gold patterns. His hair was slicked back neatly, and he held a glass of dark red wine in his hand.

There wasn't even a trace of grief for his late wife on his face.

His gaze wandered freely across the young female betas and omegas in the hall. That greedy, impatient look made him seem like a pig that had just come out of hibernation.

"He's playing dumb on purpose," Cindy's voice came through my mind, cold and clear. "He's using this indulgent image to hide his ambition of secretly building forces in the Bloodridge Mountains. He's trying to make everyone think he's harmless."

"Harmless?" I let out a quiet scoff. "The dogs that bite don't bark. The more he acts like a fool, the more dangerous he is."

Soon, King Ryken ascended to the throne at the highest point, accompanied by Queen Elizabeth and Queen Isabella.

Following protocol, the nobles stepped forward one after another to pay their respects.

After greeting the king, the atmosphere in the once orderly banquet hall suddenly became subtle and tense.

This was the time for free socializing, and also the moment that tested everyone's political instincts.

In past years, as the eldest prince with great military power and an outstanding record, the moment I appeared, nobles would immediately gather around me.

They would rush to toast me, even competing quietly for a chance to speak with me.

But today, things had changed.

I quickly noticed a clear split among the nobles after they finished paying their respects.

Some of them, especially military officers who had fought alongside me in Southreach, still came straight toward Cindy and me.

They congratulated us warmly on our marriage, their eyes filled with genuine respect.

Baron Reynold was one of them. Count Camden was another.

"Your Highness, Your Grace," Count Camden said, raising his glass. "Your victory in Southreach shook the entire realm. A toast to you."

"Thank you, Count," I replied with a smile, lifting my glass in return.

But what caught my attention even more was the other group.

The heads of major merchant guilds who controlled the kingdom's economy, the powerful civil officials in the council, and some smaller Pack leaders who always followed the wind.

At this delicate moment, they deliberately avoided my side of the hall. Instead, like sharks drawn to the scent of blood, they gathered on the other side with eager, flattering smiles.

And there, at the center of their attention, stood the second prince who had just returned from Northmere, Noah.

"Your Highness! Your achievements in Northmere are truly legendary!"

"Your Highness has worked tirelessly patrolling the borders. You are a pillar of the kingdom!"

"I heard Your Highness has been studying a new tax policy recently. I have a few humble suggestions. I wonder when you might have time to discuss them?"

Noah stood surrounded by the crowd.

He was steady by nature and disliked attention, but faced with this almost blatant political alignment, he looked slightly overwhelmed.

He kept glancing toward me, his eyes showing a mix of awkwardness and helplessness.

Holding my glass, I watched the scene coldly, my mind perfectly clear.

These nobles weren't stupid. Their instincts were sharper than hunting hounds.