The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 372: Gathering Political Storms

Prince Adam's POV:

When the moon reached its highest point, the Moon Goddess Festival officially began.

Everyone moved outside to the open square of the palace for the banquet.

Father stood and made a brief, solemn announcement declaring the start of the festival.

In the next moment, it felt like some invisible gate had opened. Howls rose from all around the royal court, some high and piercing, others deep and resonant, overlapping as they answered the full moon hanging in the sky.

Moonlight poured down like water, casting a silver glow that made the entire square look almost translucent.

The long tables were piled high with roasted meat, sweet wine, and freshly picked berries. Fat sizzled over the flames, releasing a rich aroma. The scent of sweet wine mixed with flowers, along with the restrained yet still complex pheromones of the nobles around us, all tangling together in the air. Bonfires flared up one after another, their light flickering across everyone's faces.

From the distance came waves of laughter and chatter. Musicians played their stringed instruments, drums gradually building a lively rhythm. The atmosphere grew louder and more intense, as if the night itself was being pushed toward a grand climax.

But I knew very well that those who truly sat at the center of power understood one thing. This Moon Goddess Festival had never been just a celebration.

I sat upright at my seat, my back straight.

Cindy sat beside me. I could sense the cool, steady presence around her, as well as the slight tension in her body that came from her sharp awareness.

With an Alpha's instincts, I clearly picked up on the subtle glances passing through the crowd.

Those gazes lingered briefly on Cindy, then quickly shifted away, settling instead on me, Noah, and Uncle Niall not far off.

The air carried the scents of wine, meat, and flowers, yet it felt strangely heavy, as if something invisible pressed down on everything.

Father sat at the head of the table, his expression as calm and imposing as ever, revealing nothing. Mother sat beside him, gentle but slightly tense. Grandma half-closed her eyes, as if she were simply enjoying the music and dancing, yet it felt like she was taking everything in.

Uncle Niall held a golden goblet, a perfectly measured smile on his lips. He first praised the victories in Northmere and Southreach, then complimented Noah and Peter as promising young men. Every word was polished and flawless.

But the moment he began speaking, my gaze had already turned cold.

"Speaking of which," he said, as if something had just occurred to him. He turned to look at me, his tone mild. "Now that Prince Adam has stepped down from military command, he finally has some rare free time. Many of the younger generation in court have long heard of Your Highness's past achievements, yet few have had the chance to witness them firsthand."

The instant his words fell, the table went quiet for a brief moment.

Someone quickly picked it up with a smile. "Prince Niall makes a good point. Prince Noah and Prince Peter have also spent years training in Northmere, earning their strength through real battles. If they could put on a demonstration tonight for His Majesty's enjoyment, it would make for a fine addition to the celebration."

My expression didn't change. My long fingers simply rested lightly against the rim of my glass as I said nothing.

As expected, Niall and his group couldn't hold back any longer. They didn't dare challenge Father directly, but they were skilled at stirring undercurrents in settings like this. The military command had changed hands, and the heir had not been decided. They didn't say it outright, but every word pushed people to wonder who was more fit to take the throne.

Noah had been drinking quietly. When he heard this, he lifted his head. There was already a hint of alcohol in his eyes, and his smile turned a little loose. "Uncle Niall, that almost sounds like you're setting up a stage for the two of us brothers."

Uncle Niall immediately chuckled. "You're joking, Prince Noah. It's just a festive occasion. No need to be so sensitive."

"Sensitive?" Noah tilted his head back and drained his glass in one go, his voice suddenly rising. "I guess so. These days, who in this court isn't sensitive?"

The surroundings fell even quieter.

Peter's expression shifted as he spoke under his breath. "Noah..."

But Noah seemed truly carried away by the alcohol. He set his cup aside, stood up, and bowed toward Father.

His posture remained proper, but his tone carried the sharpness and challenge of a young Alpha after drinking.

"Father, tonight is the Moon Goddess Festival. Everyone is celebrating. Since our uncles seem so eager to see what the royal family can do, why don't Adam and I spar for their entertainment? It would be a fitting highlight for the night."

My fingers, resting on the edge of my glass, paused slightly.

Something wasn't right.

In that moment, as I looked into Noah's seemingly intoxicated eyes, I immediately understood his intention.

He wasn't truly provoked.

He was following Uncle Niall's lead and deliberately pushing the situation toward a result that no one could avoid.