The Lunar Queen Chapter 64

Cole POV

Throughout the day, I could feel her unease through our bond. It’s constant—low, sharp, sitting under everything like a warning I can’t ignore. She’s nervous, convinced her vision will come true today, but we’ve prepared for every possible scenario.

“Did you notice how Mason was looking at her?” Zeus suddenly says.

I did notice him, but Aria hasn’t mentioned anything about him, yet something about his demeanor feels off. Not just off—wrong. Like he’s not fully in control of himself anymore.

“We’ll talk to Aria,” I reply.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I call out.

Dom, Caleb, and Elias step into my office. I gesture for them to sit. “Updates?” I ask.

Elias speaks first. “Patrols are every 15 minutes. We’ve tripled guards around the palace—at the gates, on the grounds, and every exit in the throne room.”

“Good,” I say. “I don’t want anything going wrong today, especially after the Moonveil attack. I sense he’s planning something big.” Something bigger than what we’ve already seen.

“We’ve got everything locked down tight. Nothing should slip through,” Dominic adds.

Nothing should. But that doesn’t mean nothing will.

“Lyric and I called a council meeting before the coronation. We want everyone informed about what’s happening,” I say.

I frown. “Frances has been strangely quiet and jittery in meetings lately. I suspect it’s connected to David, but I can’t prove it.”

“Lyric’s been reading their minds. Most are against us, but nothing indicates they’re actively working with David,” I explain.

“If they are, they know the penalty for treason,” Elias states.

I nod, knowing they understand the stakes. Still, they might act against us if given the chance. And today would be the perfect time.

My main focus remains on keeping Lyric and the pups safe. If all goes well today, we can focus on bringing the pups into the world, growing our family, and protecting the kingdom.

But I know this fight with David isn’t over yet. Not even close.

A knock on the door. “Come in,” I say.

Lyric enters, walking over with a slight waddle, her belly swollen with our pups. Zeus howls softly in my mind, full of joy. And something protective—sharp, territorial, ready to tear anything apart.

I stand. “Alright, everyone, the ceremony is in two hours. Let’s prepare to serve light snacks, open the bar, and let the guests mingle in the ballroom before moving everyone into the throne room.”

“Feeling better, princess?” I ask as we head toward the council chambers.

“Not really, but I’m trying to push the feeling aside,” she replies. “I need a clear mind for this meeting. I want to gauge the council.”

I can feel it through the bond—she’s not okay. She’s holding it together. Barely.

“Good idea, that’s why we called it last minute,” I agree.

“We should consider disbanding or replacing the council,” she suggests.

I’ve been contemplating the same. My father and I have discussed ending the council for years—this chaos with David makes that idea more appealing. More necessary.

As we enter the council chamber, the room falls silent.

Too fast. Too sharp. Like we interrupted something they didn’t want us hearing.

“Oh, don’t stop on our account,” I say with a smirk.

“Your Majesties,” Frances greets, sweat beading on his forehead. Too much sweat. Too nervous. “We were wondering when you’d grace us with your presence.”

“Do you have somewhere to be, Frances?” I ask.

“No, Your Highness, I only need to be here,” he says nervously, his eyes shifting.

He won’t look at me directly. Not for long.

I whisper to Lyric, “Anything else?”

“They’ve found a way to block me out,” she replies.

That alone is a problem. A big one.

“We’re here to confirm we’re all on the same page,” I announce. “Today, Lyric will become the Luna of Hidden Moon and the Queen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We understand. We’re no longer fighting this,” Frances says nervously.

Too easy. That came too easy.

Zeus whispers to me, “He looks scared.”

“I can smell it too,” I reply. And fear like that doesn’t come from nothing.

“That’s all,” I finish. “My mate and I will see you at the ceremony. Don’t be late—5pm sharp. Frances, get your glands under control; your sweat is overwhelming.”

“Yes, please change your clothes; the smell’s making me sick,” Lyric adds as we turn and walk out.

The second the door closes, the air feels heavier. Like we just walked out of something instead of handling it.

Frances POV

“Frances, pull yourself together,” Senora snaps, glaring at me. “You’re going to blow everything before the plan even begins.”

Her voice cuts sharp—but it doesn’t help. Nothing does.

Jed snaps, eyes blazing. “I’m sorry—that’s just how stressful this is. If Serena isn’t able to distract Cole at the right moment, everything falls apart,” I admit.

And I mean everything. Not just the plan. Not just the council. Everything.

Senora rises, her tone firm. “Well then make sure, please change your clothes. The Queen is right.”

Even she can smell it. My fear. It’s that obvious.

They all stand to leave the room.

I hesitate a moment longer before rising to find Serena. My legs feel heavier than they should—like they don’t want to move forward.

My nerves are flying, torn between the fear of failing David and the dread of Cole discovering my betrayal of the crown.

Both end the same way for me.

One thing’s certain: regardless of what happens today, I’m walking straight into my death.

The only question is—who kills me first.