The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 221: Chapter 221

: Sutton
I told Helene about our required trip to the capital over dinner that evening. She was a little disappointed that I was leaving again, but she didn’t seem to think anything of not being invited herself. Instead, she seemed happy to keep working through the books Mom left. Promising to take thorough notes for me.
Prince Raphe had sent a private jet for us. I guess it was his way of ensuring we actually made it. Or a way to say remind us that we didn’t have a choice. Truth is, I really couldn’t tell what his intention was. When I was talking to Helene, she made a good point about looking at the situation as objectively as possible. She reminded me that most of the uneasiness and cautiousness I felt around Prince Raphe came from rumors. Even Mom’s warnings weren’t anything definitive. It’s possible whatever he had done back then had changed and he was a different person now.
Above all else — I had yet to hear anything bad about King Osric. And that’s who I was coming to meet. I could be cautious with Prince Raphe and still be fair. I wanted to meet my grandfather. Soloman had told me that he and my mother were close for a long time. From her earlier journals, it was obvious that Mom loved her father a lot. So, how could I not want to meet him?
We landed at the capital in the early afternoon. Prince Raphe personally met us with a limousine at the airport along with his mate, Nomi. Prince Raphe had a pleasant smile on his face as he greeted us. Nomi’s seemed forced. Like she felt she had better things to do than be here. I felt a wave of defensiveness but pushed it down. Even Nova huffed in her direction before deciding to just ignore the woman.
“I’m glad we were able to arrange this meeting,” Raphe said as we drove through the city. “I understand it wasn’t exactly in your plans so soon.”
“We did have some things that are being put on hold,” I replied. “But we understand that is important, too.”
Raphe smiled gently. “I’m guessing that would include the planning for your Luna ceremony,” he stated. “I hope this won’t cause too much of an interruption.”
“Oh, Raphe, any Luna worth their title should know how to delegate,” Nomi chimed in. “I’m sure our little niece has a whole crew of people handling things while she’s gone.”
I gave a stiff smile. I didn’t exactly like the way she had said that. Something in her tone felt condescending. Almost like she was testing me with the expectation of me falling short. Judging my the way Lucas tensed next to me, he had caught it too.
“I actually have some friends who have been a huge help with all the planning,” I replied. “So, yes, everything is covered on that.”
“The restoration project is going to miss you though,” Lucas said next to me. “They have the finale shipments coming in soon.”
I started to reply but Raphe spoke first.
“Restoration project?” he asked curiously. “What are you restoring?”
“The packhouse gardens,” I said.
“Thanks to Sutton, we were able to recover and restore a priceless landmark,” Lucas praised. “She’s done tremendous work, both organizing the and designing the project.”
“Oh, and what landmark is that?” Raphe asked with genuine curiosity.
“A fountain,” I told him. “From when the packhouse was originally build.”
“The Acostino Fountain?” Raphe replied in surprise.
“I… I guess,” I said, looking over at Lucas.
“You know about the fountain?” Lucas asked, his eyes narrowing.
The corner of Prince Raphe’s lips lifted in a half-smile. “Of course,” he said. “The fountain wasn’t just an Ironpaw landmark back in the day. The history books say it was once the truest dedication to the sanctity of lycan matings. I was told it was destroyed during the rebellion.”
“It was damaged at some point, but not destroyed,” Lucas replied. “The grounds had been neglected for some time. At least for any structural purposes. We primarily used the area for night runs with our wolves.”
“That’s right,” Raphe said. “Your packhouse sits on a huge stretch of land for being in the center of the city.”
“It does,” Lucas confirmed. “Protecting that space undeveloped has always been important to our pack. Even during the last Alpha’s tenure.”
“Yet now you’re building on the land?” Nomi questioned.
“Rebuilding,” I clarified. “Restoring. It’s not another complex or office building. It’s something beautiful that speaks to both the human and the wolves inside us. At least, that’s been my goal. That’s why I’ve done my best to use and incorporate as much of the original structures as possible.”
“And I’m sure you’ve done a wonderful job,” Prince Raphe stated.
I could almost see Nomi having to stop herself from rolling her eyes.
“You’ll get to see for yourself at the ceremony,” I said. “We should have the project completed soon and that is where we plan on holding the event.”
“I look forward to it,” the prince replied.
The limo drove through a gate leading up to what I knew was the royal palace. I looked out the window in awe of the grand structure. It didn’t seem as old as our packhouse, but it was still full of classic architecture. Complete with wolf guardians carved into the stone accents.
“It’s not as historical as your packhouse,” Prince Raphe said. “But I like to think it’s just as impressive.”
Raphe slid out of the limo first, offering his hand to his mate before Lucas exited and did the same for me. As I straightened, I felt butterflies flutter in my stomach as the reality of the situation set in. What I was about to do. Who I was about to meet.
Lucas pressed a supportive hand against the small of my back.
‘Ready?’ he linked.
‘Ready.’