RIDDLE

t the manicured lawns of the estate. The view, once a source of q

ad something of a little girl about her--slight, brown-hair

.. are yo

ollow and distant even to my own ears. Fine wa

I first arrived as a frightened bride. Her lips were pressed into a thin, disapproving line. "This is an out

indowpane with my finger. Their anger felt like it belo

ound. "I need the household ledgers. All

nked. "

ses me, the kitchens, the stores, the servants, and every co

nto something that was alm

the ledgers from the steward's office,

know where the stewa

"I help him copy them sometimes. He doesn'

d. "And Holly--say nothi

rse, my

anor's attendant. "Luna Eleanor requests y

ng my shoulders. The walk from my chambers to the morning room felt like a gauntle

ing sun streamed in, but the room felt cold. The usual war

opping her pacing. "I am

, my tone even. I refused to cry. I refus

e sent away, that we could arrange a quiet cottage for her, provide for her and the child... even arrange a respectabl

y?" I asked, alread

lone this time. No Finley trailing behind him l

s voice leaving no room for debate. He loo

ot be serious! Think of the pack's reputa

heir," he said. The words dropp

ate and then his for five years, and I had failed to produce one. It was my gr

is voice softening as he spoke of Finley. "She was injured

who has run this household in your absence?

o me. The weight of his Alpha presence pressed down, a physical f

" I asked, my voice qui

ld are cared for. You will remain the official Luna. Your p

. To give him the dramatic, jealous scene

this mate the Moon Goddess supposedly chose for me.

breath. "Alr

e. Carson stared at me, his brow furrowing in co

'd grown a second head. "All

As Luna, it is my duty to ensure all members of this pack are cared for." I was using his own logic again

ements to be made. She will need a proper allowance. A mai

d. "The pack

er was hard. The debts your father left behind--I paid them. With my dowry. If you wish Finley to

n't. He had been too busy playing hero on the battlefield and beddin

e serene. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have duties to attend to." I reasserted my

blocking my way out. I strode forwar

t I could feel his stu