Page 11 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Your Majesty!" Carol cried again. "Please go see Lady Victoria!"

Cedric stared at me for several seconds. His gaze was deep. Too deep to read.

Finally, he said quietly, "Alice, wait for me to return."

Then he turned and strode away. Fast. Decisive. Not a second's hesitation.

Just like my past life.

The ceremony site fell into strange silence. Everyone watched the king's retreating figure, then turned in unison to stare at me. I stood on the altar, white wedding dress fluttering in the wind.

"She deserves this..."

"His Majesty must be suffering, having to marry such an ugly omega as queen."

The whispers rolled in like a tide. In my past life, I'd broken down when I heard these. Ran off the stage, locked myself in my room, cried until I collapsed.

But this life, I straightened my spine, slowly turned, and faced everyone calmly.

"The wedding is concluded," I said. "Thank you all for witnessing."

I lifted my skirts and walked down the steps with grace, back straight, pace steady. I passed through the crowd, walked the long corridor, and returned to my chambers. I pushed open the door. Flowers everywhere.

White roses. Lilies. Baby's breath.

New silk sheets on the bed. Pillows embroidered with union symbols. A bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses on the nightstand.

What ironic decoration.

"Your Majesty..."

I turned. Amy stood in the doorway, eyes red-rimmed.

"Are... are you all right?" she asked softly, voice full of worry.

When I saw Amy, tears nearly came. Cedric abandoned me. Victoria tried to kill me. In the end, Amy was the only one who cared. But I died too early in my past life. I never knew what became of her.

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself not to cry. I tried to smile, to comfort Amy, and swore to myself: this time I'd protect her. I'd secure her future. At least after I left, she wouldn't be bullied. She could live in peace.

"I'm fine." I sat on the bed. "Could you take these flowers out? The scent's too strong."

"Yes..." Amy gathered them, stealing glances at me. Wanting to speak but holding back.

"If you want to say something, say it." I leaned against the headboard.

"I-I just think..." Amy bit her lip. "How could His Majesty do this? It's your wedding..."

"He has his reasons." I didn't care anymore.

"But you're his queen!" Anger crept into Amy's voice. "You're his wife!"

"Amy." My voice softened. In this cold palace, only Amy truly cared for me. "I'm really okay."

Amy's tears finally fell. "Then... is there anything you need me to do?"

"No." I closed my eyes again. "Go rest. I want to be alone for a while."

"All right... I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything."