His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 65: Woman’s Reputation

Theo leans against the pillar, the darkness surrounding them except for the silver hue of the moon casting some light on his delicate features. A blonde-haired woman, whose hair is tied back in a small bun and wears a navy dress, almost like she was trying to copy the royal attire, kisses his neck, leaning against him.

His hand is on her breast, beneath the material, while his eyes are shut, brows knitted together. The light casts him in an almost gloomy mood, but he touches her while she kisses him, both getting dishevelled.

Is he enjoying this? I cannot tell. My gaze follows the woman’s hand movements, and surprise rises on my brows. I shouldn’t be surprised. Not when it is known for couples to take balconies for themselves. Couples, not lovers.

It was far too risky to get caught. At least a mated pair would not be branded as whores and cast aside by society. Theo was a slave, so he could lose a hand, his genitalia or his life. The woman’s punishment is much lighter though she would not believe it so.

I can’t see who the woman is from the darkness, but she rubs her hand along Theo’s groin while unbuttoning some of his buttons. I don’t know whether to leave or interfere. His expression doesn’t give anything away.

Why is he here in the first place? Is it by choice?

A part of me also feels a little annoyed, yet I shouldn’t be. We are nothing to each other. It was only moments ago that I had been dancing with Eryx and getting hot over his touch.

"You’re useless," the woman hisses. I recognise the voice. "Are you only pretty to look at. If you aren’t going to get hard, then you will make me feel good."

"Mistress, I cannot do that," he says, opening his eyes.

The woman grabs his hand and yanks it away from her breast before slipping it beneath her skirts. "You are a slave," she clips. "You will do what I say. Now. Make me feel good."

Theo’s jaw clenches, and he looks away. Those beautiful eyes then land on me, eyes widening. "Actually." I step forward. "Theo only follows my command."

The woman jumps, screeching in shock as she moves away from Theo, her chest rising and falling like a mouse caught by a cat. I’m staring back at Countess Willowby, mated and married to someone much older than her. Although, she is also at least thirty years older than Theo.

I gesture for Theo to come to my side. Without question, he does so while buttoning up his shirt. I hold his gaze a while, searching, feeling protective of him. I should have intervened sooner or kept an eye on him from the dance floor.

Theo always caught the attention of everyone, slave or not.

"Oh," the Countess’s countenance switches once she realises who has interrupted her non-consensual rendezvous and sneers at me. "How dare you speak to me in such a way. I am-"

"Of lower blood than me," I interrupt, my voice still neutral as I look her over. The Countess blanches and, as though remembering what she has been caught doing, ties up the ribbons on her bosom and minds her hair.

This woman who has been caught doing the ’unthinkable’ has ridiculed me many times underneath Deyanira’s protection.

"How dare you-"

"How dare you!" I snap, my body going taut as rage burns in my veins. Stepping forward, I glower at the woman who seems so small and pitiful to me now. She is nothing compared to me.

Why did I bow and allow her to walk over me in the first place?

"I am the Alpha Princess of this kingdom. You will show me respect and beg for my forgiveness."

"You don’t have a wolf!"

"And you don’t have a shred of dignity," I hiss, my hands clenching together. "He is my slave, and you are already mated. I will call for your mate right now so he can deal with you."

The Countess’s eyes widen as terror laces her features. Her lips wobble before her knees buckle, and her head lowers in obedience. I sneer, irritation burning through my veins. It is only because I mention her mate that she obeys me now and nothing more.

"Please," she whispers, her voice croaky.

"Please?" I laugh, though I don’t find it funny. My voice also does not sound like my own.

The Countess lowers, and I almost step back when I realise what she is doing. Countess Willowby kisses my shoe and keeps her head bent down. "Please, I beg for your forgiveness."

The door behind me opens, but I am too dumbfounded to see who it is. "Please, Your Highness."

Your Highness. She has never called me that. She has rarely acknowledged my existence.

My eyes narrow on her. "Apologise to my slave," I command, my voice not quite my own as I stare down at this impudent insect.

The Countess shovels to the side, and that is when I realise Theo has moved slightly. He is the one holding the door to the balcony open. Many are watching now, including the Alpha King. Nobody is intervening, but many stare at me in shock. My brother’s expression is full of wonder.

Did he not think I had it in me to act my station? I’d told a few nobles off before. It just wasn’t that frequent, and my patience and frustration snapped at the time.

"I’m s-sorry."

"For?"

"Your Highness, it is okay," Theo begins, but I push on.

"For?!" My voice carries across the balcony and the snowy courtyard.

The Countess shakes under my tone and looks up at Theo. "Forcing myself on you."

Gasps echo behind me. "And?" I urge.

Countess Willowby sniffles as she looks back at me. "Not showing you the respect of an Alpha Princess," her words are hollow, like she has already lost.

She has.

"Guards," Alaric steps forward. "Take her away."

They rush forward, handling the Countess, who shrieks for my help. "I’m sorry! I’m sorry!"

I ignore it and my dark thoughts. It was satisfying to see.

"All this for your slave, sister," Alaric whispers close to me. Nobody can hear us.

"No," I say. "It is much bigger than that." I turn and look at the crowd still there, only parting for the guards and the Countess being dragged away.

My gaze flicks to Theo, who has a small smile tugging his lips. He must have enjoyed the power rush like me... No, that’s not it. He doesn’t look exhilarated, maybe because some woman has just fondled him without consent.

No, it was something else. Did Theo do all of this on purpose? He was the one to open the doors so others could see and it is my reputation that has improved tonight, even if only by a miniscule amount.