Page 23 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Cedric..." Victoria's voice came from behind. "Thank you. If Arcales knew how well you're taking care of me, he'd be so grateful..."

I paused, but said nothing, pushing through the door and out. The hallway was quiet except for my echoing footsteps.

I headed for my study, but stopped halfway. That guilt kept growing stronger, like a tide pulling me under.

Alice...

I'd made her care for Victoria. Now I was forcing her out of the Queen's chambers—the room that symbolized her position, her dignity in this palace.

And I was stripping it away. Would she suffer for it?

Damn it.

Why did I care how she felt? She was just my duty. I didn't need to care what she thought, how she felt.

But my feet turned toward her room anyway. I'd check on her. Ask what she wanted. Give her some compensation. That's what a mate should do.

That's what I told myself as I quickened my pace. My heartbeat accelerated inexplicably, heavy and fast—like I was anticipating something, or dreading it.

I didn't understand this feeling.

My wolf circled inside me, whimpering urgently, pushing me to go faster, faster.

Chapter Six

Alice

I sat at my desk, mind racing with plans. I couldn't let the past repeat itself. I had to get pregnant fast and get the hell out.

The image of Cedric defending Victoria flashed through my head—how he'd ordered me to be her servant, threatened me with Amy... I'd sworn I was done with him. So why did my chest still ache like this?

A knock at the door.

"Come in."

One of Cedric's guards entered, head bowed. "Your Majesty, the King requests you vacate this chamber within three days. Your new quarters are beside His Majesty's suite. He's ordered the finest furnishings—"

There it was. Right on schedule.

The room was different this time around, but the outcome was the same—I had to move out so Victoria could have the Queen's chambers.

Last life, he'd dumped me in some dank corner on the west end of the palace. This time, he was being "generous"—putting me next to him.

Big fucking deal. It was all for show.

"Fine," I said flatly. "I'll be out tonight."

The guard blinked, clearly thrown. He probably expected me to fight for those three days.

"Your Majesty, the King said within three days—"

"I said tonight." My voice dropped lower. "Anything else?"

"No... no, Your Majesty." He bowed and backed out.

The door clicked shut. Silence again.

I took a breath and turned to Amy. "Pack my things. Just what I need."