Page 22 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

I'd promised. I'd promised Arcales I'd look after Victoria. It was my duty, my final oath to my dead brother.

I stayed quiet for a long time, watching Victoria's face flush from coughing, watching her body so fragile it might collapse any second.

Finally, I said it. "Move into Alice's room."

"What?" Victoria's head snapped up, shock and panic in her eyes. "No... I can't! If Alice finds out, she'll be furious. It'll hurt your relationship. I'd rather recover slowly than cause problems between you..."

"It's my decision." My tone was firm. "She has no say."

"But Cedric—"

"Victoria." I cut her off. "I've decided. Just move in."

I turned to the guard at the door. "Inform the Queen. She has three days to move out. Her new quarters... arrange the suite next to mine. Have it ready in three days. Use the best of everything."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard bowed and left quickly.

I listened to his footsteps fade down the hall, that restless feeling surging back. I told myself this marriage to Alice was political anyway. Just duty. For the kingdom's continuity. I didn't need to care if she'd be hurt. Besides, she owed this to Victoria. She should compensate. And I was giving her an even better room—no worse than her current one.

"Cedric, thank you so much..." Victoria's eyes reddened again. "You've done so much for me. I don't know how to repay you."

I answered absently, "It's what I should do. I promised Arcales I'd take care of you."

"But Alice..." Victoria continued. "Could you explain to her for me? I won't stay long. Once I'm better, I'll move out immediately."

"I'll tell her." I interrupted. "She'll understand."

Victoria nodded, saying nothing more, just watching me with those gentle eyes.

The room went quiet except for the wind rustling through branches outside.

I should leave. Should handle the mountain of state business. Should review border defense reports. But my mind was full of Alice. Everything else was blank.

"Cedric?" Victoria called softly, puzzled. "Are you all right? Are you feeling ill?"

"I'm fine," I answered mechanically, my gaze drifting to the window.

My wolf paced restlessly in my chest, clearly unhappy with my decision, whimpering.

"This is what we're supposed to do!" I told him.

But he wouldn't listen. He howled louder. That uneasy feeling rose like a tide, nearly drowning me.

I couldn't help wondering—what was Alice doing now? Had she gotten the news? How would she react? She'd definitely be angry. Maybe she'd cry.

"Cedric, are you sure you're all right?" Victoria's voice came again, clearly worried. "You don't look well..."

I snapped back, realizing my fingers had been drumming the armrest endlessly, making sharp, anxious sounds.

"I'm fine." I stood up, words coming fast. "Rest. I have work to do."

"Oh, all right..." Victoria was clearly surprised, then said, "Go ahead. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

I nodded dismissively and strode toward the door. When my hand gripped the handle, that unease suddenly became so intense it nearly suffocated me.

Damn it.

What the hell was wrong with me? Why did I feel so awful?