Chapter 8 The Royal Banquet

"Change your clothes now!" Elijah's voice was low but intimidating. I shook my head. "No." "You want to pick a fight with me?" His power radiated, making me feel unsteady. Eugenia reached out to support me, but she, too, was affected by Elijah's power. "Please, my king. If you do this, everyone will feel your wrath," Eugenia pleaded. "So be it! Let them know that anyone who defies me will suffer the consequences!" Elijah grabbed my chin, his gaze cutting into me. "Like you, little Omega, I could get rid of you right now!" Our eyes locked, his stare slicing through me like a blade. I could only gasp softly, the pain overwhelming me. "King Elijah, please!" Eugenia's voice trembled. Silence. No music. Just the murmur of the crowd. Elijah released his grip, exhaling sharply. "I'll have Delilah change now, but... everyone has seen her in this dress," Eugenia said, pausing. "Won't that raise questions, my king?" In my mind, I was confused; why did these royal wolves care so much about clothes, about color, about a dress change? Wasn't it all unnecessary? Why was Elijah so hard on something as small as the color of a dress? He released my chin halfway and scoffed. "Whatever." Elijah turned and left, heading back down the hall. I steadied myself and calmed my shaking body. Eugenia held both my hands, looking worried. "It might be easier if you just change now," she whispered. "People might gossip about it, but it'll pass in a week or two." I shook my head. "No, Eugenia. I'm keeping this dress." After taking a deep breath, I headed out into the hall. As I descended the stairs, music filled the room. Elijah waited at the bottom of the stairs, his expression now soft and welcoming, a stark contrast to the face that had nearly strangled me moments before. Reluctantly, I took his outstretched hand and let him lead me. "Everyone, may I present Delilah Ramones, my Luna," Elijah's voice echoed across the hall. The crowd applauded and nodded in respect, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of joy at the recognition. So this is what it feels like to be the Luna of a royal family? It was so different from what I had known. In our pack, the Alphas and their Lunas lived in a big house, and the ceremonies took place in the forest, with the moonlight as witness. It felt sacred, profound, and beautiful. Several Alphas and their Lunas approached. They were much older than Elijah, but I could feel their influence. "This is Arlington and Eloise Ranton," Elijah said, pointing to a couple dressed in almost black, dark blue. Then he turned to another couple, all in black. "And this is Fergus and Gianna Smithe." I nodded politely to both couples. "Nice to meet you." "And here we have Orson and Blanche Tudor," Elijah introduced a couple dressed in gold. I noticed that the Tudors stood out, dressed in bright gold, unlike everyone else in dark colors. Were they also breaking the dress code like me, or were they making a statement? "We thought tonight would be a coronation, but it seems more like an introduction?" Orson asked, feigning surprise. "I must say, my king, a luna without us as witnesses?" "I will hold the official coronation at the palace in three months," Elijah replied smoothly. "For now, it's enough that you all know that Delilah is my Luna. We made a private vow, just the two of us." My heart raced with nerves. The introduction of a Luna is usually reserved for coronation ceremonies, always witnessed by the pack. It's a moment to offer thanks and prayers to the Moon Goddess for the continued unity and prosperity of the pack. "So it's an unofficial vow, not technically part of the royal tradition, right?" Orson asked with a polite smile. Elijah's gaze turned icy. "What royal tradition when I am the one who holds the power, Orson?" "Ah, of course, my king. You are the ruler, so we follow your lead," Orson quickly corrected himself. The atmosphere grew tense as Elijah's once relaxed demeanor stiffened. He was clearly offended by Orson's remark. I feared Elijah might lose his temper. "Come, my dear, let's leave the men to their discussions," Gianna said suddenly, taking my arm. "Do not miss your bride, my king. She'll be at your side for the rest of your life until you tire of her." Elijah chuckled softly. "I will never get tired of her, Gianna. But for now, I'll allow you to enjoy her company." Gianna nodded respectfully. "Thank you, my king." Many people greeted me as we left, with Gianna leading me to a quieter area near some small pastries. Eloise and Blanche joined us, followed by Elena. "Elena," Gianna greeted her with a smile that struck me as... a little cutting? "Well, it looks like you've all made fast friends with my brother's bride." Elena chuckled, sipping wine from her glass. "Keeping things friendly for the good of your pack?" The three women exchanged glances and chuckled softly. "We respect King Elijah, and there's no harm in making friends with Queen Delilah," Blanche said. "She hasn't been crowned queen yet, and I'm not sure what to call this girl," Elena interrupted curtly. Her words made my whole body tense. She was frighteningly sharp. This was our second meeting, and she was just as venomous as before. "Yes, just call me Delilah if you'd like," I said. "If you think I'm unworthy to be King Elijah's companion." "No, of course not." Elena stepped closer, and we faced each other. "I'm just saying, if anyone gets close to you, be careful. It's the people closest to you that will hurt you the most." Suddenly, Elena let go of her wine glass, spilling it on my dress as it shattered on the floor. I just stood there, frozen, utterly shocked that she'd done it on purpose. Elena looked at me with a satisfied grin. "Literally, close to you."