Alpha Nocturneâs Contracted Mate by A E Randell Chapter 185 A New Era Ann smiled tightly as Alpha Felix surveyed the chaotic scene behind her with interest.
He was a good-looking man, with stern yet handsome features and powerfully built.
His Luna stood next to him, a welcoming and friendly face surrounded by a mass of black, messy curls that gave her a slightly wild look as she eyed the furor warily.
âMy apologies, I had hoped to have this resolved before you arrived.â Ann offered with a small smile. Felix chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.
âYou run your kingdom as you see fit, my Queen. Justice cannot wait for such a heinous crime in my opinion. You have acted as befits the royal line, there is o need for apologies.â He said before crossing his arm across his chest and bowing respectfully, his wife and the men behind him following his example.
âIt is a pleasure to be here your grace, regardless of circumstances. Thank you for receiving us.â He continued as he stood upright and beamed widely as he gestured to his wife, âThis is Aoife, the light of my life, my very reason for breathing, and also my Luna.â
Aoife rolled her eyes and snorted, blushing heavily. âReally Felix? In front of royalty?â
she murmured with the barest trace of irritation in her voice as she smiled apologetically at Ann.
âAww, cute! Sheâs so tiny!â Maeve gushed, âCan we keep her?â
âMaeve⦠I actually have no words for you. You want to turn our diplomatic guests into pets⦠what the actual fâk is wrong with you?â Ann snapped incredulously.
âBut look how tiny she is! I bet their pups are going to be adorable⦠a big strong Alpha like that with teeny little pups between themâ¦â
âHonestly, Maeve, the speed at which you switch between murderous rage, sassy queen and squealing like a child at Disneyland astounds meâ¦â Ann groaned inwardly.
âWelcome to the Enclave, all of you.â Adam said, his voice interrupting her dialogue with Maeve as he stepped forward and offered his hand to Felix, âIâm Adam, Queen Annâs Consort.â
âItâs a pleasure to meet you.â Felix answered with a grin, taking his hand and shaking it firmly as they exchanged a mysterious look between them.
Ann narrowed he eyes slightly as she watched the interaction between them both. If she didnât know better, she would think that these two already knew each other in some way.
âWeâll have the guards escort you to your rooms so that you can freshen up before dinner. Iâm sure you all must be famished.â Bartholomew said warmly as he moved to stand to the side of Ann, making sure he was positioned slightly behind as befitting a member of the Royal Enclave.
âThat would be wonderful, thank youâ Felix answered, inclining his head gratefully before allowing himself to be led away to their rooms.
Not a single member of the Elders had moved an inch or uttered a word as the exchange between Ann and Felix had continued. Ann sighed quietly as she turned to face them.
âYou can proceed with your evening as you had originally planned. I expect you in attendance for the meal as a show of respect to Alpha Felix, regardless of what has happened here tonight. Bartholomew will schedule a meeting tomorrow morning so that I can present the evidence to you of Elder Linusâs crimes. I sincerely hope that this will be the last time that I have to call out one of my own so publicly, because of their conduct. Am I clear?â
The elders chorused their assent before turning and filing orderly away to attend to whatever they needed to before they reconvened for the meal.
âNicely done your highness,â Bartholomew said quietly, his eyes twinkling with approval.
âI donât know about that.â Ann grumbled, âItâs not exactly the welcome thatâs expected now is it?â âWell, if anything he will know that you are indeed serious about justice for all those that reside in your kingdom and that no one is untouchable. I have a feeling that youâre going to make quite the name for yourself as Alpha Queen.â Bartholomew chuckled.
âEven more so when we get my regal portrait with a shiny crown hanging front and center above the staircase there.â Maeve smirked as Ann cast her eyes across to the half-landing that sat between the ground floor and first floor, and groaned loudly.
âYou are not getting a portrait, Maeve. Thatâs absurd.â She muttered loud enough for both Bartholomew and Adam to hear.
Their barely suppressed smiles irritated Ann a little.