The Queen

Watching Kestrel, Luther found himself surprised. Kestrel seemed to be breezing through the climb, better than he had guessed, even better than some high-born alphas he had walked with before.

With a comforting grin, he told her, "We're almost at the Queen's place. She's really kind and gracious. Just be yourself, but also, you know, polite."

Kestrel recalled meeting Luther on that chaotic night at the Earl's home.

She remembered how he had this vibe of being so done with the nobles. You could just tell he was a top player in the Empire's game.

But here, near the Queen's quarters, he was different—gentler, peaceful, with loads of respect for the Queen. It was so different from the Luther she remembered.

It made her wonder, "The Queen has ruled for ages, but what's she like, really?"

...

"What's the Queen like?" On another floor of the Tower, Brandon teased Ren. "Why the sudden curiosity?"