Chapter 15:Moving in Together

Alistair stood in the vast hall at a big oak table covered with maps, his fingertips tracing their kingdom's borders. Arthur stood across from him with arms crossed, waiting for the debrief. "The attack was no coincidence," Alistair continued, his tone steady but tinged with rage. "They knew exactly where we would be, exactly when to strike." "We were expected," Alistair muttered with a low snarl.

Arthur clenched his fists. "It was too perfect. They were waiting at the exact location we planned to attack from. This wasn't a coincidence."

"No, it wasn't." Alistair turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Arthur. "Someone is feeding them information. And I want to know who."

Arthur nodded. "I will question the warriors who knew of our movements."

"No." Alistair's voice was firm, final. "We cannot afford to let the traitor know we are hunting them. If they realize we are onto them, they will cover their tracks—or worse, flee to the vampires with more information."

Arthur's eyes widened as he realized something. "You want me to investigate quietly."

"Discreetly and thoroughly," Alistair stated. "For the time being, just you and I need to be aware of this. Begin with the people who had access to our strategy discussions. Look for inconsistencies—who seemed overly enthusiastic for the combat, who hesitated when the ambush occurred, and who had a reason to leave right before we left." His eyes clouded. "Leave no stone unturned."

Arthur bent his head slightly. "It will be done." Alistair breathed sharply, his thoughts already racing ahead. With vampires closing in on their borders and their kingdom on the verge of war, they didn't need a spy in their midst.

Arthur, his face gloomy, took a stride toward the towering doors. But just before leaving, he hesitated. A second later, he turned back, his piercing eyes fixed on Alistair, who stood near the big fireplace, staring into the fire. His voice was steady yet filled with silent urgency. "I'm not saying this as your Beta, but as your friend… as your brother." He took a determined step forward. "Not informing the Luna about the fall of the last human kingdom is not a sensible decision, "especially now that she's proven herself."

Alistair tensed, his hands curling into fists by his sides. He exhaled softly and turned to face his Beta, his golden eyes as steely as steel. "She is just a girl," he stated firmly. "Tell her something like this, and she will break." It's too much pressure and burden for her to bear."

Arthur's jaw stiffened, but he did not back away. "You underestimate her," he replied, his tone unyielding. "The Luna is not the weak and dumb woman that people once believed she was. She has demonstrated her strength. She can handle the pressure."

Alistair's stance remained tight as a shadow crossed his face. "I don't want to speak of this again." His tone was firm, with no room for disagreement.

A heavy silence hung between them. Arthur studied him for a long moment, then gave a slow, knowing nod. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the Grand Hall, the heavy doors closing behind him with a resounding thud. Alistair exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair, but his eyes remained fixed on the flames, as if searching for answers he did not want to find.

........

The warm water lapped gently across her skin as Harriet reclined back in the huge marble tub, allowing the heat to relax her muscles. Steam curled in the air, bearing the aromas of lavender and chamomile. It was one of the few times she allowed herself to relax. But just as she closed her eyes, a small noise pierced the silence: footsteps, the distinctive shuffling of movement, the sound of furniture being moved. She frowned. Who would dare to enter her chamber without permission?

The noises became louder, with voices muttering, fabric rustling, and metal clinking. Her heartbeat quickened. She stepped out of the water, wrapped a silk robe around her damp body, tightened it around her waist, and walked toward the door. She froze as she entered her bedroom. Several maids were hurrying about, carrying folded clothes, positioning boots near the closet, and placing nicely packed trunks. Some were even rearranging the cushions on her bed. Her eyebrows furrowed. "What do you think you're doing?" Her voice, while calm, had an edge that made the maids flinch.

One of the braver ones straightened and bowed. "Forgive us, Luna. The Alpha instructed us to move his things into your chamber."

Harriet blinked. "He what?"

Another maid, kneeling by the foot of the bed, nodded eagerly. "Yes, my lady. From now on, the Alpha and Luna will share the same chambers." For a moment, she simply stared at them, her mind processing the words. Her cheeks warmed—not just from the bath but from the realization that her husband had made this decision without even telling her. Alistair was moving in. They would be living together, sharing the same space, the same bed…

Her lips parted, but no words emerged. The maids paused, unsure if she was upset or happy. She finally straightened. "Fine. Carry on. But as she returned to the bathroom, she made a mental note to have a very pointed chat with Alistair later.