CHAPTER ELEVEN

Queen Nikita's POV

"Not right now," I muttered to myself as I walked through the palace halls.

"Sorry, my Queen," one of my helpers said, bowing slightly. "But you'll need to start preparing for tonight."

"Tonight?" I asked, confused.

Then it hit me.

"Oh, shit." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I had almost forgotten—I was supposed to have dinner with my family tonight. Not just my family, but the members of my council as well, the vampires I considered family.

"Yes, my Queen," she said, watching me expectantly.

"Right, I'm going. Thank you." I turned to leave, but she spoke again.

"What about your visitor? Should we get her ready for dinner?"

I hesitated, my mind racing. Ziaani wasn't ready for this. She didn't know the truth yet, and she couldn't find out—not now. If the council started asking questions, things could get complicated.

After a moment, I nodded. "Yes, get her ready. Make sure she looks presentable."

"Yes, my Queen," she replied, bowing before heading toward the garden.

Once I reached my chambers, I sank onto my bed, rubbing my temples. How was I going to introduce Ziaani as the chosen one? As my mate?

A feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time crept into my chest—worry.

This dinner needed to go perfectly, but she wasn't ready. And if they told her the truth or started questioning her, everything could fall apart.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath.

I needed a plan. Fast.

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Ziaani's POV

What is happening?

I just want to go home.

My dad must be worried sick. Even if I do go home, he'll be disappointed I missed my last track race. Wait… was it last Friday? Or is it this Friday?

I had no idea how long I'd been here. Everything about this place was confusing.

Still lost in thought, I barely noticed someone approaching me.

"Sorry to disturb you, Luna, but I'm here to help you get ready for tonight."

I blinked at her. "Luna?" I repeated, confused.

She didn't respond—just looked at me like I was the one saying something weird.

"Wait… tonight? What's happening tonight?" My chest tightened with unease.

"The dinner. Our Queen didn't tell you about it?" she asked, still looking at me like I was supposed to know.

"She definitely didn't," I mumbled.

"Is there anything I can explain? Since you're confused—"

"How did you—" I started, but then it clicked. "Oh, right. Vampire hearing."

I exhaled sharply. "Okay, so what exactly is happening tonight? Why do I have to get ready? Isn't it just going to be me and the Queen?"

"No, Luna. The council is coming to celebrate your arrival. Everyone is eager to meet you… you being the chos—"

"Shouldn't you be in the kitchen?" the Queen's voice suddenly cut through the air, making the girl flinch.

She bowed immediately. "Yes, my Queen." Then, without another word, she scurried off.

I turned toward Queen Nikita as she walked up and sat beside me.

"I'm sure you're confused about the dinner," she said.

I scoffed, not looking at her. "That's not the only thing I'm confused about."

Silence settled between us.

And for once, she didn't have a response.