CHAPTER TWELVE

Zianni's POV

As we sat in silence, I finally broke it.

"What's the dinner about tonight? I can tell it's something big."

"It's nothing," the queen said. "Just some family and my council members coming over for dinner to discuss the next course of action."

"Nothing?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, its nothing just on —what the next steps should be."

"Aren't you the queen? Shouldn't you be making the decisions?"

She sighed. "You have a lot to learn about being queen. It's not just about making decisions. Yes, I am the one they take orders from, but those decisions must go through my council members first."

I frowned. "Then what's the point of being queen if you have to ask for permission to rule your own kingdom?"

"It's not asking for permission," she corrected. "It's about making sure I make the right decisions. The council helps me finalize my choices and the plans for the kingdom."

I still didn't get it. "If you're the queen, shouldn't everything you say go?" I challenged, looking her in the eyes.

"Yes, but a queen can't just make dramatic decisions on a whim. The council ensures the best path is taken."

"So... it's boring being queen," I muttered.

She shook her head. "No, it's more complicated than that."

"Oh, come on," I scoffed. "You just sit there, make decisions, and—oh yeah—kidnap people while you're at it." I looked away, feeling a surge of irritation.

The queen's voice was firm but calm. "It's not as easy as you think, Zianni. You wouldn't understand… but hopefully, you will one day."

"Let's hope it's soon," I said sarcastically.

"Why?" I asked. "Why do I need to understand? I'm not a queen."

She hesitated, stopping herself from saying something. Instead, she simply said, "You'll understand one day. Now, get ready for tonight." Her tone had turned cold.

"Wait, what?" I asked, my stomach twisting with unease. "Why do I need to get ready? I'll just be sitting in the room the entire time. It's not like I'll be having dinner with you guys… right?"

The queen looked at me, her expression unreadable. "Relax. I just want you to meet some people, that's all."

"You mean vampires," I corrected.

"What's the difference?" she asked.

I gave her a pointed look. "Vampires are blood-sucking monsters. People are humans—with compassion. And we don't kill for fun."

"For fun?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. I've read all about vampires. I know what you guys are like."

"You need to stop reading lies," she said, shaking her head. "Are humans always this gullible?"

"No, we're just not monsters," I shot back, looking away.

"Monsters?" she murmured, reaching out and gently turning my face back toward her.

Her gaze locked onto mine, and for some reason, it sent a strange feeling twisting in my stomach—one I didn't understand and definitely didn't like.

She cupped my face, her voice softer now. "I know you're worried. Just know that nothing will hurt you… or anyone else, for that matter."

Then, she stood up and held out her hand. I hesitated for a second before grabbing it, letting her pull me up as we walked through the palace.

After a moment, she turned to me and said, "Don't forget—you're a Luna."

Before I could ask what that meant, she vanished in a flash, leaving me confused.

Luna? What did that even mean?