Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV

“Hello, Cercei,” Monsieur’s smooth yet chilling voice sent shivers down my spine. His appearance had not changed since the day I left his mansion.

“Monsieur,” I managed to utter, a mixture of surprise and fear leaving me momentarily speechless. My mind turned blank, beads of cold sweat forming on my forehead.

He offered a smile, his hand finding its place on my waist as we danced. Meanwhile, I remained rooted to the spot, struggling to process everything.

“Relax, Cers. I remember you as a skilled dancer,” he spoke casually, as if oblivious to the evil deeds he had committed. As if he hadn’t abused my mother, dug out my father’s heart as he mercilessly killed him.

Suddenly, I felt a firm tug pulling me away from his clasp. Lucian stood protectively in front of me, and like a frightened puppy wanting protection, I hastily hid behind him.

“A pleasure to meet you, My Lord,” Monsieur said with a hint of mockery.

“I see you have brought my servant along,” Monsieur attempted to look at me, but Lucian shielded me from his gaze.

“And your lovely maid,” Lucian responded with a similar mocking tone. Monsieur’s face turned slightly gloomy, but he quickly forced a smile.

“I was unaware you had a fondness for some of my belongings, My Lord. I would have gladly offered them to you. No need to steal them away,” he remarked while Lucian’s grip on my hand tightened.

“I merely wanted to return the favor after you robbed my mother’s life,” Lucian replied, his fists clenched. I stared at his back in wide-eyed astonishment, my heart pounding.

“It was never-”

“I will destroy your life far more than you ever shattered mine. Your empire will crumble, and your legacy will forever be buried. I will personally inflict on you a torment that is so unbearable and painful that you’ll beg your death,” Lucian interjected, his voice dripping with fury that left me with goosebumps. Monsieur clenched his jaw, the tension in the air was dreadful.

He drew me away from the bustling dance floor and led me through the quiet garden. Once there, he released my hand and ran his fingers through his hair, a sign of madness.

“What happened to your Mother?” I asked quietly, cautiously. His bloodshot eyes met mine, and the pain in them was evident.

“She’s gone,” he replied briefly.

“How did it happen?”

“And now you care?” His retort dripped with sarcasm.

“You left without a word. You fucking left me alone without even giving me a valid reason! I felt like a fool!” He erupted, pacing back and forth. Thankfully, there was no one else around to witness our emotional exchange.

“I had no choice-”

“I call it bullshit, Cercei,” he ruthlessly cut me off. My eyes reddened, teardrops forming, but I fought to appear strong, hoping he would understand.

“I did it for your sake!” I shouted back at him.

“I don’t want you to get hurt. This is not your battle. Monsieur is a monster; he’ll stop at nothing to take back my mother and imprison us. I can’t let you become collateral damage!” I raised my voice, hoping he would hear me between our shouting.

“Collateral damage?” He scoffed.

“He murdered my mother,” his words caught my breath, leaving me frozen in shock. I attempted to speak, but words failed me. I was utterly stunned.

“He killed her in an ambush,” he whispered, a tear tracing its path down his cheek.

“Does that sound like collateral damage to you?” He turned to face me, eyes reddened with pain and guilt, seething with a thirst for revenge and justice.

I could only look at him with pity.

“Don’t look at me with pity,” he averted his eyes.

“Lucian-”

“I don’t need your fucking pity, Cercei. I will make him suffer in many ways beyond his imagination. I’ll have my revenge, and he will pay it with his own blood,” he clenched his jaw.

Then, he walked away, returning to the ball as though nothing had happened. I struggled to process his revelation. Monsieur had killed his mother in an ambush?Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Was it because of me? A lump formed in my throat at the thought. Was it because he tried to protect us on Dinan? I had sensed that this might happen. Monsieur wouldn’t let him get away after he intervened.

If only I had pushed him away the day he walked into that café. This is all my fault. He lost his mother because of me.

I went back to the grand hall and spotted him engaged in conversation with a woman. My eyes widened in surprise after recognizing her. It was Miss Shire, Vienna’s cousin. She was the one who had stood up for me when I faced humiliation at the ball in the mansion. I was about to approach them when I hesitated. She had a very womanly smile, playfully hitting Lucian’s chest and tucking her hair. I knew that look all too well; I had witnessed many women act similarly in front of Lucian at the café. It was obvious that she was flirting with him.

My chest ached as I watched them together. She was the kind of woman he deserved, elegant and sophisticated, wealthy and of noble kin, kind and compassionate.

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, you know,” a voice behind me sounded, and I turned around in surprise.

“Oh my god, Vincent?” I exclaimed, delighted to see him. He laughed at my reaction, holding a champagne glass.

“Why are you so surprised?” he asked, amusement apparent in his eyes. I wanted to hug him, but I refrained from drawing any more attention. A low-blood whore like me embracing another powerful, young bachelor Alpha like Vincent would undoubtedly raise eyebrows.

“I always forget you’re an Alpha; you don’t really exude the typical vibes,” I joked, clicking my tongue playfully.

“Out of all the things you could inherit, it just had to be your Aunt’s tongue?” he quipped, and we shared a laugh.

“I know you miss me, husband,” I teased, emphasising the last word. He gave me a disgusted look, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

“You say that word so often; some might think you’re looking forward to it,” he pretended to be shocked, dramatically placing a hand on his chest.

“Shut up,” I retorted, rolling my eyes at him again.

“What a serious lack of respect from Lady Red,” he remarked with a wink. Oh, great, so Lucian’s lie about our relationship had reached him too. Did everyone at this ball really believe that we were involved romantically?

Changing the topic, I asked, “Who’s your date?” as I didn’t see anyone beside him.

“I’m a strong, independent man,” he simply replied, taking a sip of his champagne.

“Ohh, Mr. Heartbreaker doesn’t have a date. Did the ocean run out of water?” I teased.

We both chuckled when I felt a familiar presence behind me. A commanding arm encircled my waist, and Vincent’s stare shifted from me to the newcomer. Lucian pulled me closer, and the air around him exuded authority. Vincent slightly bowed to him while grinning ear to ear.

“My Lord Red,” Vincent greeted him cheerfully. I shot him a sharp look, silently telling him that now was not the time for stunts.

“Lord Hamilton,” Lucian’s response didn’t sound much like a greeting; it was more of a warning. Vincent’s grin, however, remained unshaken, as if everything was an amusing game to him.