The Hidden Luna Queen (Maeve and Xaden) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Maeve POV

“Maeve is already skinny enough as it is,” Xaden remarked, full of disbelief. “There is no need to restrict her diet any further and I will not hear another word about it. How can we be sure that the machine you’re using is even accurate?”

“I assure you, sire, this device is one of medicine’s newest models. Everything should be in tip–top shape.”

Xaden scoffed, clearly displeased.

“However, initial tests can sometimes be mistaken, Doctor Pearce quickly conceded, preparing the device once more. “If you’d like, I can conduct the test a second time.”

Xaden sighed. “Do what you need to do.”

And with that, the doctor cleaned up the jelly from my abdomen, spread a new, cold layer on top of my reddened skin, and let the wand roam across my belly. There were a few moments needed for the device to recalibrate and re–assess our baby’s vitals, but a high–pitched beep indicated when the test was once again complete.

“I–I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I’m seeing the same results as before.”

“Maybe I should look into getting another doctor,” Xaden snapped, impatient. “Surely they would be competent enough to give us straight answers.”

Doctor Pearce gulped. “I will bring another machine next time. But please, rest assured that your baby is happy and healthy.” Xaden might not have been happy with the doctor’s results, but I was satisfied.

Our baby boy was healthy. That was more than enough for me.

Maggie came back into the room and brought up our shopping plan again. She even recommended a shopping square nearby.

My interest was piqued. The only shopping center I’d known of was the one I went to with Sarah. I had been wary of going back to that place, but then as we waited for the car to pull up, Maggie had suddenly informed me of a street–Mona Road- within a ten–minute drive of Xaden’s mansion, abundant with all the shops we could ever need.

How wonderfully convenient.

Xaden nodded with a hum. “It’s very popular among the capital,” he answered, adjusting the sleeves of his blazer. “Both residents and visitors alike frequent the area, so it rakes in a decent portion of our kingdom’s revenue.*

“It’s a lovely area, Miss Maeve,” Maggie chimed in. “I think you’ll quite like it.”

I found myself excited to explore the capital with them. It was a chance to familiarize myself with my new surroundings.. and a chance to spend time with Xaden, like how I imagined normal couples would.

All of a sudden, Prime Beta Burke entered the mansion in a rush, looking wildly for the prince. “Your Highness,” he called out, sounding slightly out of breath as he ran over to the three of us.

Xaden spun with shock. “Good god, Burke. What’s the problem?”

“I need to see you in your office, sire. Please.”

The urgency in his voice worried me a bit. And judging by the look on Xaden’s face, he was a little on edge by the frazzled appearance, as well. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on inside their heads.

“Can’t this wait?” Xaden asked tentatively. “We were about to head out.”

It didn’t come as a surprise when Burke shook his head fervently. “I’m sorry, sire,” he said. “This needs your immediate

attention”

There was a brief moment of hesitation as Xaden glanced between him and me, but he settled on me with disappointed resignation. “Go on and take a look around. Maggie got my money,” he said, pulling my hand into his and squeezing it. “I’ll join you when I can.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, uncertain. I would have waited for him if he’d asked.

Xaden nodded, smiling at me. “Enjoy yourself. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ve never seen this part of the capital before, I murmured in awe, taking in every bit of the shopping square that I could see. After a short, easy drive to Mona Road, as promised by Xaden, both Maggie and I strolled down the lively, green street.

“There’s so much to see here.” Maggie boasted. “Just let me know if you find a store you want to visit.”

As we passed building after building, business after business, something in a storefront window caught my eye. Immediately, I stopped in my tracks to peer inside….and I saw the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It looks like the dress I fell in love with the moment I saw it in the magazine as a kid. But after realizing that I wanted this dress, Sarah got the dress and burnt it in front of me.

She just wants to let me know that what I don’t deserve can be easily bought and ruined by her.

“You should try it on, Miss Maeve,” Maggie’s voice suddenly appeared from behind me, startling me away from the window.

I glanced at the dress, feeling a surge of longing I’d never had for clothes before.

It was beautiful, like nothing I’d ever seen or worn before. I wanted to try it on, but.. it looked much too elegant for the likes of me. If Sarah were here, she would have berated me for thinking such a thing.

T–I shouldn’t…”

Affronted, Maggie gasped. “What nonsense!” she scolded lightly. “And why shouldn’t you? You deserve to wear nice things just as anyone else shopping here.”

I let her lead me into the boutique and we went up to look more closely at the dress.

“Ladies” A middle–aged woman wearing a simple, all–black dress approached us with a wary look in her eyes. “Is there something I can do for you?”