Marra's voice was calm, practiced. "Alpha Lunaris, it's a pleasure to see you again."
Jax and Cael followed Nova and Marra subtly. They stayed far enough away, where they wouldn't need to greet Renwick, but close enough where they could listen and intervene if necessary.
Renwick Lunaris turned with a wolfish grin, eyes immediately on Nova. "Princess Marra," he said absently, barely sparing her a glance. "Yes, yes. But who is this breathtaking vision beside you?"
"This is Luna of Shadowclaw, Queen of the North." Marra said, pretending not to notice his hungry gaze towards Nova.
"I'd heard whispers of your beauty, but they were... woefully inadequate." He said, walking towards Nova. "Tell me, my queen… are all women of your pack this stunning? Or are you the rare treasure they all hide away?"
Jax felt his insides churn as he saw Renwick Lunaris step in even closer, too close, his eyes devouring every inch of her. His gaze lingered on her mouth before slipping lower, blatantly appraising the line of her throat, the fit of her gown over her curves, the subtle rise of her chest. Jax fought the urge to clench his fists or show any emotion, wanting to rip this man's head off.
But Starfang was still staring at Nova and hadn't moved. Alpha Lunaris was the only thing repelling him away. Jax could feel her inner turmoil.
"Alpha Lunaris," she said evenly.
"Please call me Renwick." He corrected her with a grin.
"Renwick, it's an honor to stand among so many powerful allies today. Marra was just telling me about your pack's stronghold in the western range—I'd love to hear more about how you secured the border trade agreements in that region."
Her smile was poised, the shift in topic swift and unmistakable.
But Renwick only grinned wider, undeterred. "Politics? Smart response, my queen." He stared at her shaking his head and continued, "Gods, I've never seen anything so tempting. What does a man have to do to be granted the honor of your company outside the battlefield?"
"Careful, Alpha. Compliments like that have a way of echoing around a war camp," she said with a coy glint in her eye. "Soon they'll think you're here to win hearts instead of protecting territories."
"Why would Shadowclaw send his finest treasure to a war summit? If it were me, I'd never let you leave my sight. I'd have you chained to my lap where you belong."
Jax stiffened, but Nova never flinched. She tilted her head slightly.
"Perhaps because he trusts his Luna not to be overwhelmed by smoke and sharp teeth dressed as wolves," she said.
The air shifted behind her. But, Renwick didn't stop.
"A wordsmith I see. Allowing you here is bold. Maybe too bold. But then again…" His gaze dropped again, slow and shameless. "Maybe he doesn't understand the value of what he's risking."
Nova didn't flinch, but a storm brewed behind her eyes. Cael stepped forward slightly, silent and watching, a warning in his posture.
Nova met his gaze without blinking, her voice calm but edged in command. "He's not risking anything, Alpha Renwick. Because nothing about me is uncertain. Not my loyalty. Not my strength. And certainly not my place."
Cael and Jax both were pleasantly shocked by this answer. They felt a surge of pride for their Luna. Through the matebond, Jax felt her anxiety rise. But from the outside, she looked nothing but confident, calm, and powerful.
Renwick chuckled, entirely unfazed. "Don't worry, little Queen. If your Alpha grows tired of the game, there are others who would know exactly how to keep you… properly occupied."
"If you knew how to keep a queen properly occupied, Alpha, you wouldn't be standing alone." Nova said with a playful grin and tilt of her head.
By now, no one was even pretending not to listen. The crowd had stilled, every eye fixed on Nova and Renwick. Most stood in stunned silence, unable to believe that a young Luna—newly crowned—was holding her ground against Alpha Renwick of Lunaris, one of the most powerful Alphas on the continent… and that he was letting her.
"Oh, you're sharp," he purred, clearly enjoying himself. "That makes it better. I do love a woman who bites."
Nova blinked slowly, her tone mild but firm. "That's kind of you, but I don't bite without cause. You'd remember if I did."
Renwick straightened slightly, grinning at Nova like a cat who'd found a mouse worth chasing.
"Careful, beautiful Queen. Keep talking like that and I might just offer you my throne instead of my lap."
She raised a brow, and smiled again. "It's a lovely sentiment. But I imagine your lap is far easier to offer than your kingdom."
He chuckled low, stepping in even closer to her.
"Depends who's asking. I've given plenty of power away for less than a smile like yours." His eyes gleamed. "But if you're the prize, I'd surrender the throne and the war."
"Careful, those who mistake my silence for submission tend to bleed confidence by the time they realize the difference."
Renwick's grin twitched at the corner, intrigued.
"Clever little blade, aren't you?" He looked her up and down again—this time slower, but with less mockery. "You wear power better than most kings."
He smirked again, but there was something sharper beneath it now. "I may flirt, Luna. You may be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. But I'm no fool."
"I expected you to be bold. But not… entertaining." She gave a faint, knowing smile and added, "It's rare that charm and cunning come in the same package."
"You know," he murmured, eyes narrowing slightly, "I came looking to rattle a Luna, rumored to be the most beautiful woman Varos. But it seems she came prepared to rattle kings."
He gave a bow, "Well played. I'll remember this little exchange."
Then, turning to Marra with a glint in his eye, "I see you've found your equal in wit, Princess Marra. Or should I say, Gamma." He tilted his head in a show of mock admiration. "Fitting. Very fitting."
His voice dipped low, barely audible to anyone but the three of them— but Jax and Cael could also hear. "Starfang is looking this way."
With a final smirk at Nova, he said louder, "I'll see you soon, my queen."
Nova nodded politely and continued walking forward with Marra at her side. Her crown and cloak catching the torchlight as she passed. Jax and Cael followed, silent sentinels.
From behind her, she heard Renwick's voice.
"Ah, Starfang," he called out, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Still hanging around the high tables, I see. I thought you'd taken your wars to the South ridge by now."
"Ah yes. I prefer strategy. Something you'd understand, if you ever led from more than a banquet. I heard your feast took longer than the signal to moving out did." Starfang snarled back.
Renwick straightened, ice in his eyes. "Strategy? You call hiding behind your wall strategy? Your father built that fortress with his own hands because someone else should've. You rely on legacy while I earn mine."
Starfang tightened his cloak, voice loud for anyone within earshot to hear. "Earn yours? You trade allegiances like they're tokens at a fair. By the time your 'earning' catches wind, the truth has already spoken."
Renwick inclined his head, mock respect in his gesture. "Bravo. You're still rehearsing your monologue. I've moved on while you're still collecting laurels for battles you claimed you won."
Starfang stood frozen for a moment, gaze locked on her retreating figure—before he glared back at Renwick. "You'll pay for all your words."
Renwick merely smiled, folding his arms. "Not all words need payment. Some just need to be remembered."
Nova and Marra continued moving towards the Shadowclaw camp.