Chapter 30
Fiona POV
With a cup of coffee in hand, I make my way to Nolan’s office, knocking lightly before entering. Our routine is so solid now that he doesn’t even look up as I set the mug in front of him. He merely reaches out and takes it, lifting and then sipping the coffee.
“Fiona, wait,” Nolan says before I can make it to the door. “You have been working very hard and have done exceptionally well at every task given to you since you started working here.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s I who should be thanking you, Fiona. I know your life hasn’t been easy, but you’ve picked up the pieces wonderfully and have done very well for yourself,” he says, and the genuine tone has my heart fluttering. I don’t remember the last time someone thanked me with such sincerity.
Also, the fact that it is Nolan who is thanking me makes everything so much more special. My face heats up at his compliment, and I bite my lip.
“Since you’ve done so well, I’d like you to help me with a special project that’s coming up,” he says, and I nod. I sit in the chair in front of his desk when he motions to it. “The annual Festival of the Moon is coming up, and as King, I am to host and attend the festival. I would like your help planning everything.”
I’m shocked at his words but a sense of embarrassment hits me at the same time.
“What if I’ve never been to the festival? I wouldn’t know how to help you,” I admit, looking down at my lap.
“Never?” He asks, and without looking up, I shake my head.
“I…” I don’t want to tell him why, but I know he’ll ask. Everyone always does. “No. Never.”
The silence that sits between us stretches until he hums and asks, “Why not?”
“I was never welcomed. As an orphan, I was shunned often and the festival was always filled with high-class werewolves and their families,” I mutter, twisting the hem of my top with my fingers. “A lot of lower-class wolves feel like they can’t attend the festival because we’re not welcomed.”
“I had no idea. The festival is open to anyone who wants to attend. It’s a chance to celebrate the werewolf culture while also celebrating the Moon Goddess,” he says. I nod, knowing this. Everyone knows this, but there are too many people who feel like they can’t attend because of how they are treated by the upper class.
No one wants to go somewhere where they feel left out and looked down upon.
“I’ve never thought of this before,” Nolan says again. “Do you have any ideas of how to make everyone feel welcomed? This is a festival for the entire Kingdom, not just the high-class.”
His thoughtful question warms my heart again, and I realize why he is King. He listens to the worries and thoughts of those around him. He may seem cold and calculating, but he’s quite kind underneath that cool façade.
“I think it would help if you clearly announced that the festival is for everyone, not just the upper class. A lot of people know this, but it would help if they heard it, too,” I tell him, finally looking up. “It would also be good to include some more casual events that the lower class would feel comfortable attending.”
Nolan nods in understanding, “I guess we should get started with the planning, then, shouldn’t we?”
I stare at him for a moment, unsure what to say. I’ve been hoping that I would be able to do something that would make a difference, but I didn’t think I’d actually get the chance.
Now, Nolan is giving me that opportunity.
“Yes, let’s get started.”
After a few hours of planning, I find my insides buzzing because this is the longest amount of time I’ve spent close to Nolan. His breath fans against my neck as he points at something on the paper, but I can’t pay attention.
He’s so close. He’s been close this whole time, and it’s driving me crazy.
At least we have a clear plan now. The Festival of the Moon will be a celebration of life that accepts everyone, no matter what status they are.
There will be a large feast where everyone can mingle and submit traditional meals to share. We’ll have a celebration of culture through music where people of all ages can show their talents in a show. Then, there will be a time for job appreciation where all types of jobs will be publicly recognized for the roles they play in keeping the Kingdom running. And lastly, there will be a carnival where families can have fun with their children or where people can have fun with their friends.
“I think this is a great start, Fiona,” Nolan says as I look down at our list and rub at my eyes. “We will split these responsibilities and go from here to get things done. Why don’t you work on planning the feast and the carnival while I work on the music show and job appreciation displays?”
Another yawn falls from my mouth, but I cover it quickly, not wanting Nolan to think it’s because of him.
“I think that will work,” I say, agreeing. Things will come together much quicker if we split the load.
“Ah, our takeout is here,” Nolan says, hanging up his phone. I hadn’t even heard it ring, which tells me I’m more tired than I thought I was. Pushing myself up, I start walking toward the door, but a hand on my shoulder stops me. “I’ll go get it.”
“Are you sure? I can—”
“It’s fine,” Nolan says with a small smile. “I’ve got it. You can take a minute to rest, and I’ll be right back.”
I don’t want to argue because I am tired, so I watch him leave before walking over to the couch and taking a seat. My eyes stay locked on the door, but they grow heavier with each passing moment until they finally fall closed, and I drift off into the darkness.
“Fiona…” something touches my shoulder, and a pleasurable tingle pricks my skin. “Fiona, wake up.”
Nolan stands above me as I blink and force myself to come back to my senses.
“You’re exhausted, Fiona. Let me take you home.”
“I-I can…” I let my words fall off when I look up at him. He’s still holding the takeout containers, but the worry in his eyes has me softening. Does he know what those eyes do to me?
“That’s probably a good idea,” I whisper. The soft smile that pulls at his lips has my insides melting even more, and when he sets the food aside to slide his arms under my back and legs, I nearly stop breathing.
The warmth from his body is so comfortable that my eyelids grow heavy again. I try to fight it, to push against him so he’ll put me down, but he only tightens his arms around me.
“Sleep. I’ll get you home safely.”
