Chapter 48

Conaan stood by the large window, his head tilted slightly upward as he watched the moon. The stars were abundant, and the moon was full, most of its glow lighting up half of his face.

"Your Highness?"

He turned to Brandon, who walked in, his hand clasped around his small knife.

"Did something happen?"

He shook his head. "Not much. I wanted to see how you were faring, with your birthday being tomorrow."

Conaan's brows furrowed as he gave an amused snicker. "It is not the end of the world."

"Surely. A few alphas have proposed their presence so as to pay tribute to you, including Alexander. I could decline them if you do not want it."

Conaan shrugged. "It happens once a year. By next year, I could have wiped them out, so let us be gracious this time."

Brandon laughed. "They do not want to hear that."

Conaan did not reply, but a smile lightened up his features. Silence fell between them, and Brandon gave a small sigh.

"Esmeralda..."<