Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0186 I glanced at James , who nodded slightly , always ready to help .

The idea was starting to feel more real , more possible .

If I could pull this off , it wouldnt just be a gift it would be a memory .

Something meaningful .

Something perfect .

The three of us began making our way toward the tailor shop .

As we walked , my mind started to wander again .

It felt almost absurd to be focused on something as trivial as shopping for a gift not just because my relationship with Alexander wasnt truly romantic , but because the looming presence of Amanda and David clung to my thoughts like a shadow .

Did I really have the luxury to focus on this while they were scheming , possibly plotting something far worse ? It might have been a mistake to delay responding to Amandas text message , but Alexander had assured me he had it handled , and Elizabeth had promised to investigate .

So , what else could I do ? Are you dwelling on unpleasant thoughts again ? Elizabeth asked , her voice breaking through my spiraling concerns .

How can you tell ? The look on your face , she replied , giving me a knowing glance .

You look like youve just bitten into something sour .

I sighed .

Its hard not to worry , even in the middle of such a great day .

Things are going to turn out fine , she said with quiet confidence .

Youve got friends on your side people who will make sure every precaution is taken .

Its okay to let your guard down a little .

Youre not in this alone .

My throat tightened at her words .

She had no idea how much they meant to me , how deeply her words comforted me .

I hadnt realized I needed to hear it .

Still , I hesitated .

I just dont want to let my guard down and risk something bad happening .

Elizabeth nodded , her expression softening .

I understand , she said .

Then , with a bright smile , she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and gave me a reassuring squeeze .

But now is not the time for that .

Now is the time for celebration and for planning happy occasions .

And dont forget youve got a date night to focus on , right ? Everything else can wait for a little while .

How are you always able to look on the bright side ? I asked , genuinely impressed by her unshakable positivity .

Its simple , she said , her smile unwavering .

Im always prepared for the worst case scenario .

So , if it happens , its not as scary .

Thats … a curious attitude , I admitted .

Truthfully , though , I could see the logic .

If you already had a plan for the worst , there was no point in dwelling on what might go wrong .

It comes with the territory of being the kings daughter , she explained .

You always have to be ready for anything .

If you dont learn how to deal with that without panicking , well … theres really no time left for living .

Her words hung in the air , offering me both comfort and a lesson I wasnt sure Id mastered yet .

But in that moment , I resolved to try .

Id managed to make things work in the original timeline .

I wasnt happy as the Luna Queen , but I had done my job well .

Maybe this time around , I could balance being a leader and being happy with my life .

Before I could respond , my phone buzzed insistently , the familiar ringtone cutting through the air .

A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it I recognized it immediately as Alexanders .

1/2 Chapter 0186 +25 BONUS My heart fluttered , a small thrill rushing through me at the thought of hearing his voice again .

I quietly scolded myself for the reaction , mentally chastising the ridiculous crush that refused to loosen its grip .

I had to get a handle on this .

But despite my internal reprimand , the warmth in my heart was stubborn .

Taking a steadying breath , I slipped my phone from my pocket and answered , doing my best to sound composed .