Another Chance for the Luna Queen novel

Chapter 0268 Ella POV The test rest of the week was a whirlwind .

News outlets hounded Alexander for comments about the kings rumored retirement , speculating wildly about his next move .

Meanwhile , the hunt for Dr.

McIntyre weighed heavily on my mind , especially since there seemed to be no progress .

Alexanders late nights persisted perhaps not every night but close enough and he refused to tell me much .

It seemed that nothing had progressed .

The only thing Alexander told me about was the fact that hed arranged a dinner with his mother and Michael .

It was necessary , but I wasnt looking forward to it .

By the time Saturday night arrived , I was already worn thin from the weeks stress .

Our opera date loomed , and while I wasnt quite in the mood , Alexander had seemed genuinely excited .

I didnt want to disappoint him , so I dutifully slipped into a floor length red gown , carefully styled my hair , and applied my makeup .

I wanted to look my best , even if my heart wasnt entirely in it .

As I was fastening a necklace and deliberating over which earrings to wear , Alexander entered the bedroom .

He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit , exuding effortless charm as usual .

You look gorgeous , he said , approaching me with a warm smile .

I managed a weak smile in return .

Thank you .

You dont seem excited , he observed , his brow furrowing slightly .

I shrugged , unable to muster a convincing denial .

Alexander glanced over my shoulder at the open jewelry box on the vanity .

Still deciding on earrings ? I am , I admitted , staring down at the glittering options .

Perhaps it was just my sour mood making it impossible to choose .

Try these , he said .

I turned to him , confused , and noticed he was holding a small jewelry box tied with a delicate bow .

A gift ? I asked , taking the box from him .

Whats the occasion ? No occasion , he replied smoothly .

I just thought theyd suit you .

I opened the box , revealing a stunning pair of ruby rose earrings .

They sparkled brilliantly , complementing my dress perfectly .

Without hesitation , I fastened them in place and admired the effect in the mirror .

Thank you , I said warmly , my tone sincere this time .

Theyre lovely .

So are you , Alexander replied , his voice soft and unwavering .

For the first time all week , I felt the tension in my chest ease just a little .

The car is waiting for us , if youre ready , Alexander said as he picked my shawl up from the back of my chair .

He wrapped it gently around my shoulders , his fingers brushing my skin .

I fastened it with a simple gold pin , letting its warmth envelope me .

Im ready , I confirmed .

Alexander slipped his arm around me , and together we left the apartment , descending to the car waiting downstairs .

+25 BONUS Chapter 0268 As the car pulled away , Alexander began talking animatedly about the opera .

He explained that it was performed in a foreign language , so I wouldnt understand the lyrics , but assured me the plot was straightforward .

If you have any questions , just ask me .

I know this opera well .

I cant translate every word , but Ill give you the broad strokes of whats happening .

I was surprised again that this was something Alexander was genuinely passionate about .

It didnt seem to fit the personality he projected .

When he first suggested the opera , I assumed it was one of those polished activities hed grown accustomed to for business purposes .

But his enthusiasm told a different story .

When we arrived at the opera house , my mood soured as I spotted reporters and photographers gathered near the entrance .

Their cameras clicked away as glamorous couples walked inside .

I rolled my eyes .

So this was it another publicity date .

It made sense , of course .

With so much attention on Alexander lately , a night like this would work wonders for our public image as a couple .

It was good for the election .

Still , wished he had been upfront about the reason , rather than presenting this as an apology .

I swallowed my frustration and stepped out of the car with a practiced smile , holding my head high .

Alexanders arm remained securely around me as we made our way toward the entrance .

We paused every few steps to pose for photos , ignoring the barrage of shouted questions .

Most of them were directed at Alexander , and nearly all of them revolved around the same topic : Are you running for king ? I kept the smile on my face and my bright attitude as we entered the building , greeting a few other Alphas , Lunas , and high profile individuals on our way upstairs .

But with every familiar face we encountered , a bitter edge crept into my thoughts .

This was good publicity and a necessary part of the campaign that was just beginning but it wasnt an apology .

And it certainly wasnt a date .

It wasnt for me , as hed claimed it was .

When we finally entered our private box , the carefully practiced smile slipped from my face .

I sank heavily into the plush seat , staring down at the empty stage with a mix of expectation and discontent .

Alexander settled into the seat beside me , silent for a few moments .

Finally , he asked , Is everything okay ? Fine , I responded automatically .

Did I do something wrong ? No , I said curtly , refusing to look at him .

I just wish you had told me that this was a PR date instead of making it seem like it was about making things up to me .

Alexander was quiet for several long seconds .

Then he sighed .

I should have warned you about how much media there would be outside , he admitted .

But this is not a publicity stunt .

I really think youll enjoy this If you give it a chance .

Thats a little hard to believe , I said , turning to him with a skeptical glance .

I enjoy opera , he replied evenly .

And I think Ive come to know your taste well enough to believe youll enjoy it too .

I genuinely meant this to be a nice evening for you .

I tilted my head , curiosity outweighing my irritation .

What do you enjoy about it ? I understand the singers are technically very talented and its a difficult art form , but what makes you like it beyond that ? +25 BONUS Chapter 0268 Opera seems uptight to people who dont know much about it , Alexander explained .

Because of that , a lot of people never care to look into it or understand it .

But the storylines are complex , the characters flawed and fascinating , and the drama … theres nothing else like it .

I find it compelling .

A good escape from real life troubles .

Whats this one about ? I asked , glancing toward the empty stage .

The crowd below was filing into their seats , signaling the performance would begin soon .

Its a fairy tale , he said .

About a prince trying to rescue the beautiful princess from her evil mother , the Queen of the Night .

A fairy tale ? I echoed in surprise .

Youre interested in things like that ? I like them when they have meaningful messages and good plots , he replied .

In this case , the harmony between man and woman is something worth fighting for .

Dont you agree ? Alexanders gaze fixed on me with an unexpected intensity making my heart race .

Was there a reason hed chosen this opera tonight ? Was he trying to tell me something ? I turned back to the stage just as the lights began to dim .

The performance was starting Todays Bonus Offer GET IT NOW +25 BONUS Chapter 0260