The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 669: Draven Gives Clear Orders to His Father

Two weeks afterward, deep in the hushed silence of the night, Meredith suddenly awoke from her rest.

A sharp, solid push within her abdomen jolted her fully alert, chased by a second one—more intense this time. Her breath hitched for an instant as her palm naturally slid to her belly, applying light pressure to soothe the feeling.

"Draven..."

At the sound of her voice, he roused in a flash, his senses keen despite slumber. "What is it?" he questioned, shifting toward her right away, his voice watchful yet steady.

"They are moving," she murmured, her tone gentler now, laced with a touch of wonder instead of worry.

Draven propped himself upright, his focus entirely on her. "Now?"

Meredith nodded before taking his hand and placing it on her belly. "Here."

A short instant passed with no sensation. Then, a distinct kick bumped against his hand, trailed by another, more purposeful shift.

Draven froze in place. His typical poise appeared to soften as a profound emotion emerged in his features.

He sensed it once more—a tiny yet insistent power, causing his eyes to flicker as if anchoring to the truth of the moment.

"They are strong," he whispered softly.

Meredith released a gentle sigh, the initial shock melting into affection. "They startled me."

Yet a smile now curved her lips.

Draven left his hand in position. He held it firm there, nearly guarding, reluctant to overlook any motion.

Soon after, he murmured again, pride threading his voice quietly. "Are you two preparing to come out already?"

Meredith gave a soft laugh. "You are getting ahead of yourself. There are still months before that happens."

Draven looked her way, then bent close to plant a quick kiss on her cheek. "I still can’t wait."

—

Come morning, the palace resumed its familiar bustle.

Meredith and Draven met her grandmother in the dining hall, breakfast laid out and ready.

The air felt relaxed, brimming with gentle talk and a comfort that had grown routine among them. No haste marked their actions, no strain hung about, just peaceful closeness.

Once breakfast ended, Meredith stood and approached her grandmother. "Grandma, let’s take a walk," she suggested softly.

"Mmm." The elderly woman agreed with a hum.

Draven observed them a moment before dipping his head. "Don’t go too far."

Meredith shot him a glance that showed she’d noted his words, though she offered no reply, and departed with her grandmother.

The instant they vanished, Draven’s face altered subtly. "Oscar."

Oscar materialized promptly. "Your Majesty."

"Send for my father."

Oscar inclined his head. "At once."

—

Upon Meredith and her grandmother’s return from the stroll, the palace basked in the cozy warmth of the nearing afternoon.

Within her room, Meredith perched on the bed’s edge, tweaking her gown a touch as she breathed out in mild ease.

Her grandmother trailed inside and promptly grasped her foot. "Sit properly," she directed.

Meredith straightened up, used to the command. Then her grandmother started kneading her foot.

Her motions flowed with skill and certainty, honed by habit. No doubt colored her touch as she pressed the key spots, relieving the faint ache from their walk.

Meredith eased right away, exhaling softly while reclining a bit. "That feels good," she confessed.

"It should," her grandmother answered evenly, persisting. Moments later, she noted, "You are not swollen."

Meredith peeked downward quickly. "I’ve been careful."

Her grandmother murmured approval quietly, then worked on in quiet for some time before resuming speech.

"Your son has a strong personality."

Meredith’s brow furrowed faintly, puzzling it out. "What do you mean?"

"He does not like his father being close to you," her grandmother explained, voice remaining level.

A short lull followed as Meredith absorbed the statement. Then, gradually, insight struck. Her face changed in a heartbeat.

"...Grandma."

Her grandmother pressed on, as if voicing plain truth. "And you are too protective."

That sealed the comprehension completely, and a light blush tinged Meredith’s cheeks. She averted her gaze, abruptly conscious of the hint dropped.

"I..." she began, then trailed off. Ultimately, she just nodded, opting against defense or detail.

Her grandmother, familiar with her nature, dropped it there. Rather, she allowed the exchange to fade as her fingers eased.

"You should continue your exercises," she advised, steering away smoothly.

Meredith agreed with another nod, thankful for the shift. "I will."

And with that, their talk flowed onward, abandoning just a subtle, wordless echo.

---

Draven occupied a seat already upon their entry, positioned in a compact lounge off the primary corridor.

The area stayed hushed and secluded, picked for seclusion over luxury.

He lounged against the couch with apparent nonchalance, one arm draped over the rest like it was an offhand chat instead of a pressing call.

The entrance swung open, Oscar stepping through ahead of Randall.

Randall halted midway and inclined respectfully. "Your Majesty."

"Rise." Draven gave a curt nod in recognition, motioning to a couch. "Sit."

Randall rose and claimed the facing seat, but stiffness in his frame betrayed his unease. His stare probed Draven intently, probing for the summons’ cause.

Draven’s eyes flicked momentarily. "Oscar. You may leave us."

"You may leave us." Oscar bowed swiftly and exited, shutting the door to isolate the pair.

Randall shattered the quiet first. "Is there an emergency?" he inquired, voice measured yet tinged with doubt. "You sent for me urgently."

"There is an important matter," Draven responded.

Randall settled back a fraction, focus intensifying. "I’m listening."

Draven cut straight to it. "It concerns my mother. Rosalie."

Her name evoked an instant shift in Randall, casualness fleeing as chill settled over him.

"What about her?" he demanded, tone growing taut.

Draven held his stare firmly. "I want you to release her from that prison you kept her in and escort her into the palace yourself."