**CHAPTER FOUR** **Anna's POV** The night had wrapped me in its velvety embrace while Daniel lay securely in my arms, our souls entwined in a dance both intoxicating and sweet. His kisses sent tremors through me, his whispers igniting my cheeks with warmth as I hastily brushed on some powder, trying to tame the surge of emotions within me. Today was not just any day; it was my birthday, a sacred moment when I would stand before the moon goddess once more, the council awaiting her wisdom with bated breath. Yet, lost in my thoughts of Daniel, I didn't care about the council's intrigue. He was mine now, and surely, the goddess would see that. "Happy birthday, my heartbeat!" Alex's voice cut through my distracted ruminations, his smile bright enough to light up the dim room. I shook my head, a smile teasing my lips, "Thanks, but I’m not your heartbeat. You wouldn’t want that, trust me." As I attempted to walk past him, his hand latched onto my wrist, anchoring me in place, and before I could protest, he captured my lips with his. The shock of the kiss sent my heart racing, my eyes widening in disbelief. Reflexively, I slapped him, the sound of my palm against his skin echoing in the silent air like a weapon unleashed. I stumbled back, emotions swirling violently within me, a storm of confusion and anger fueled by his unexpected advances. "I’m sorry for my impulsive behavior. I don't know what’s happening to me, not since last night," he stammered, his gaze shifting from confusion to helplessness. But something about him felt different this time. A magnetic pull tugged at my very being, compelling me to draw closer. In a moment fueled by primal instinct, I reached out, sinking my teeth into his skin. The mark I left was a burning emblem of ownership, a claim that felt both empowering and terrifying. Breathless, I pulled him nearer, our lips crashing again as I whispered between kisses, "You are mine now." "I don’t think Daniel would appreciate that," Alex murmured. My heart sunk at the mention of his name. I pulled back, gazing into Alex's eyes only to find Daniel standing just a few paces away. “Daniel,” I called softly, but he turned his back on me, walking away in silence, the coldness of his retreat sending a shiver down my spine. Alex, sensing my turmoil, continued, "I'm yours now, so why pursue him? Focus on me." "He is mine too," I snapped, breaking free from his grasp and dashing after Daniel, desperation propelling my feet. But then I came to an abrupt halt as I spotted an unexpected figure by the entrance—Terri Clark, my sixth advisor, exuding that familiar air of gentleness that seemed unshakeable. As I searched his eyes for any trace of animosity, I found none. Wasn't he supposed to resent me for my past wrongdoings? Why did he still show kindness? Anxiety gnawed at me; why had he chosen to attend my birthday? Didn't he have every right to be angry? “Happy birthday, Queen Anna," Terri greeted warmly, his smile radiating as he stood before me. "You shouldn’t have come," I mumbled, barely above a whisper, before retreating from the lobby. Daniel remained elusive, ignoring my pleas to join me in my room, even absenting himself from the morning council meeting. Now, as the afternoon sun cast shadows before my impending birthday banquet, the ache of longing for him gnawed at my heart. I had marked Alex in front of Daniel, a bold action I had not fully contemplated. The primal urge to claim him had overpowered my reason, leaving me bewildered. “Your majesty, your dress has arrived,” a maid announced, her voice breaking through my reverie. “And Sir Daniel wishes to see you.” With renewed determination, I leaped from my bed, bounding to the door. There stood Daniel, a beautifully wrapped box in his hand, framed by the entrance. “Daniel,” I breathed, a glimmer of hope flickering inside me, but he brushed past me, offering no acknowledgment of my words. “Terri asked me to give you this. He wished you well, regardless of how worried you were that he wouldn’t show up for your birthday,” he explained, placing the box on my center table with a dull thud. “Is that really all you have to say? You won’t question what just happened between Alex and me?” I pressed, searching for a hint of jealousy in his expression. “Is there something you want me to say? You claim everyone in your mansion as yours,” he replied dismissively, his indifference stinging. "I don't claim them! I've always chased after you! You could call me possessive!" My thoughts screamed in indignation, frustration bubbling within me. "You should react! You should be jealous of what I did to him…!" “And what, Anna?” he inquired gently, holding my gaze with an intensity that both melted and frustrated me. "I... I don’t know," I admitted, the weight of my emotions pressing down on me like an anchor. “It’s almost time for your banquet. Get dressed for your birthday party, and afterwards, we will talk,” he instructed, gently caressing my face before his gaze lingered on me one last time. “Happy birthday, my Queen,” he added softly, leaving me alone in the chaos of my thoughts. I sank to the floor, overwhelmed by a mixture of joy and sorrow that was achingly familiar—a swirl of feelings that tugged at my heart just as they had when Daniel first entered my life. After he had rejected my plea to stand by my side, I resolved to improve myself. I had heard tales of him and his mischievous ways before he had ever stepped into my world. He was everything I desired, everything a ruler would crave beside them, yet we had met under the guise of a future marriage proposal. When I had turned eighteen, though, I had insisted he serve me loyally rather than becoming my husband, yet he had turned me down until I could prove my worth. I had striven tirelessly to meet his expectations, only to exist as a flawed shadow of the Queen he envisioned—a girl too selfish and ambitious to fit into his mold. With a newfound resolve, I entered the bathroom for a quick shower, shaking off my turbulent thoughts. When I emerged, three maids awaited me, ready to turn me into the royalty I was meant to be. “The dress, who selected it?” I inquired, eyeing the magnificent gown in the mirror. “Sir Daniel, your majesty,” one maid replied, and my heart fluttered unexpectedly. Hot blush crept across my cheeks as I observed the dress—deep green, a perfect reflection of my eyes, exuding both elegance and power. It clung to my frame, accentuating every curve, and the thought of Daniel envisioning me as his formidable queen set my heart racing anew. “Flutter?” I mused silently, staring at my reflection in disbelief. “Impossible,” I thought, but with one last glance at my reflection, I steeled myself and stepped out of my room, ready to face whatever the evening held.