Chapter 53: Willa

We returned to the castle around three. I thought the training went pretty well and I was in a good mood. We discussed the day’s success as my companions escorted me back to my suit. I had sparred with a few more of the soldiers and wanted to clean up and change. When I got there, Miranda was in the kitchen putting groceries away.

“Hey, Miranda,” I said. “How has your day been?”

“It has been good,” she said with a smile. “Getting back to the normal routine. How did it go at the barracks?”

“I think it went well,” I replied.

“Wonderful,” she said.

I headed in the direction of our bedroom, but Miranda stopped me.

“Oh, Lady Petra and Lady Nora have requested an audience with you this evening,” she said. “Would you like me to postpone it for another day?”

“An audience?” I asked amusedly.

“They want to see you,” Miranda chuckled. “Formality is something the nobles pride themselves in, my dear. You’ll have to excuse their stuffiness from time to time.”

“Yes, I will have to get used to that.”

“What should I tell them?” she asked as she folded the canvas grocery bags.

“I don’t mind having a visit with them,” I said. “I liked Lady Petra and Lady Nora.”

“Alright,” Miranda said. “I can set up tea in the private library for you.”

“Thank you, Miranda,” I replied. “What time are you thinking?”

“Does four-thirty give you enough time?” she asked.

“That should be fine.”

I headed straight for the shower. I made quick work of getting ready, opting for a simple dress and cardigan. I grabbed some sandals and sat on the bed to put them on when Ferrin linked me.

‘I hear you’re having tea with some ladies soon,’ he commented.

I smiled. ‘Apparently, they want an audience with me.’

I could feel his amusement through our connection.

‘Well, don’t make it too long,’ he said. ‘I’m about done for the day and I miss you.’

‘It’s been eight hours,’ I laughed. Although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t understand.

‘That’s all?’ Ferrin came through again. ‘Entirely too long.’

‘I’m sure Lady Petra and Lady Nora wouldn’t mind if you joined us,’ I teased as I went to leave the apartment.

‘You joke, but if they keep you too long, I’ll do just that,’ he replied.

‘I’ll be sure to let you know how it’s going then,’ I said.

‘Love you,’ Ferrin told me.

‘Love you, too.’

I left the apartment, and Shane and Adam helped me to find the library Miranda had set us up in. I wondered what we would discuss, but I wasn’t anxious either. I really did like Petra and Nora. They were kind to me at my introduction dinner and they seemed genuine.

Miranda was in the library along with my guests when I arrived.

“Welcome, ladies,” I greeted them. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Lady Petra replied as she stood.

“Please, Willa is fine,” I said, still uncomfortable being addressed like that.

Lady Petra gave me an understanding but stern look.

“I can imagine the title may seem daunting, or maybe even pretentious, but I will give you a word of advice,” Petra stated. “Don’t deny it. At least among the nobles. That title demands respect. If you tell them not to use it, they will not respect you. At least, not the ones who are okay with making things difficult for you.”

“Are you someone who is okay with making things difficult for me, Lady Petra?” I asked curiously.

A cheeky grin spread across her face. “No, your majesty, I am not.”

I returned the smile. “Then I’ll keep your advice in mind. But Willa is fine for today.”

“Of course, my dear,” Lady Petra conceded.

“Now, what can I do for you ladies today?”

We took our seats and Miranda excused herself.

“Actually, Miranda,” Lady Petra said, “we would be grateful if you could stay. You see, we are here to offer our assistance with your Luna ceremony. We know that Miranda will be heavily involved in the planning and I wouldn’t want her to feel we are stepping on her toes.”

“That is very kind of you, my lady,” Miranda said.

I instructed her to take a seat and join us.

“That is kind,” I said. “But I’m afraid we haven’t nailed down any details regarding my ceremony.”

“That doesn’t mean we can’t start to plan the details,” Lady Nora said excitedly. “For example, your dress. It’s never too early to start on that. Bespoken dresses can take time.”

“Does it have to be custom-made?” I asked.

“Traditionally, they are,” Miranda confirmed. “Every Luna is unique. Her dress is a symbolic part of the ceremony.”

“Well, then, I suppose I can’t turn down the extra help,” I said. “As long as Miranda is okay with that?”

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” she said. “I’m better at getting things done than making the decisions.”

“Oh, nonsense,” Petra said. “We all know His Majesty has nothing to do with the details of all the events that take place here. You’re too modest, Miranda.”

Miranda blushed. “Still, it has been nearly forty years since I planned a Luna ceremony. Some new perspectives would be refreshing. Was there anything you ladies had in mind already?”

“Let’s just say we have some reference material for our Luna to get inspiration from,” Nora said with a giggle. “But we didn’t know exactly what style she would go for, so we aren’t inclined to anything particular.”

“Well, then, I suppose we can take a look at what you have if you like,” I said. “I honestly have no idea what I’m thinking. It’s not like I’ve ever planned a Luna ceremony before.”

Lady Nora was taking out a tablet from her bag before I even finished my statement. She really was quite adorable with her enthusiasm. Petra gave me an enduring look and winked. I had a feeling this was something Nora wanted, but Petra was the one who orchestrated the opportunity for her.

If that was the case, it told me Petra cared for her friends, making me more confident in my judgment of her.