Lunar Ball - Part I
„Atvesk tą niekšą“!
Emmerich snarled as the soldier bowed deeply and exited the throne room. He was overly enraged ever since they came back from the Royal Pack and the demon of Drinealia and working in his castle had to suffer because of his unwavering rage.
(Bring in that basterd!)
„Ar galėtumėte nuleisti balsą? Girdėjau jus iš kitos sienos pusės“!
Emmerich swung his head vigorously toward the door. As she walked into the throne room, Queen Armaita's face was contoured with displeasure, her group of Ladies in waiting trailing behind her.
(Could you please lower your voice? I could hear you from the other side of the border!)
Emmerich's enraged expression softened as he saw her. In an instant, he was off his throne and hugging her close to his chest. His nose whiffed off her scent, instantly calming himself. Armaita gestured for everyone to leave, and they bowed before departing.
„Kas nutiko mano meile“? As she wrapped her arms around him, she inquired. Queen Armaita had been away from Drinealia for several months, visiting her father, King Araqiel. They were cut off for months because there is no form of available contact between these realms. Emmerich drew back, his gaze roving over her. Even though she was ancient, her age could not be seen with the naked eye. Her doe hazel eyes, flawless skin, and long brown hair spoke of her innocence and beauty as the Angel of Truth and Wisdom.
(What happened, my love?)
„Radau Serafiną, mano meile“.
Armaita's face lit up with joy at his words, but the joy quickly faded, replaced by equal grief at learning his truth.
(I found Seraphina, my love.)
„Kur ji“? She rushed to see her granddaughter as soon as she found out where she was.
(Where is she?)
Her bedroom doors flew open, and she turned her head, growling at the intruder. When Seraphina saw Armaita standing at the door, her eyes widened in surprise. Armaita wrapped her arms around her and drew her into his embrace in an instant. Seraphina was taken aback by the sudden warmth.
„O, mano angelas“! Armaita cooed softly as her palm ran through Seraphina's hair.
(Oh, my Angel)
„Mano angele, prašau priimti mano nuoširdų atsiprašymą. Suprantu, kaip labai reikėjo, kad kažkas būtų šalia. Atsiprašau, kad pavėlavau“.
Seraphina only stood there, not saying anything, her tears long dried up.
(My angel, please accept my heartfelt apologies. I understand how much you needed someone to be by your side. I apologize for being late.)
Armaita pulled back and looked at her desperately
„Prašau, sakyk ką nors, Serafiną“. Seraphina remained silent despite her urging.
„Noriu būti vienas“. Her voice was curt as she walked to the balcony, leaving Armaita alone to peered at her. Seraphina's pushing her away hurt, but she knew what she was going through was far worse.
(I wish to be alone!)
„Aš esu čia dėl tavęs, kai tik tau manęs reikia“. She walked away, leaving Seraphina alone.
(I'm here for you, whenever you need me.)
-
-
A knock on the door startled her, and she turned to face it. The door was soon pushed open, and Hilda entered. Faye was startled when she bowed her head.
"Your Highness!" She greeted as she raised her head.
"Please call me Faye," she asked timidly, and Hilda nodded.
"His Highness has sent me to assist you in preparing for tonight." Faye's face lit up as she said this.
"Did he really?" She inquired, and she nodded. Faye was on her feet in an instant, grasping her palms.
"Thank you so much. I had asked him to call you. Megan frightens me." Hilda looked at her with surprised eyes as relief washed over her face.
"Why?"
"Because she always has this enraged expression on her face when she looks at me. As if I had eaten her favorite cookie." Faye said irked and Hilda's lip twisted into a smile.
"Now let's get you ready, Luna." Hilda motioned for her to take a seat in front of the grand dressing mirror. She began preparing her skin as her mind wandered back to the conversation she and Aiden had that morning. She was already angered at him, and she was enraged even more when Aiden asked her to aid Faye in preparing for the Lunar Ball. It hadn't even been a week since Seraphina had left, and they were already arranging a ball for the Luna. Even though she knew Aiden was bound to his father's order and the heavy bags and dead eyes told how truly awful he was too. When Aiden begged for her aid, she relented and agreed to assist Faye in getting dressed. She had anticipated seeing her cuddle in Aiden's bed, where Seraphina used to lay. But she was taken aback to find her in the bedroom at the other end of the hallway. Faye yawned, and Hilda inquired,
"Couldn't sleep last night?" Faye shook her head and Hilda chuckled,
"Way too nervous?"
"No! Nightmares won't let me sleep peacefully." Hilda nodded as she said with a tired shrug.
"How are things going with His Highness?" Faye looked down at her lap after much deliberation.
"It's fine if you don't wish to answer, it's not my place to ask either!" Hilda hurriedly said, lifting her head.
"No, it's fine. Well, I hardly ever see him during the day, and when he returns, he bids me goodnight and retires to his room." Hilda could tell her voice was tinged with sadness.
"I thought, mates weren't this reluctant when they found their moon-blessed."
"Maybe he's just giving you space for you are still recovering." Hilda could tell Aiden wasn't ready to move on, despite their mate bond, but she wasn't going to tell Faye. Even though she had initially despised Faye, she was now sympathetic to her plight. She was trapped in a situation for which she was not responsible, and it was causing pain to all three of them. She could only imagine how devastated she would be if she discovered the truth. Since the truth is never concealed, it will come to light at some point.