Chapter 40 Chapter forty
When I returned to the castle, evening had already fallen. I spotted Court lady Nora and several other maids carrying food trays to the dining room.
Upon seeing me, Nora’s eyes brightened. She urged the others to take the food and leave, then approached me.
"Thank the moon you’re back just in time. Dinner is ready, and the others are waiting for you," she declared.
"The others?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "Which people are seated at the table?"
"Your husband, Sylvia, and Juliana," she replied.
My stomach sank. The mention of Sylvia and Juliana at the table instantly made my hunger disappear. I can't stand either of them, especially Sylvia after the way he ignored me this morning. The thought of it fills me with rage.
"I'm not hungry; maybe another time," I told her.
"Oh no, Your Majesty, you barely ate anything at breakfast. Are you alright?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.
Smiling, I responded, "Yes, I’m fine... just a little tired. I need to rest my head."
"Alright, Your Majesty, if you say so, I'll allow you to rest." She bowed and left the room.
As soon as she was gone, my stomach growled. I took a deep breath, thankful that Nora hadn’t heard it.
I was ravenous, enough to devour a whole ram, but the moment I dwell on my situation, my appetite vanishes.
First, there was Roger, lurking around me, then Sylvia with his new partner, and now Cyprus, speaking in riddles I can't decipher.
I experienced a throbbing pain in my head. I rubbed my temples to ease the discomfort. I’ve been overthinking my situation, which isn’t good for my health or the baby.
The atmosphere felt heavy and tense; I needed fresh air. I turned on my heels and headed for the garden.
When I opened the garden door, the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers and fruits filled my nose, calming my nerves and alleviating my headache.
I walked toward the swing, my favorite spot. After many pleas, I had Claus install it for me.
I swung back and forth, my legs floating in the air as I smiled; it brought back fond memories from my childhood. Sitting on the swing had always been my go-to place for relaxation.
My hand rested on my stomach as I rubbed it gently. I can’t wait to welcome this little one into the world; I can’t help but imagine how he or she will run around this garden.
I will ensure that every rumor circulating in the pack about me is put to rest before I bring this child into the world. I don’t want my baby to be caught in the middle of my troubles.
My thoughts halted when I heard footsteps approaching from a distance; I turned to see who it was. My breath caught, and my stomach dropped.
Juliana!
What is she doing here? What does she want? How did she know I was here?
The smile plastered on her face is disingenuous. I recognize a false smile when I see one; it speaks volumes of drama and trouble I’m not prepared for. I’ve decided to avoid anything that might stir up conflict.
Uneasily, I began to fidget with my fingers while bowing my head toward the ground as Juliana’s footsteps grew louder.
"Why is Luna hiding here instead of entertaining her guest?" she asked, standing in front of me.
When I lifted my gaze, I noticed a smirk playing at the corner of her lips; she was teasing me. I rolled my eyes, not wanting her taunts to affect me.
"Hey there. Hope you had a lovely dinner?" I inquired politely, completely ignoring her jibe.
I knew that would sting her. I imagined her to be someone who dislikes being overlooked.
She walked around me and said, "No, I didn’t; it was terrible. When I marry Sylvia, I’ll have him hire a new chef who will be responsible for making my meals," she declared proudly.
I rolled my eyes again, muttering under my breath. My eyes were sore from all the rolling.
What a proud statement.
"I apologize for that. I’ll speak to the chef and request more from him," I offered half-heartedly, secretly celebrating inside.
"Why weren’t you at dinner? What’s wrong?" she asked.
When I looked at her, I realized that her inquiry was not one of concern; she was still trying to mock me and make me feel small. Her eyes expressed that clearly.
"I couldn’t attend because I was full and needed some fresh air to soothe my nerves," I replied, masking the disdain in my tone.
She nodded and began walking to the other side of the garden. I felt relieved that she was finally leaving me alone; I wasn't ready for her troublemaking chatter.
"You can't stand it?" her voice echoed in my ears.
I turned to see her sitting on the other swing. I had thought she was finally leaving; why was she still here?
"What?" I asked, prompting her to repeat her last statement.
"Stop pretending you didn’t hear me. You simply can’t stand it," she laughed, her laughter dripping with mockery.
That laughter grated on my nerves. I couldn’t take it any longer. I wish I could stuff a towel in her mouth to silence that ridiculous laughter.
Frowning, I asked, "Stand what? What are you referring to?"
Why was everyone speaking in riddles I couldn’t grasp? First it was Cyprus, and now it was her. My head throbbed from trying to decipher the puzzle.