LILLY’S POVThe moment rain begins to fall, worry fills me. It is late into the night already and grandma will have been so worried. Definitely, I wouldn’t be able to get home in time. Taking shelter under the tree we could get to first, several thoughts churns within my mind as I and Emal stand under the tree, waiting for the rain to stop, my heart tears between conflicting emotions. I do not expect to see him that late. It takes me a minute to think of what my next step should be and I hesitate at first. But I have no choice despite my grandma’s impending anger for being out so late, I am unable to turn away from him. I succumb to caring for and tending to him as I am sure that if it isn’t very important, Emal will not show up in that manner which he did. His presence demands my attention, drawing me into his world of unspoken troubles. Firstly, I wonder what had transpired to make him this way, seeking refuge from his own storm of emotions. Listening to his narration, we discuss t
LILLY’S POVEmal waits till I enter my house before he turns to leave. Watching him from the window, I wave goodbye at his behind as he disappeared into the distance. Heaving a sigh, I prepare myself for what is to come. With the slightest sound, I make sure to walk around the house carefully not wanting to accentuate my presence to my grandma. I drop my bag where it is supposed to be and tiptoe to my grandma’s bedside. Her eyes were close which means she is fast asleep. Happily, I close my eyes with relief, in appreciation. “Where are you coming from? And who followed you here?” I hear grandma’s voice query behind me before I leave her bedside completely just when I thought I had escaped her notice. My heart leaps into my throat, and I stand there in shock, at a loss for words. She catches me off guard and I should have known Grandma will not go to sleep without setting her eyes on me except on rare occasions. The darkness of the night seems to intensify, casting an ominous shadow o
EMAL’S POVI find myself in a delicate predicament. I know I need to approach Matilda about the Luna’s issue, but I am also acutely aware that I mustn’t raise her suspicion or curiosity about the issue. It is a delicate balance I have to strike. She is quite the sensitive one with the ability to think beyond the present. Pondering over how to broach the subject, I decide that I need to be cautious and subtle. I make a conclusion to frame it as a general concern, something that anyone may have noticed. It will look like that of a concerned child to the mother. This way, I can discuss the matter without drawing any attention to myself.Stifling a cough as we sit together, “Do you notice anything strange things about the Luna?” I ask after much contemplation. My tone, nonchalant as if I am merely curious and not investing my mind in the matter.“You mean mother? No! Why did you ask?” she responds, but not suspecting anything.“Oh, you know, one of my bullies taunted me about her sneaky
EMAL'S POV“Just take a look at her. She’s lucky! Indeed, she is…I can’t believe we maids are also privileged in that aspect." my ears catch on some feminine voices not quite distant from the Luna’s room as I prepare for school. I pay more attention to their discussion than usual, listening in on them without restraint. It is one of these moments when you instinctively know that something is amiss. Their voices resonate amidst themselves in low tones which would have definitely gone unnoticed by humans. I inadvertently hear the voices of the maids discussing at a distance. A part of me wants to ignore the talks but curiosity gets the better part of me, and I slow my pace, trying to see if I can get the topic being discussed. “Did I miss something?” the voice of another maid who interrupted the ongoing discussion hit my ears. She is obviously just getting to the spot of discussion and isn’t aware of what they are saying.“Shh, have it low. You can’t afford to put us in trouble.” A fe
EMAL’S POVMaking my way into the Luna's room isn't one big deal at all as it didn't take anything worthy from me to do so. Inside the Luna's room, I move with the grace of a practiced intruder which I ain't, my senses on high alert. The room is adorned with opulent furnishings and delicate trinkets, just like the room of every royal but my focus is on finding something that might reveal the answers I seek.I start with the ornate vanity, carefully inspecting each drawer and compartment, hoping to stumble upon a hidden note or a concealed object. But my efforts are fruitless, and frustration begins to gnaw at me.Next, I turn my attention to the meticulously arranged bookshelves in the room. My fingers trace the spines of countless volumes, and I pull a few books from the shelf, expecting a hidden compartment or a clue between the pages. Yet, there is nothing to be found.Minutes turn into what feels like hours and disappointment begins to settle in, and I can't help but wonder if my
EMAL’S POVThe room falls into a profound silence as Norla, driven by curiosity and concern, leans in to investigate the source of the seeping liquid within the hidden compartment. Her fingers reach inside, and her expression shifts from puzzlement to surprise. To her shock, she discovers someone else concealed within the secret space, and I remain hidden in the shadows, my presence still undetected. The tension in the room eases slightly as the true identity of the intruder becomes apparent to Norla. My heart continues to race as I watch the scene unfold, keenly aware that the mysteries and secrets of the room remain shrouded. I remain hidden, quietly observing the unfolding situation with a mix of curiosity and relief, as my own presence remains a secret, for now since she is oblivious to my presence still."Oh, not again" she murmurs. I position myself properly in order to see everything she's is doing. While the secret compartment remains open, Norla proceeds to search for a pie
EMAL'S POV"Blake's father?" Lilly looks away in thought. "What happened? Is anything wrong?" I ask, searching her expression for answers."It's nothing. Something came to mind, that's all. Do you remember you mentioned seeing him in the hidden garden? The one you said was covered with an illusion?""Of course, I do. How can I forget that?" "The garden and her room... same person, doesn't it say something?""I know right. I know Aleiscter wouldn't dare deliver such thing to her without an order from Blake's father, I mean he mentioned it himself too. Anyone with a reasonable thinking would know that Blake's father has something to do with the Luna. There's some kind of plan they're both scheming or involved in. I'm having a bad feeling about this whole thing which I can't lay my hands on. It just doesn't seem to be figured out anytime soon."I have an idea, but I don't know how you're going to take it." Lilly speaks after silently and calmly listening to me."Let me hear it. It's no
MATILDA’S POVReturning from school, I'm eager to hear what the guard I sent to trail Emal has discovered about Emal's activities. I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to the whole issue than meets the eye. just when I am about to call for his presence, he comes in."Good evening, your royal highness," says the guard, bowing in respect."Were you able to get anything?" I ask, knowing how sensitive Emal can be. He might have noticed someone tailing him and changed his initial plans."Yes, I did. I followed the crowned prince Alpha throughout the day as you asked me to and observed him closely. He didn't go to school very early like he does. Instead, he went to her ladyship's room after she left the castle."Do you mean he was in mother's room?" I wonder what he aimed for by going there."Yes, he did. It took him a long while before coming out but when he did, he had a vellum with him. With the way he held it so close, it must mean a lot to him. But I have no idea what it is.