WHAT A SAD SIGHT, LUNA

Chapter 7

Royal Whispers

Adelaide POV

“Why…!! Why did he come?” I whispered, as I paced my room, my arms under my jaw.

It was dark now, but the moon light gained entrance through the window.

My thoughts were filled with what happened at dinner. How Kaius defended me and still refused to look at me. How he acted so carefree and nice at the same time. It was confusing.

Kaius had come even when he said he didn't and even warned me not to bother him again.

Does that mean he cares more than I thought?!

I pressed my palm to my mouth to stop myself from whispering his name too loudly.

I had thought at first that not seeing him would be easier, but now, even when he was there, my body betrayed me.

I sat on the bed and then I stood again, pacing again.

“Why do I feel like this?!” I muttered. “He… he’s not supposed to affect me like this. Tsk.”

Then, I heard the chatter from the guards outside reminding me of where I was once more.

Paula had been here earlier, and talked as though she was whispering so no one could hear.

“Your Majesty,” she said, “everyone’s talking.”

I frowned. “Talking about what?”

She drew near, but I could see the fear in her eyes even as she did.

“They say… they say you won’t last long in the palace. Some think you’ll fail as Luna. Some, they are being careful, pretending to respect you… but I hear their whispers.”

I blinked as my hands fell to my sides. “Whispers?” I asked quietly, staring straight at her.

Paula nodded, her eyes widened in shock. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’ve heard the footmen, the guards, even the kitchen staff. Some laugh behind their hands. Others… they smirk when they pass you.”

My stomach dropped. So, it’s not just about the Queen Mother or Christine?

Everyone’s judging me.

Christine was right, I am just a commoner who got lucky, I don't deserve to be in the palace.

I fell back on the chair close to the window, my eyes looking dead.

“Luna..!!” Paula rushed towards me, but I held back my hand to stop her.

“I'm okay..” I muttered.

“Should I get you coffee or -”

I stopped her before she could complete her sentence.

“You shouldn't worry, Paula.. I'm okay, you can leave now and have some rest.” I said, a smile playing out on my face.

I needed to convince her. She was one of the persons I was still sane around here, I could tell she was worried and was blaming herself for telling me about the whispers.

“Please, take care Luna.” She said finally before leaving.

“Take the candle with you, it's short already.” I said, as she stopped and took it away.

“I'm sorry Luna, I'll have it replaced now. I didn't see it early.” She said and I nodded, nudging her to go.

Suddenly, my chest tightened and I felt the pain only slightly.

I felt my fingers trace the edge of the table absentmindedly. Why do I feel like this?

My heart hadn’t even fully understood what was happening yet, but my body already knew.

****

EARLY MORNING

Morning came before I noticed it.

I didn't sleep well last night, but I still woke up early.

It was just 5:00am and I was already out of the bed.

I sat on the chair and didn't know when I dozed off again and when I woke up, I noticed the sharp morning light coming through the window.

I quickly stood up, yawned and went to the mirror.

My dress was disheveled and my hair tangled.

Suddenly, my mind drifted back to the dinner, his gaze when I wasn't looking and how he acted as though he wasn't stealing glances at me.

I could still feel the heat of his gaze on me, like it had burned into my skin.

I stepped into the hallway, hoping for a moment of distraction. The palace was quieter than usual.

The servants were moving, but there was this stillness I felt.

I passed the kitchens, and the cook bowed hastily, almost spilling the tray of bread he carried. I noticed the way the guards whispered as they passed me, turning their gazes away quickly.

Just then, I saw Kaius at the other end of the hallway.

He stood, his back turned and his both arms behind his back.

I froze. My legs felt like they had sunk onto the floor.

I swallowed hard and approached him.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

He lifted his eyes slowly and they landed on me briefly, and then he shifted away, as if acknowledging my presence was a chore.

“I… I wanted to… thank you,” I stammered, my fingers curling in front of me. “For helping me… at dinner last night.”

His gaze snapped back to me, making my stomach churn.

He looked at me as though I was saying something alien.

“Do not confuse yourself,” he said finally, coming closer to where I was standing. “I did not act for you. I acted for my authority. My throne. Nothing more. Not for kindness. Not for… you…!!”

The words hit me harder than I expected. My mouth opened slightly, as if to respond, but no sound came. His tone left no room for argument.

I felt my chest tighten again and I whispered silently in my head.

Why do I feel like he is everywhere in my skin?

He looked at me again one last time and then without another word, he left me standing by myself.

I saw the way the guards nearby looked at me and I felt the ground could just open and swallow me whole.

When I turned, they removed their gazes and acted as though they weren't looking at me before now. I was embarrassed and Kaius had done it all.

I sank against the wall where he had been standing, my breathing shallow.

I pressed my hands to my chest, trying to chase it away but it was still there.

Why did he do this to me? Why… Why did my body betray me before my mind even had a chance to understand what was happening?

I closed my eyes, trying to calm the chaos inside. He doesn’t care about me. He doesn’t feel anything for me. This is only about power, yet I always felt intoxicated by his scent.

My chest tightened with every thought of him. My stomach twisted. My head spun.

“This isn’t… normal,” I muttered.

My arms curled into fists by my side.

I shouldn’t be feeling this. He… he is the King. He… he doesn’t care for me. And yet… Why can’t I stop thinking about him?

I swallowed hard, trying to push the thought away. But it wasn’t going anywhere. I could feel it.

I quickly went to my room, trying to hide the shame I felt.

The guards bowed when they saw me and I couldn't help but walk away faster.

I got to my room and fell on the bed, sobbing silently.

But, will my tears mean anything?!

I got up, braced myself and strode out again.

This time around, I was wandering aimlessly through the halls.

I paced by the pack kitchen and that was when I heard their whispers, even Paula's explanation didn't do justice to what they said about me.

“She won't last long..”

I heard one say and the others burst out laughing as though I was some kind of joke.

“She just got lucky and became Luna, who would accept trash like her?!”

“Alpha Kaius doesn't even find her attractive, I feel he'll kick her out soon.”

I clenched my fists, my mind moving faster than my hand, but then, I stopped myself.

I didn't need to. There was no need, after all, they were right.

I went back to my room before anyone could notice I was standing there.

Immediately I turned, I bumped into a maid carrying food on the royal tray and everything spilled on my floor and my dress.

“Oh.!! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to..” I said, trying to pack it up.

“Who eats trash?! The king doesn't accept trash, Luna…” she said.

I stood up, staring straight at her.

“What do you mean by that?!” I asked.

“I mean, the king doesn't….”

She didn't complete her sentence, when Paula turned out from the corner.

“Luna..!! Your dress!!” She cried, seeing how ruined my dress was.

“It was my fault..” I said, looking down at the messy floor.

Paula looked at the maid in front of her and then at me.

“I'm so sorry, Luna. I should be punished.” She said, but then I looked at her as though she was insane for asking for such.

Suddenly, she held the maid.

“Apologize to Luna now!” She said, holding her tight.

“Paula!! Stop!! It was my fault, let her go.” I said and immediately she ran off.