Chapter# 1

As the maids helped her prepare, Luna's white wedding dress flowed around her. She hummed softly as they combed her silver hair into a stunning Celtic knot. When they finished, she stood up and gazed at her reflection in the full-size mirror.

The elegant, long-sleeved floral ballgown with lace underlay fit her perfectly. Her wavy hair was tied back, showcasing her light yet alluring makeup. The soft pink eyeshadow made her eyes sparkle, and her rose-colored lips curved into a sweet smile. "It's perfect," she whispered, unable to look away.

Just two months after giving birth, Luna couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. A knock at the door broke the spell. "It's time, my lady," the butler announced. Luna nodded and stepped outside, where a surprise awaited her.

"Audrey!" she gasped, seeing a familiar face beside the carriage. "You didn't think I'd let you walk down the aisle alone, did you?" he asked with a smile. Luna smiled back, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Will you accompany me?" she asked, and he agreed.

As they walked towards the groom, Luna thought to herself, "I never wanted to get married, and yet here I am, getting married for the second time." She glanced at her groom and smiled, wondering why her heart was racing. She didn't love him, but there was something about him that drew her in.

Memories of the past flooded her mind - the obstacles, the pain, the hardships. It was just the beginning, and Luna steeled herself for what lay ahead. There was so much that happened before and she was now lost in all those things that happened in the past two years.

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The Imperial Palace's banquet hall buzzed with laughter and gossip as Luna Oleander arrived, her garnet eyes scanning the room. The clock struck 10:00 pm, and the air thickened with anticipation. Nobles' glares pierced her like daggers, their whispers unmistakable.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reopened them, steeling herself against the venomous stares. Tonight, she wouldn't let them get the better of her. Tonight was a celebration – the end of the two-year war, and her father's friend's triumphant return.

Memories of her father flooded her mind, aching her heart. She pushed them aside, focusing on the joyous occasion.

"Greetings, Miss Oleander." A woman in her thirties, clad in red, approached with an overbearing smile and heavy makeup.

Luna ignored the greeting, turning her back. Her silver hair swirled in the ponytail, a subtle rebuff.

The woman sneered, "Looks like the young miss has no manners whatsoever." The surrounding nobles chimed in, eager to join the ridicule.

"Arrogant."

"All she has is her family name yet acts out of line."

"Well, even if she is, she should at least greet Countess Brenard. That's an insult to her."

Luna's patience snapped. She turned, her eyes flashing, "An insult, you say? Perhaps Countess Brenard should consider her own manners – greeting a duchess without curtsy or propriety, and daring to speak informally to someone of higher status."

The nobles recoiled, taken aback. Countess Brenard's face paled.

"Have you ever seen a countess address a duchess so casually, without introduction?" Luna's voice dripped with disdain.

The nobles exchanged uneasy glances. Countess Brenard's embarrassment deepened.

"If I were in your shoes, I would've left this place by now, Miss Brenard." Luna's words cut deep.

The countess fled, gritting her teeth. The nobles dispersed, eager to avoid Luna's wrath.

"Looks like someone soured your mood again," Arum said, approaching with a warm smile.

"Should we teach them a lesson?" Lazuli asked, her bright blue eyes sparkling.

Luna chuckled, her tension easing. "Arum, Lazuli! Long time no see."

"Well, it really has been a while," Lazuli replied. "We've been too busy lately."

"My! Luna, you've got so thin! Aren't you eating properly?" Arum gasped.

Luna laughed. "I guess I was too busy these days."

"Seriously, you look haggard. Don't skip meals," Lazuli teased.

Luna smiled, grateful for her friends' concern.

"Anyways, congratulations, Arum. Your father has been victorious in the war," Luna said.

"The emperor is probably going to reward your family," Lazuli added.

"Has your father thought of what he'd like if the emperor allows him to choose for himself?" Luna asked.

Arum's eyes sparkled. "I think he has, but he won't tell us."

As they chatted, the royal family's arrival was announced.

The grand hall fell silent as everyone bowed, their eyes fixed on the emperor. Callisto Clematis, the 21st ruler of Evimería, sat upon his throne, its golden accents glinting in the candlelight.

"Well then, shall we reward the hero of the war now? Name it, Duke Rezef Lily," the emperor declared, his voice echoing through the hall.

Duke Rezef Lily, a man in his forties with striking red wavy hair tied back, revealing piercing emerald green eyes—the hallmark of the Lily duchy—stepped forward.

"Whatever you like, your majesty," Rezef replied, his powerful voice commanding attention.

"I thought about it long and hard and came to a conclusion that I will grant one wish of yours. How's that?" The emperor's eyes sparkled with intrigue.

Rezef hesitated, unsure if his majesty would approve. "Don't hesitate. I'll keep my word," Callisto assured.

After a weighted silence, Rezef spoke, his voice laced with trepidation, "Then... I would like to ask you to release my brother."

A collective gasp rippled through the nobles, followed by an uproar.

"Silence!" The emperor's command cut through the chaos.

Callisto's expression turned stern. "You want me to release your brother Owen from prison, knowing he massacred the Wisteria duchy and attempted to kill you?"

Rezef remained silent, aware of the impossibility.

The emperor's laughter boomed, "Hahahaha. I didn't think you'd ask for something like this. Fine. I'll grant it."

Before the nobles could protest, Callisto continued, "But he will be removed from the duke's family. He'll live as a noble with no title."

Rezef's eyes gleamed with gratitude as he bowed deeply. "Thank you, your majesty."

The emperor added, "Of course, he can earn his title back through contributions. Until then, he'll be a fallen noble."

Callisto stood, addressing the assembly, "Hear ye! I, Callisto Clematis, hereby release Owen, third child of former Duke Felix Lily, from prison. He shall not be held accountable for past crimes and may regain his title through merit."

As the emperor sat back, a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Blood is indeed thicker than water, even for brothers who fight for power."

With a wave of his hand, he declared, "Enjoy tonight's banquet to your hearts' content."

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