Chapter# 5

Lazuli's pout was a picture of disappointment. "You're really leaving for Moldavite?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of desperation.

Luna stood by the window, watching as the maids loaded her luggage into the carriage, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow on the scene. She turned to Arum and Lazuli, their faces etched with concern.

"Yeah, I'm the Duchess of Oleander Dukedom," Luna said, her voice firm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "I can't escape my duties."

Arum's eyes pleaded with Luna. "You should've told us sooner. Baron Susan's promotion party is next week; you should stay till then."

Luna's expression softened, but her resolve remained unwavering. "I came from Moldavite just to attend the victory banquet in your father's honor. I can't linger in the capital. Besides, Baron Susan and I don't get along. My presence would only sour his mood."

As the maids served snacks, Arum shifted the conversation, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Did you two really enjoy my pies or were you just comforting me in those letters?"

Luna grinned, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Honestly, they were awful – undercooked and bitter." Lazuli winked, and Arum's face fell.

"Oh, please, I can tell by your expressions you're lying," Arum teased, her voice laced with laughter.

The friends giggled, their banter filling the room with warmth and camaraderie. As they chatted, the departure preparations continued, the sound of footsteps and rustling fabric filling the air.

Lazuli mentioned, "I heard Uncle Rezef sent someone to help with your coming-of-age ceremony preparations."

Luna's gaze snapped to Arum, demanding an explanation. Arum's face paled, her eyes darting downward.

"Father told the nobles he'd assist without informing you... He wanted to force your hand, since you had no plans for the ceremony," Arum admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Luna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "He's got me this time. I suppose I'll play along."

Lazuli asked, "So who's making your dress?"

Luna shrugged, her shoulders rising in a delicate gesture. "I haven't decided yet."

Arum and Lazuli gasped in unison, their faces a picture of shock. "What?! There's only two months left! Even the most skilled tailor would need three months for such an urgent request," Arum exclaimed.

---☆----☆---

Their conversation continued, filled with laughter and teasing, until Luna departed for Moldavite, leaving behind the warmth of friendship and the comforts of the capital.

Luna descended the stairs, her elegant gown rustling with each step. "See you on the ceremony," she waved at Arum and Lazuli from the carriage window, a bright smile on her face.

The carriage ride to Moldavite was a blur of rolling hills and verdant forests. A week passed, and Luna arrived at the majestic city, its sprawling architecture awe-inspiring.

Moldavite, the crown jewel of Oleander Dukedom, shone like a beacon of commerce and prosperity. Merchants from far and wide flocked to its bustling markets, seeking precious moldavite gems.

As Luna's carriage approached the mansion, the morning sunlight danced across its facade. The maids greeted her with curtsies, their faces warm with welcome.

Damien, the head butler, stood tall, his expression impeccable. "My lady, you have guests. Would you like to meet them now or later, after taking a rest?"

Luna's eyes narrowed. "And who would those be?" she asked, her voice measured.

Damien replied, "One is Crown Prince Sebastian Clematis, while the other has been sent by Duke Rezef."

Luna's eyebrow twitched, her gaze flashing with annoyance. She sighed, smoothing her hair. "If it's the crown prince, we can't keep him waiting. Prepare refreshments and guide both to the lilac garden."

Damien hesitated, his eyes darting toward Luna. "An imperial family member and an ordinary person together? It may be...unseemly."

Luna's gaze snapped back to Damien. "Is there a problem?"

Damien's voice was cautious. "Wouldn't the Crown Prince feel offended to have tea with a person of no title?"

Luna's smile was icy. "Offended? He didn't notify us of his arrival. We should be the ones feeling offended. Do as I say. They're both uninvited guests."

Damien bowed. "Yes, my lady." He knew Luna's determination when slighted.

As Damien departed to arrange the meeting, Luna's thoughts drifted to her past encounter with Prince Sebastian, when she was just eight years old. The memory still stung.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***