“Very well,” Angie scoffed and placed a hand on Luna’s spine, pushing on it so her chest popped forward. “Walk with a straight back, hold your head high, and don’t allow it to swallow you up or cover your eyes. People get suspicious when one’s eyes are covered, and we don’t need any of that. The hat doesn’t wear you; you wear the hat.”
Luna’s eyes glossed over, and for a moment, she debated whether or not to put the hat back. It might be better than standing here listening to how to properly wear one.
“Brilliant advice, my darling,” Darius cooed to Angie, bringing Luna’s attention back to the conversation.
Angie smiled broadly, his words fueling her on. “Walk with pride and people will admire. There’s a chance that this time next week, the whole kingdom will be wanting to wear a hat as big as yours.”
That was highly doubtful, but Luna appreciated the sentiment. As annoying as Angie could be sometimes, this was her way of showing love. Luna smiled to herself. With the way Angie doted on her, there was no wayshe knew the truth—that Luna was a unicorn.
“I will try my best.” Her fingers brushed against the pendant of the fake heirloom as she decided the real one must have been tampered with well before Angie had gifted it to her.
Before Angie could continue her lecture, Darius clapped a hand against his knee. “Time to go. Can’t have the royals waiting on us.”
“Why would they do that?” Emily asked, taking the words right out of Luna’s mouth.
“It’s an honour,” Darius said as they approached the carriage. Though not royal, it was finely crafted, its dark wood polished to a rich shine with delicate gold accents. Two towering chestnut horses stood hitched to the front, their harnesses neatly adorned with silver buckles.
Clyde was missing. In his place, a nameless guard stood ready to open the door. Emily entered first, followed by Luna, then Angie, with Darius last. Inside, plush red velvet seats stretched wide enough for them to fan out their dresses comfortably. Luna took off her hat and placed it on her lap, its brim extending over Emily’s.
Once everyone settled, the carriage lurched forward, rolling over the cobblestone path towards the palace gates.
“Oh, I wonder if joining the royal convoy has anything to do with the prince’s interest in Luna,” Angie mused.
Emily flashed a sharp look at their mother. “All he did was give her a hat. That’s it . . .”
Luna rolled her eyes. Her mother didn’t have a clue. The prince loved using her as the butt of his jokes; he probably thought gifting her such a ridiculous hat, and the idea of her actually wearing it, was hilarious. If it weren’t so useful, Luna would have ripped it to shreds. Instead, she said quietly, “Doubtful. He’s probably just trying to win bonus points with Emily for treating her sister well.”
Emily straightened, squaring her shoulders before flashing a show-stopping smile. “Of course he is,” she drawled, as if she had never doubted how the prince’s affection swayed. She twirled her hand in the air, lips curling into a smirk. “I thought that was obvious to everyone.”
Emily’s crush on the prince was no secret, but she wondered if the heartbreak Emily spoke of last night had anything to do with him.
“Could you imagine if he proposed to one of my daughters!” Angie clapped her hands together. “What a great honour. The whole family would move up the ranks. And to think, I was born a mere country girl! This is more than a mother could dream of for her child.” Angie giggled and rested a hand on her husband’s arm. “We’re so blessed.”
Darius patted her hand. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’d hate to see you disappointed.” He looked over to his daughters. “Any of you disappointed. I haven’t heard a word of marriage or proposal, so let’s just enjoy the night.”
The soft bouncing of the carriage stopped as they reached the front gates. After a long wait, Emily pulled back the curtain, revealing a black and gold royal carriage approaching, its polished frame gleaming in the fading light. Guards in the king’s colours—dark navy blue with golden fleur-de-lis embroidered across their tunics—flanked it on foot and horseback, holding a tight formation. The accompanying party parted, some of theroyal guards moving to surround both carriages. As soon as the black and gold of the royal carriage was no longer visible, the soft bouncing began anew as they fell into position behind.
Luna scanned the guards for Clyde. Disappointment settled like a heavy stone upon her chest, making each breath a burdened effort. Would he actually listen to her sister and stay away from her?No, she told herself.He’s just busy with the protection ceremony, that’s all.
“Close the curtain, Emily,” Angie instructed. “No need to put ourselves on display.”
Emily obliged, letting the curtain fall back into place.
The carriage swayed as they travelled across town, the sounds of the bustling kingdom seeping through its thin walls. It seemed the entire city was preparing for the protection ceremony.
As they reached the outskirts of town, the road turned rough and uneven, forcing their carriage to slow. Emily lifted the curtain’s edge, giving Luna a glimpse outside. The path ahead was packed with travellers, their convoy cutting through the mass like a blade through water. People stepped aside in waves, pressing to the road’s edges as the carriages crept forward.
Luna watched field after field roll by, her mind drifting back to the last time she’d been in the countryside—how unrestrained she’d run as a unicorn.
The carriage rolled over a wooden bridge, bouncing slightly as its wheels clattered against the worn planks. Luna peered down at the water beneath them and wondered if this was the same river she and Damien had crossed.
A part of her wished she had savoured that moment more, embraced the freedom while she had the chance. She ripped her gaze away from the window. What was the point in longing for something already gone? She exhaled, pushing the desire aside.
Drumbeats reverberated through the air as they neared the ceremonial space.
A grand tiered seating arrangement came into view, encircling an ancient stone platform. The highest tier held seats reserved for the royal family, while below, noble families filled the rows. At the base, off to one side, guarded ropes sectioned off an area where commoners gathered,pressing as close as they dared. A solitary black-barred carriage stood nearby, flanked by more guards.
Beyond the stage, a sprawling marketplace buzzed with energy. Far surpassing anything Luna had seen before, it overflowed with merchants and eager patrons. At its center, a massive fire burned, its flames licking the air as men, women, and children danced in rhythmic unison to the pounding drums.
