Luna couldn’t look away. She’d known the crowd would be enormous—the entire Kingdom of Grythorn was attending—but knowing was one thing, seeing it with her own eyes was something else entirely.
The carriage came to a halt, and the door swung open. Luna’s father stepped out first, extending a hand to assist each lady’s exit. Luna donned her hat as she took her father’s hand and allowed him to guide her to the bottom. She started to move away, but he didn’t let go.
Instead, he leaned in, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “By the way, it’s my opinion that both my girls are deserving of royal affection. You are not only beautiful, Luna, but you have a bright light in you that anyone would be lucky to see shine. If you desired the prince, he would be the lucky one. Any man would.” With that, he kissed the top of her hand and released her.
She knew her father meant well, but she had no interest in the prince, and she was fairly certain he had none in her. The hat was merely a peace offering. Besides, even if he did, she would never stand in the way of Emily’s happily ever after.
Smiling warmly at her father, Luna said, “Thank you for your kind words.”
A gruff sound rumbled from his throat, as if he weren’t sure what else to do. He had said his piece, and lingering on it wasn’t in his nature.
Clyde emerged at Luna’s side as a group of servants guided them beyond the roped-off commoner area to their designated seats. As members of the noble court, they were given a superior view compared to the average attendee.
Luna stole a glance at Clyde, unsure if she was relieved to see him. He didn’t acknowledge her, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance, scanning the surroundings with quiet focus. Not a word. Not one glance in her direction.
Maybe he had been avoiding her this morning . . .
She pressed her lips together, forcing down the sting of that thought, and fidgeted with her dress. She had wanted to see him—but not like this. She had wished for a moment alone with him, needing some reassurance that yesterday’s conversation hadn’t changed things between them.
He’s here now. That’s what matters.
It would, however, be easier to enjoy his presence if Emily would quit glaring at him. Luna nudged her sister with her elbow, and Emily’s face returned to a neutral mask.
Venita and Cecil were huddled together nearby and waved when they spotted Emily and Luna.
“You didn’t tell me you were going to be part of the royal convoy?” Venita said, gracefully making her way over; Cecil followed close behind her.
“We didn’t know until this morning,” Luna replied matter-of-factly, hoping they didn’t think she was receiving special privileges because of her so-called sickness.
Emily sat, looking bored as she spread out her dress around her. “It was nice not to rush off at the crack of dawn to try and avoid traffic.”
Cecil’s eyes hit the sky. “Avoiding traffic wasn’t even an option this time. A carriage lost a wheel right in front of us, and we spent half an hour roasting in the heat while they fixed it.”
“I was sweating so badly,” Venita added, fanning her hands for effect. “I kept double-checking my mirror to make sure I hadn’t turned into a puddle.”
“Oh, you poor things! I couldn’t imagine such a horror.” With a twinkle in her eye, Emily said, “Our journey was terribly dull in comparison. The prince made sure we were well taken care of—but I almost wish he hadn’t. I want a fun story to share too!”
“Screw stories.” Cecil snorted. “I’m lucky to be alive right now! I thought I was going to bake to death.”
“Sounds like you both are in need of refreshments,” Luna interjected, steering the conversation away before things escalated.
The ladies quickly agreed and began weaving through the market, where merchants shouted over the steady drumbeats and hum of the crowds. Clyde marched beside Luna, ever the vigilant guard, ensuring a careful distance between her and other attendees. Fewer people were in this section compared to the commoner area, so maintaining that space was hardly a challenge.
“I have to say, I’m a little shocked you’re here,” Cecil drawled, giving Luna a slow once-over, her voice thick with false innocence. “Though, I suppose, even the fragile get a little leash now and then.”
Luna didn’t rise to the bait. As much as she hated Cecil’s tone, the surprise wasn’t unwarranted—she’d been just as surprised. She’d expected to be tucked away somewhere, watching from a safe distance. Maybe it was a test. If tonight went well, perhaps more freedoms would follow.
“Honestly, me too,” she admitted. “The only rule given was to stay in the roped-off noble section.”
Not that it was needed; there was no reason for her to stray into the commoner’s area.
“Easy enough,” Venita said with an encouraging smile, picking up a glass of champagne off a merchant’s stand. All the nobility vendors operated on an honour system, keeping tabs for each noble family so they wouldn’t have to carry coin on their person. Emily picked up a glass of champagne, too, followed by Cecil and Luna.
“A toast,” Emily declared, raising her glass high. “To Luna’s first protection ceremony. Let it be a great one.”
Their glasses clinked together, a quiet cheer passing between them before they each took a sip. The liquid was crisp and cool, splashing lightly against Luna’s lips as she drank.
“I’ll toast to that,” a familiar voice said.
