The Forgotten Luna by Cassandra M

LADESSA.

I was acting calm compared to the turmoil within me. Everything the King told me led to one thing: I had no freedom to choose who I would end up with. He was implying I should give up Kael and accept whoever ended up as my future husband. I had told him I had been married and that I was no longer pure. He said it didn't matter anymore. He was sure everyone wanted to have the possibility of ruling Absalom.

I felt like I was just a tool for Absalom.

I wanted to tell him I didn't care about his kingdom. I only wanted my husband.

But how ironic my life had turned out. What was happening was exactly how my life started with Kael. I was also just a tool to save him-his ego and his heart-from being broken by Desiree. Only this time, I had no idea who I would be marrying. And at least with Kael, he asked me if I wanted to. I was not forced into marriage with him.

My eyes stung as I tried to keep from tearing up as we walked down toward the hall where the breakfast banquet was. I could hear people talking around us, talking to the King, and paying respect as we passed them, but everything was only flying in my peripherals. I felt lost.

Before we headed here, we spent around ten minutes looking at the camera as they took photos of us. The King informed me that news of my existence would spread throughout the country as soon as the banquet began.

I didn't want to be here anymore. The only reason my feet were still moving was my hope that Kael attended the banquet. I hoped that he made an effort to see me.

The Goddess knew how much I wanted to have even a glimpse of him. I needed him to recharge my energy and my hope because, at the moment, they were already dwindling.

"Announcing the arrival of His Royal Highness, King Essak the Third, of the Kingdom of Absalom, together with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal Adessa Margaret Valiana of Absalom." A loud voice echoed around us as I stood before a tall, massive, and beautifully carved double door separating the private room from the banquet.

My hold on my father's arm tightened, and I felt him tapping my hand gently as the majestic door opened. The scent of freshly baked pastries and coffee swirled around me, perfectly mixing with the alluring smell of jasmine and other blooms all over the hall.

I noticed the extravagant chandeliers over the ceiling and the huge bouquet settings in all corners. Modern candelabras served as centerpieces, combined with red roses. But despite the beauty and luxury of the banquet, my eyes failed to appreciate it. I was looking for one face.

we walked toward the King's

gaze swept fast faces until my eyes locked with the deep-set, marble-gray eyes that had always looked at me as if he

my lips, but I was able to stop any

at anyone, my head refused to tilt forward. I kept staring

felt a rush of emotions surge within me. My eyes watered, and at the same time, my chest burst with happiness. Even though I could still see the pain in his eyes, he smiled-he smiled to make me smile. I bit my bottom lip before letting my lips curl into a small beam. Just enough for him to know that I saw him and

his side, so I had no choice but to take my

had no idea how we got to the head of the banquet hall. All

stood beside the

anything. I

until someone pulled a chair

elevated, so I could see Kael even from afar. And all throughout breakfast, he watched me in a stalker kind of way-forking

me.

to swarm in my stomach. I felt he

of mine were just on Kael. Concentrating on my meal and staying in my seat was getting harder

excuse myself? I need to go to

wait? We will leave

forgot before

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes, but my shoulders relaxed when I saw

helped out of my seat. The guests before us stood up, but I didn't even