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.

walked toward the

deep-set, marble-gray eyes that had always looked at me as if he were reading my very

gasp escaped my lips, but I was able to stop any

never stare at anyone, my head refused to tilt forward. I

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,

his side, so I had no choice but

head of the banquet hall. All I knew

beside the King as

I didn't question anything. I watched as the people bowed their heads before me, and

had spoken many more words, but they were just floating in my head. I didn't even notice he had sat down until someone pulled a chair for me and told me I should sit down. Only then do the

he watched me in a stalker kind of way-forking his

me.

massive butterflies and ladybugs to swarm in my stomach. I felt he was craving me in a wicked kind of way, the same way I wanted

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

myself? I

it not wait? We will

forgot before we

I stopped myself from rolling my eyes,

before us stood up, but I didn't even look at them. I just followed where Danielle was ushering