The Forgotten Luna by Cassandra M

LADESSA.

Danielle helped take my clothes off, but I told her I wanted to shower alone.

I wished I didn't. I wished I had let her help me with my bath because she was gone the moment I stepped out of my bathroom.

Another handmaid was waiting for me. Aileen informed me that she would be assisting me moving forward.

I knew right then and there that Danielle was in trouble. I might get away from the King's anger, but not her, and it was all my fault.

I maintained my composure while Aileen assisted me in putting on a new gown, even if I was worried. She offered to braid my hair, but I refused and let it down. And even if she wasn't in agreement, I left the run in a hurry.

I wanted to find Danielle to make sure she was okay.

My feet led me to one of the Palace Salons, where I was told the King was. Either he left the banquet early, or the breakfast had been concluded. But it didn't matter anymore, as Kael was no longer there, and I had to make sure Danielle would not be punished. Aileen had been following me around, giving me directions on where to turn, and I could tell she was also worried because I had been running the hallways occasionally.

"Princess Adessa, please. Don't run. If the King or one of your brothers sees you, they might not like it." Aileen pleaded as she followed behind me, taking big steps and trying to catch up with my strides.

I halted and abruptly turned around, taking a deep breath before speaking to her. "Why don't you go to the kitchen and request breakfast for me? Tell them I was not able to finish my meal."

"But, my lady."

"No buts. Don't make me wait while I'm hungry. I can be wild." I glowered at her before winking.

She bit her bottom lip, suppressing a smile as she nodded her head.

left me in my room," I added in a whisper before motioning with my hand. "Go, be on

If Aileen was right, at the end of this

my eyes widened when the door finally came into view. Outside was my brother, Prince Esriel. His forehead was creased, and it looked like he

was weirded out because there were two royal guards outside, but he was not afraid that they knew he was eavesdropping. But then, maybe these guards were used to secrecy and would never put any of the royals in jeopardy. Or Esriel knew he could get away with what he was

as I came nearer. His finger went to his lips, warning me to remain quiet

Danielle there with Father?" I asked, just mouthing the words, not releasing

his brows still

went to my chest, and even if my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest, I mustered all my courage and pushed the double door

not request both of your presence!" The King said, his teeth gritting. He sat in a chair that resembled a throne. His hand was

didn't

closed the door behind him, and I tilted my head up. "Esriel tried to stop me, but I want to know why my

at the King, but I saw Danielle in my peripherals. She was kneeling, ten to fifteen feet away, in front of my father's highchair. "She's no longer your handmaid. I had released you from her care. I've assigned you a new one. Didn't

did, and she's lovely. But

will not

rights to choose my

I had to relieve her from

me." I walked forward to where Danielle was and

pulled me up harshly. Father stood up on his seat and bellowed at me, so I thought I had turned deaf. "How many times do I

holding on to my arm, gripping it tightly as if he knew I would do it again if

do it again until you let Danielle go and return as

who

loyalty is with me," I said, my eyes watering, but I did my best to keep

should be