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.

asks where I am, tell them you left me in my room," I added in a whisper before motioning with my hand. "Go, be on your way. I'll see you in a

the next corridor. If Aileen was right, at the end of this was the receiving room where I

finally came into view. Outside was my brother, Prince Esriel. His forehead was creased, and it looked like he was listening to

maybe these guards were used to secrecy and would

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

asked, just mouthing the words, not

his brows

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 open, much to Esriel's surprise. But

The King said, his teeth gritting. He sat in a

didn't like being

up. "Esriel tried

directly 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.

will not

have any rights to choose my own

fairly well why I had to relieve her from her

I walked forward to where Danielle was

Father stood up on his seat and bellowed at me, so I thought I had turned deaf. "How many times do I have to remind you

to my arm, gripping it tightly as if he knew I

it again until you let Danielle go and

who

me," I said, my eyes watering, but

should be