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.

I am, tell them you left me in my room," I added in a whisper before motioning with my hand.

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

Outside was my brother, Prince Esriel. His forehead was creased, and it looked like he was listening to whatever

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

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

Danielle there with Father?" I asked, just

his brows still

chest, I mustered all my

request both of your presence!" The King said, his teeth gritting. He sat in a chair that resembled a throne.

didn't like

head up. "Esriel tried to stop me, but I want to

face straight, looking 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

did, and she's lovely. But

you will not have

any rights to choose my

had to relieve

for my actions, it is me." I walked forward to where Danielle was and dropped onto my

that. At the same time, Esriel's hand coiled around my arm 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 have to remind you not to fall on your knees?

gripping it tightly as if he knew I would do

would do it again until you let Danielle go and return as

who

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

loyalty should be