In the morning, light spilled through the open window onto Luna's face. She lay asleep beneath her duvet, stitched from wolf's skin and stuffed with goose feathers.
With a soft groan, Luna stirred, opening her eyes slowly. Her gaze lingered on the ceiling's intricate flower patterns, roses etched into plaster.
Beyond the window, the gravel path curved around the mansion, winding past the old oak and down toward the lake. Roses lined its edge, blooming against the perfectly green grass.
A chilly morning wind slipped inside, sweeping through Luna's hair and drifting it back. She blinked at the sight, her breath catching in awe at the beauty of the garden.
But sweat poured down her face and body like rain on a spring day. Wiping her brow, she rose and walked to the balcony, where the garden stretched out before her in all its splendor.
The magnificent oak stood tall in its midst, casting a shadow that blanketed half the grounds. Every rose swayed gently beneath the wind's touch.
With one last glance at the oak towering past her balcony, Luna turned inside. She crossed to the doors where Theo stood.
"Can you call Aisha, please?"
"Of course, my lady. I'll bring her right away," Theo answered
He bowed, putting his hand onto his gut with respect, black armor clanking as he stepped aside, his cape swaying with each hurried stride toward the corridor. Luna watched him disappear around the last corner, where Aisha waited.
Closing her door, she drifted to the reddish leather sofa and sat, her eyes lifting to the portrait of her father, Reed.
A hint of melancholy softened Luna's eyes as her gaze lingered on his face.
I wonder how long it took for dad to become this strong… I wish I had the time to grow just as he did.
Her gaze slid to the dresser, where earrings lay waiting. The pink gems shimmered, their glow revealing an aquamarine sword engraved within—its blade pointing downward, angelic wings curving around it.
Luna rose, taking them gently in hand. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she placed them on each ear. Turning toward the mirror, she admired how the shimmer caught in her hair, the reflection cradled by her own faint smile.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"My lady, may I come in?" Aisha's cheerful voice carried through the door.
"Yes, come in," Luna replied, glancing toward it.
Without a second's hesitation, Aisha burst in, her words tumbling bright and quick:
"What can I do for you, my lady? Dress you? Prepare a bath? Or perhaps bring food? My lady?"
Luna chuckled softly at her dedication, amusement flickering in her eyes.
"I need to change into something comfortable. I want to go to the garden," she said, adjusting her earrings.
Hearing that, Aisha's tone brightened with delight.
"Of course, my lady! I'll fetch it at once. Please sit down, I'll bring it right away."
Then, almost pleading, she added, eyes wide and sparkling like a puppy's, "My lady… do you have anything specific in mind, or may I choose myself?"
"You may," Luna answered as she moved back to the sofa, her gaze resting on Aisha.
Hearing those words, Aisha's face lit up with a grin that spread from ear to ear, her cheeks warming with a blush.
While sitting across the table, her back to the painting, she waited for Aisha to return. Suddenly, a loud shriek rang out from the dressing room.
"My lady! I've found the perfect outing dress!"
Aisha came running out, holding a pale lavender dress with puffed sleeves, a pink sash at the waist, and a layered skirt that shimmered with tiny embroidered stars.
"Is this the one my lady desires?" she asked, her cheeks flushed red as she pressed the dress shyly to her face.
Luna chuckled softly. "Yes, that one will do."
"Then, my lady, I'll change you right away," Aisha said warmly, stepping forward as Luna rose from her sofa, ready to be dressed.
…
Aisha tied the sash at Luna's back into an adorable bow. Stepping back, she admired her work with a grin stretching from ear to ear, her cheeks flushed red. Looking at Luna proudly, she asked cheerfully, "Is this what my lady wanted?"
"Yes, I love this dress. You really have an eye for dresses," Luna said as she spun, the layered skirt swaying around her. In the light, the tiny embroidered stars shimmered, casting glimmers that seemed like fake reflections of Luna herself.
"Thank you, Aisha. You did an amazing job."
"Now…" Luna stopped mid-spin, turning to her with a gentle smile. "Can you take me to the garden?"
At those words, Aisha's eyes sparkled. "Of course, my lady! I'll happily take you there!" she said, her voice bright with excitement. She quickly added with a flourish, "Then please follow me, my lady!"
She stepped out of Luna's room, and Luna followed right behind, leaving the wooden door open. Quietly, Theo closed it. From a distance, he walked in her shadow, his steps soft so as not to disturb her. Ever watchful, he guarded her silently, protecting her at all times from behind.