Creak… creak… creak…
The towering gate to the garden opened slowly, its hinges groaning from overuse.
From within, Aisha emerged, leading Luna toward the old oak.
Sunlight spilled through the narrow gaps of the gates, brushing across Luna's face. She narrowed her eyes at the brightness.
"My Lady, please be careful as you walk out. The steps are spaced far apart," Aisha said, descending the five stone steps with a warm smile.
"I know," Luna murmured, stumbling down step by step until both feet touched the gravel path. The wind rushed into her face, tugging at her hair as her gaze lifted toward the oak.
Its green leaves swayed gently in the breeze. Beneath it stood a white metal table and two garish chairs set across from each other.
As they walked down the path, the roses lining its edge caught Luna's attention, their bright red petals glimmering as they caught the light.
Nearer the tree, a peculiar scent of aged wood seemed to rise from the oak itself. Luna drew in a deep breath, letting the fragrance fill her chest. It mingled with the warmth of the garden, deepening its calm.
"Then, my Lady, please take a seat. I'll bring your tea as fast as my legs will allow," Aisha said, pulling out a chair for her.
Her blush and gentle eyes softened her ever-smiling face as she bowed. "Then, please enjoy, my Lady," she added with the fulfilled tone she always carried when serving Luna.
Settling into the chair, Luna watched Aisha retreat down the gravel path toward the palace to fetch the tea, tea she had ordered without ever consulting her.
Luna chuckled under her breath, then turned her gaze toward the lake. At its center, an arbor stood anchored above the water, linked to shore by a simple arched bridge.
The water lay still, disturbed only by a fish gliding beneath the lily pads. Their blossoms bloomed wide, tinged with pink, releasing a fresh and calming fragrance that drifted across the garden alongside the oak's woody scent.
What a beautiful way to spend the day here in the garden… heh. I wonder where Aria went. I haven't seen her since yesterday.
She's always near me for some reason, Luna thought, resting her cheek against her hand, her elbow propped on the white chair etched with rose patterns.
Taking a deep breath, Luna closed her eyes and leaned back into the chair. The wind rustled past, tugging gently at her hair. Its whisper mingled with the soft swaying of leaves, the splash of fish leaping from the water, and the faint fragrance of the garden, together weaving a calm so deep it seemed to pull her into sleep against her will.
With her head tilted toward the tree above, she drifted into dreams.
…
Aria hummed a tune her mother had once taught her, repeating it over and over, "Mmmm, mm, mmmm, mmmmm ", her elbows resting on the white metal table, hands cradling her cheeks as she leaned in.
A soft breath escaped Luna's lips as she sat calmly in her chair.
From afar came the faint creak of the gate. Slowly it opened, and Aisha stepped through, balancing a tray of tea.
Aria's legs swung back and forth as her gaze lingered on Luna's sleeping face, lost in the world of dreams.
When Aisha drew near, Aria lifted a hand to her lips and gestured for silence. Nodding, Aisha carefully set down the two cups, bowing with a smile while her eyes kept drifting toward Luna.
She tucked the tray beneath her arm, bowed once more, and turned to leave. Yet she slowed her pace, glancing back at Luna's peaceful expression. A soft chuckle escaped her.
"Rest well, my Lady. You deserve at least this much peace," she murmured, bowing again before disappearing into the palace, the door closing gently behind her.
With the tea within reach, Aria lifted the cup and took a sip. A bright blush spread across her cheeks as she swallowed, setting it carefully back onto the coaster.
A soft groan escaped Luna's lips. Her brow furrowed as she stirred, lifting her head and blinking her eyes open, only to find Aria sitting right in front of her.
…
Meanwhile In the meeting chambers, Nyx, Reed, Theo, and twenty-one representatives of the Lockheart duchy gathered. The vast hall was lined with twenty-four towering pillars, their shadows stretching across the marble floor. At its center stretched a long table, twenty-two chairs arranged neatly along its length, eleven to each side. At the head sat Reed, with Theo to his right, while at the far end, Nyx had taken her seat.
"With this, we will incorporate the law into the duchy's common code. The people will be satisfied," Reed said respectfully, holding a stack of papers which he set neatly at his side.
"Mhm. Father, before we end, I wish to raise one matter," Nyx said. The twenty-one representatives fixed their gazes upon him, faces marked by age and weight of years. White hair flowed like frost upon their shoulders, long beards framing stern expressions. Each wore an elegant black coat, its sleeves embroidered with silver sword motifs that shimmered faintly in the chamber's light, as though poised to cut through silence itself.
"What is it, son?" Reed asked, eyes still scanning the papers, with Theo quietly aiding him.
"It is about Luna. I've discovered something you should hear," Nyx said, clearing his throat.
Reed finally looked up, attentive now.
"Father, Luna possesses an extraordinary talent for the sword. While we were at the academy, I asked her to demonstrate. She has never studied swordplay, and yet… her form was near flawless."
Nyx rose, stepping aside with his arm bent as if to reenact the sight. "I swear what I saw was real, so please, Father, allow her to, "
"No." Reed's voice was firm, his eyes fixed squarely on Nyx.
"But, Father, "
"No." Gathering his papers from the table, Reed stood. His back turned, he cast a glance over his shoulder. "You know well the cult is after Luna. They will not stop until she is caught. I know what you intend, and whom you wish to appoint. And I disapprove. It is far too dangerous to throw her into that world on talent alone. I will not allow it… not after what happened to Syntia…"
He sighed with a gloomy look in his eyes, then turned away. "This meeting is adjourned. Dismissed."
Sweat rolled down Nyx's face. He stumbled forward, desperate. "But Father! You judge her without even seeing her skill. Please, just see it for yourself, then decide."
"Nyx." Reed halted, his back still to him. "The meeting is over. Return to your studies."
Theo remained seated in silence, while the twenty-one representatives slowly rose, uncertain of what had just unfolded.
"…Yes, Father." Nyx's voice was low. He exhaled and watched as Reed's figure faded down the hall.
As if I would give up here. In the next meeting, I'll press harder. You'll see.
Rest assured, Luna. I'll do whatever it takes to convince him.
Nyx returned to his chair and sat, sorting through the stack of papers left from the session, his resolve only tightening.