EMAL’S POVI find myself in a delicate predicament. I know I need to approach Matilda about the Luna’s issue, but I am also acutely aware that I mustn’t raise her suspicion or curiosity about the issue. It is a delicate balance I have to strike. She is quite the sensitive one with the ability to think beyond the present. Pondering over how to broach the subject, I decide that I need to be cautious and subtle. I make a conclusion to frame it as a general concern, something that anyone may have noticed. It will look like that of a concerned child to the mother. This way, I can discuss the matter without drawing any attention to myself.Stifling a cough as we sit together, “Do you notice anything strange things about the Luna?” I ask after much contemplation. My tone, nonchalant as if I am merely curious and not investing my mind in the matter.“You mean mother? No! Why did you ask?” she responds, but not suspecting anything.“Oh, you know, one of my bullies taunted me about her sneaky
EMAL'S POV“Just take a look at her. She’s lucky! Indeed, she is…I can’t believe we maids are also privileged in that aspect." my ears catch on some feminine voices not quite distant from the Luna’s room as I prepare for school. I pay more attention to their discussion than usual, listening in on them without restraint. It is one of these moments when you instinctively know that something is amiss. Their voices resonate amidst themselves in low tones which would have definitely gone unnoticed by humans. I inadvertently hear the voices of the maids discussing at a distance. A part of me wants to ignore the talks but curiosity gets the better part of me, and I slow my pace, trying to see if I can get the topic being discussed. “Did I miss something?” the voice of another maid who interrupted the ongoing discussion hit my ears. She is obviously just getting to the spot of discussion and isn’t aware of what they are saying.“Shh, have it low. You can’t afford to put us in trouble.” A fe
EMAL’S POVMaking my way into the Luna's room isn't one big deal at all as it didn't take anything worthy from me to do so. Inside the Luna's room, I move with the grace of a practiced intruder which I ain't, my senses on high alert. The room is adorned with opulent furnishings and delicate trinkets, just like the room of every royal but my focus is on finding something that might reveal the answers I seek.I start with the ornate vanity, carefully inspecting each drawer and compartment, hoping to stumble upon a hidden note or a concealed object. But my efforts are fruitless, and frustration begins to gnaw at me.Next, I turn my attention to the meticulously arranged bookshelves in the room. My fingers trace the spines of countless volumes, and I pull a few books from the shelf, expecting a hidden compartment or a clue between the pages. Yet, there is nothing to be found.Minutes turn into what feels like hours and disappointment begins to settle in, and I can't help but wonder if my
EMAL’S POVThe room falls into a profound silence as Norla, driven by curiosity and concern, leans in to investigate the source of the seeping liquid within the hidden compartment. Her fingers reach inside, and her expression shifts from puzzlement to surprise. To her shock, she discovers someone else concealed within the secret space, and I remain hidden in the shadows, my presence still undetected. The tension in the room eases slightly as the true identity of the intruder becomes apparent to Norla. My heart continues to race as I watch the scene unfold, keenly aware that the mysteries and secrets of the room remain shrouded. I remain hidden, quietly observing the unfolding situation with a mix of curiosity and relief, as my own presence remains a secret, for now since she is oblivious to my presence still."Oh, not again" she murmurs. I position myself properly in order to see everything she's is doing. While the secret compartment remains open, Norla proceeds to search for a pie
EMAL'S POV"Blake's father?" Lilly looks away in thought. "What happened? Is anything wrong?" I ask, searching her expression for answers."It's nothing. Something came to mind, that's all. Do you remember you mentioned seeing him in the hidden garden? The one you said was covered with an illusion?""Of course, I do. How can I forget that?" "The garden and her room... same person, doesn't it say something?""I know right. I know Aleiscter wouldn't dare deliver such thing to her without an order from Blake's father, I mean he mentioned it himself too. Anyone with a reasonable thinking would know that Blake's father has something to do with the Luna. There's some kind of plan they're both scheming or involved in. I'm having a bad feeling about this whole thing which I can't lay my hands on. It just doesn't seem to be figured out anytime soon."I have an idea, but I don't know how you're going to take it." Lilly speaks after silently and calmly listening to me."Let me hear it. It's no
MATILDA’S POVReturning from school, I'm eager to hear what the guard I sent to trail Emal has discovered about Emal's activities. I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to the whole issue than meets the eye. just when I am about to call for his presence, he comes in."Good evening, your royal highness," says the guard, bowing in respect."Were you able to get anything?" I ask, knowing how sensitive Emal can be. He might have noticed someone tailing him and changed his initial plans."Yes, I did. I followed the crowned prince Alpha throughout the day as you asked me to and observed him closely. He didn't go to school very early like he does. Instead, he went to her ladyship's room after she left the castle."Do you mean he was in mother's room?" I wonder what he aimed for by going there."Yes, he did. It took him a long while before coming out but when he did, he had a vellum with him. With the way he held it so close, it must mean a lot to him. But I have no idea what it is.
MATILDA'S POVMy heart pounds as I slip out of Emal's room, a sense of urgency propelling my hasty exit. I had managed to get the vellum and I needed to process it in private. Stepping into the hallway, I try to compose myself, my thoughts racing. I have to figure out what Emal's connection to mother's room is and what he's keeping from me. But as I round the corner, I'm met with an unexpected sight that stops me in my tracks. There, just outside the door, stands the Alpha, my father, a stern expression etched on his face. It's a coincidence that leaves me frozen in place.For a moment, time seems to stand still. I meet my father's gaze, his eyes narrowing as he takes in my dishevelled appearance. I know he can sense something is amiss, that I've been up to something that I shouldn't have.With a deep breath, I summon my courage, ready to face whatever questions and consequences may come. Despite the shock of seeing my father just outside the door of Emal's room, I know I can't let on
MATILDA’S POV I keep a discreet distance as I continue to tail my father, my eyes trained on his every move. He strolls around the castle with a sense of purpose, checking the surroundings one after the other. Though, a bit absentminded. As I observe from the shadows, my father heads for his room and my heart quickens when I see Emal approaching. ‘Damn! He is back’ I quickly slip back into Emal's room in a moment of urgency and a desire to keep the portrait back where it should be. Stealthily, I place the portrait where I had found it earlier, ensuring it's concealed from view. It's a precaution to ensure that having visited his room remains a secret. Then, I make my way back to Father's room side with the same aim I had done so earlier –tailing Father. He is having a discussion with Emal by the time I return but I can't care less. That's the very least of my concern. However, I continue to stay vigilant. I continue to trail my father as he finishes his conversation with Emal and
EMAL'S POV Understanding Matilda’s inquisitive nature and knowing her tendency to be forthcoming, I connect the dots, realizing she must have had a reason for going over to my room in the first place. My nerves calmed a bit, knowing she was the one who entered my room and not someone else. The urge to confront her right then was eminent for me but I put myself under total and complete control. There is no cause for alarm yet. Deciding not to confront her, I opt to wait. I know quite right that Matilda’s curiosity often gets the better of her, and she’d probably seek me out with a flurry of questions. Patiently biding my time in my room, I anticipate her eventual arrival, preparing myself for the conversation that's bound to unfold between us. As the night settles in, the air is charged with her imminent arrival. Before she even has a chance to knock on my door, I call out, "Come in, you don’t need to create a noise." "I guess you’ve returned," she says upon entering. "Yes, I retu
MATILDA’S POVWait! What? How in hell? I stand hidden from the entrance as soon as Father exits Mother's room, my heart pounding as I recall what Father says last before leaving with an angry expression. Eavesdropping on their heated argument, I never expected to hear such a secret.My little brother, the one I've cared for, played with, and protected, is not my blood sibling. My mind races with confusion, my eyes begin to change colour, and my world suddenly feels like it's unravelling. How is this possible? I've never suspected a thing. No one did!Replaying the scenario in my mind wishing it is not at all true, I'm gripped by a whirlwind of emotions. Betrayal, anger, confusion and a profound sense of hurt flood over me. How could my parents keep such a secret from us, from everyone? I thought we were a family, bound by blood and love.I struggle to comprehend the truth as the reality sinks in. My relationship with my little brother, whom I've always considered my best family, is no
MATILDA’S POV I keep a discreet distance as I continue to tail my father, my eyes trained on his every move. He strolls around the castle with a sense of purpose, checking the surroundings one after the other. Though, a bit absentminded. As I observe from the shadows, my father heads for his room and my heart quickens when I see Emal approaching. ‘Damn! He is back’ I quickly slip back into Emal's room in a moment of urgency and a desire to keep the portrait back where it should be. Stealthily, I place the portrait where I had found it earlier, ensuring it's concealed from view. It's a precaution to ensure that having visited his room remains a secret. Then, I make my way back to Father's room side with the same aim I had done so earlier –tailing Father. He is having a discussion with Emal by the time I return but I can't care less. That's the very least of my concern. However, I continue to stay vigilant. I continue to trail my father as he finishes his conversation with Emal and
MATILDA'S POVMy heart pounds as I slip out of Emal's room, a sense of urgency propelling my hasty exit. I had managed to get the vellum and I needed to process it in private. Stepping into the hallway, I try to compose myself, my thoughts racing. I have to figure out what Emal's connection to mother's room is and what he's keeping from me. But as I round the corner, I'm met with an unexpected sight that stops me in my tracks. There, just outside the door, stands the Alpha, my father, a stern expression etched on his face. It's a coincidence that leaves me frozen in place.For a moment, time seems to stand still. I meet my father's gaze, his eyes narrowing as he takes in my dishevelled appearance. I know he can sense something is amiss, that I've been up to something that I shouldn't have.With a deep breath, I summon my courage, ready to face whatever questions and consequences may come. Despite the shock of seeing my father just outside the door of Emal's room, I know I can't let on
MATILDA’S POVReturning from school, I'm eager to hear what the guard I sent to trail Emal has discovered about Emal's activities. I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to the whole issue than meets the eye. just when I am about to call for his presence, he comes in."Good evening, your royal highness," says the guard, bowing in respect."Were you able to get anything?" I ask, knowing how sensitive Emal can be. He might have noticed someone tailing him and changed his initial plans."Yes, I did. I followed the crowned prince Alpha throughout the day as you asked me to and observed him closely. He didn't go to school very early like he does. Instead, he went to her ladyship's room after she left the castle."Do you mean he was in mother's room?" I wonder what he aimed for by going there."Yes, he did. It took him a long while before coming out but when he did, he had a vellum with him. With the way he held it so close, it must mean a lot to him. But I have no idea what it is.
EMAL'S POV"Blake's father?" Lilly looks away in thought. "What happened? Is anything wrong?" I ask, searching her expression for answers."It's nothing. Something came to mind, that's all. Do you remember you mentioned seeing him in the hidden garden? The one you said was covered with an illusion?""Of course, I do. How can I forget that?" "The garden and her room... same person, doesn't it say something?""I know right. I know Aleiscter wouldn't dare deliver such thing to her without an order from Blake's father, I mean he mentioned it himself too. Anyone with a reasonable thinking would know that Blake's father has something to do with the Luna. There's some kind of plan they're both scheming or involved in. I'm having a bad feeling about this whole thing which I can't lay my hands on. It just doesn't seem to be figured out anytime soon."I have an idea, but I don't know how you're going to take it." Lilly speaks after silently and calmly listening to me."Let me hear it. It's no
EMAL’S POVThe room falls into a profound silence as Norla, driven by curiosity and concern, leans in to investigate the source of the seeping liquid within the hidden compartment. Her fingers reach inside, and her expression shifts from puzzlement to surprise. To her shock, she discovers someone else concealed within the secret space, and I remain hidden in the shadows, my presence still undetected. The tension in the room eases slightly as the true identity of the intruder becomes apparent to Norla. My heart continues to race as I watch the scene unfold, keenly aware that the mysteries and secrets of the room remain shrouded. I remain hidden, quietly observing the unfolding situation with a mix of curiosity and relief, as my own presence remains a secret, for now since she is oblivious to my presence still."Oh, not again" she murmurs. I position myself properly in order to see everything she's is doing. While the secret compartment remains open, Norla proceeds to search for a pie
EMAL’S POVMaking my way into the Luna's room isn't one big deal at all as it didn't take anything worthy from me to do so. Inside the Luna's room, I move with the grace of a practiced intruder which I ain't, my senses on high alert. The room is adorned with opulent furnishings and delicate trinkets, just like the room of every royal but my focus is on finding something that might reveal the answers I seek.I start with the ornate vanity, carefully inspecting each drawer and compartment, hoping to stumble upon a hidden note or a concealed object. But my efforts are fruitless, and frustration begins to gnaw at me.Next, I turn my attention to the meticulously arranged bookshelves in the room. My fingers trace the spines of countless volumes, and I pull a few books from the shelf, expecting a hidden compartment or a clue between the pages. Yet, there is nothing to be found.Minutes turn into what feels like hours and disappointment begins to settle in, and I can't help but wonder if my
EMAL'S POV“Just take a look at her. She’s lucky! Indeed, she is…I can’t believe we maids are also privileged in that aspect." my ears catch on some feminine voices not quite distant from the Luna’s room as I prepare for school. I pay more attention to their discussion than usual, listening in on them without restraint. It is one of these moments when you instinctively know that something is amiss. Their voices resonate amidst themselves in low tones which would have definitely gone unnoticed by humans. I inadvertently hear the voices of the maids discussing at a distance. A part of me wants to ignore the talks but curiosity gets the better part of me, and I slow my pace, trying to see if I can get the topic being discussed. “Did I miss something?” the voice of another maid who interrupted the ongoing discussion hit my ears. She is obviously just getting to the spot of discussion and isn’t aware of what they are saying.“Shh, have it low. You can’t afford to put us in trouble.” A fe