Chapter 4: Expectations
802 Words
Chapter 4: Expectations
Luna arrived home from her solitary nightly hike in the woods just as the first rays of dawn bathed her realm in a golden glow. As she turned the key in the lock and pushed open the heavy wooden door to her family's grand castle, she was greeted by her younger sister, Seraphina. However, instead of a warm embrace or a friendly greeting, Seraphina's eyes burned with jealousy and bitterness.
"You think you're so special, don't you, Luna?" Seraphina sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Always off in the woods, tending to your precious healing skills, while the rest of us are left to carry the weight of our royal duties."
Luna's heart sank at her sister's spiteful words. She had always longed for Seraphina's support and understanding, but it seemed as though jealousy had clouded her sister's perception. Luna couldn't help but wonder if her sister resented her for the unique role she held as both a princess and a healer.
Feeling a pang of guilt for the time she spent with Ethan, Luna tried to push his image out of her mind. However, his presence lingered, his warm smile and kind eyes refusing to fade from her thoughts. She found herself yearning for his companionship, his understanding of her wild and untamed spirit.
But Luna's parents had different expectations for her. As the firstborn daughter of the realm's monarchs, she was groomed to take on the responsibilities of both a princess and a healer. Her parents saw her as the bridge between the supernatural world and the human realm, a beacon of hope and balance.
Luna's role as a healer was especially revered. It was believed that she possessed the ancient healing powers of her ancestors, capable of mending both physical and emotional wounds. The pressure to fulfill these expectations weighed heavily on her shoulders, and Luna often found solace in the woods, seeking guidance from the spirits that whispered through the rustling leaves.
As Seraphina's bitter words echoed in her mind, Luna closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She knew deep down that her sister's jealousy stemmed from a place of insecurity and fear of being overshadowed. Luna's uniqueness challenged the traditional expectations placed upon the royal family, making her sister feel inadequate in comparison.
Determined to rise above the negativity, Luna resolved to prove her worth not only to her family but also to herself.
Luna's mother, Queen Avaline, entered the room with an air of regality, her presence commanding attention. She approached Luna, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the upcoming celebration of the Enchanted Moon. The Enchanted Moon was a magical event where the moon's energy was said to enhance the powers of every supernatural being in the realm.
"Are you ready for this week's celebration, my dear Luna?" Queen Avaline asked, a twinkle of anticipation in her eyes.
Luna sighed, her frustration mounting. She despised the vanity and superficiality that often accompanied these grand events. "Mother, you know how I feel about these celebrations," she responded, her voice tinged with exasperation. "While everyone revels in the festivities, I need to be in nature, learning and growing my powers. If I am to fulfill my potential as a ruler one day, I must strengthen my connection with the elements."
Her mother, although a healer herself, didn't possess Luna's other unique abilities. She had always struggled to understand the depth of Luna's longing for the natural world. With a dismissive laugh, Queen Avaline waved off Luna's concerns, her tone laced with a hint of condescension.
"Luna, my dear, the celebration is an important tradition. It showcases our realm's unity and strength. Besides, your healing powers are already well-developed. It's time to embrace the responsibilities of our royal lineage," her mother insisted, unknowingly fueling Seraphina's satisfaction with the situation.
Luna's heart sank, her mother's lack of understanding leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood. She had always yearned for her mother's support, someone who could guide her through the complexities of her dual roles. But it seemed that her mother's priorities lay solely in the pomp and circumstance of their royal duties, rather than nurturing Luna's innate connection with nature and her true potential as a ruler.
As Seraphina witnessed their mother's dismissal of Luna's desires, a smug grin formed on her face. Luna's sister had always harbored resentment towards her, relishing in the validation of her own feelings of inferiority. The divide between the sisters seemed to deepen with each passing moment, creating a rift that Luna feared might never be healed.
Yet, despite the weight of disappointment and the looming celebration, Luna vowed to remain true to herself. She knew that her powers and purpose extended beyond the superficiality of the Enchanted Moon celebration. With determination burning in her eyes,
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