Ice Goddess Luna

Episode 14

They stood in front of the grand gate, the largest Hadley had ever seen. Made of thick wood and guarded by soldiers, it was an imposing structure. The entire palace was encircled by tall, thick walls and lush trees.

Earlier, when they had exited the palace, they were greeted by a magnificent fountain. On their way to the gate, Hadley noticed the other servants staring at her. The soldiers at the gate whispered among themselves as well, but she didn't pay much attention, attributing it to her newness. Sab seemed unfazed by the attention too.

"Luna is here!" a soldier outside the gate shouted. The soldiers immediately moved to open the massive gate, allowing four luxury cars to enter. Hadley peeked outside and saw houses in the distance and many people. They were bowing as the cars passed by, likely paying respect to their queen.

The sight of the palace still filled Hadley with awe. She found it hard to believe that kings and queens still existed in real life.

From one of the white cars, the queen and Gracia emerged. Sab approached them, and Hadley followed closely behind. The queen's eyes fell on them, her expression shifting to confusion as she noticed Hadley.

"Welcome back, Luna," Sab greeted, bowing deeply. Hadley quickly followed suit.

"Why did you bring Hadley here? Didn't I instruct you not to let her out of her room until I returned?" The queen's voice carried a sharp edge of anger. Sab looked taken aback by her reaction.

"I'm sorry, Luna... I felt sorry for her, so I brought her to meet you," Sab explained.

"Will your pity protect Hadley if something bad happens to her out here?!" the queen's voice rose, drawing the attention of the nearby soldiers.

Realizing this, the queen sighed and composed herself. "Let's go inside," she said curtly, turning to walk back toward the palace. She paused momentarily before continuing, two soldiers approaching Hadley. Nervous, Hadley jumped when Gracia took her hand. Gracia smiled, but concern flickered in her eyes.

"Let's go," Gracia said, and they began walking. Hadley glanced back at Sab, who trailed behind, a troubled expression on her face.

They entered a large, bright room filled with sunlight streaming through the windows and decorated with floral arrangements. Hadley and Sab sat on a long sofa, facing the queen, who sat on another long sofa with a small table between them. The room also featured a desk and chair that gave it an office-like feel.

This was Hadley's first time in this room. She felt the weight of the queen's gaze as she spoke.

"I want you to tell me the truth, Hadley... What happened when Maria took you on a tour of the palace?" the queen asked, her eyes piercing.

Hadley felt a wave of nervousness and fear. Lying was not an option. The queen was a powerful woman, and Hadley knew she had to be honest.

"I-it's fine, Queen. She taught me everything I needed to know," Hadley stammered.

"You know that's not what I'm asking about," the queen replied, her gaze intense. Hadley looked into her eyes and saw the curiosity there. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself before speaking.

"She said it was late, then we turned around a dark place... I didn't know she meant the prison. A big man Maria called Junifer came out... He was terrifying," Hadley said, her voice trembling as the memory resurfaced.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Gracia and Maria entered. "Welcome back, Lu--" Maria began, but the queen immediately approached her and slapped her hard. Everyone was shocked by the queen's sudden action.

"Do you think I wouldn't find out what you did?! Why did you do that to her?!" the queen demanded angrily, glaring at the now-crying Maria.

"Luna... I only did that because it's more likely she would be harmed here in the palace!" Maria efended herself.

"What?! By scaring her?!" the queen retorted. Hadley and Sab remained silent, not wanting to get involved.

"I thought it would make her leave the palace on her own. She doesn't belong here, Luna," Maria reasoned.

"And who do you think you are, Maria ? You are just my lady-in-waiting!" the queen shot back. Maria had no response and continued to cry.

"From now on, you are no longer my lady-in-waiting. That is your punishment," the queen declared coldly. Everyone was stunned by the queen's decision.

"Luna... Are you sure about what you said?" Gracia asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm sure. I will announce it later," the queen confirmed.

"You're being unfair, Luna," Maria said, recovering from the initial shock.

"No, I'm not, Maria. You deserve this," the queen replied, resuming her seat. Maria was about to protest when the door opened, and a soldier entered.

He bowed before speaking. "Luna, you should know something."

The queen sighed and looked at them. "Leave us alone. Sab, you too," she commanded. Gracia was already heading for the door, so Hadley quickly stood up to follow.

Maria walked ahead, while Gracia and Hadley followed in silence. They had just left the room when Maria suddenly confronted Hadley.

"This is all your fault. If you hadn't come here, the palace wouldn't have these problems," she accused, glaring at Hadley. Hadley stepped back, remaining silent.

"Maria, you shouldn't blame her. Luna made the decision," Gracia interjected firmly.

"Shut up... I won't let this slide Hadley. I'll make sure you get kicked out of the palace," Maria said, walking away as if nothing had happened.

Once Maria was out of sight, Gracia turned to Hadley. "Don't pay attention to what she said. She's just in a bad mood," Gracia reassured, smiling. Hadley tried to smile back, and they walked together to their room.