Ice Goddess Luna

Episode9

"Hadley, dear, consume heartily," the queen encouraged, observing that she had barely touched her meal.

She merely nodded, puzzled by the rapid thumping in her chest.

"Doesn't the fare suit your taste?" inquired the queen with a hint of concern, prompting an immediate infatuation within her.

She glanced up and shook her head.

"Then replenish your strength with a hearty meal," the queen advised, her hand tenderly brushing through her hair. She glanced around in response to the queen's directive.

Encountering the surprised gazes of the onlookers at the queen's display of affection towards her, she quickly bowed her head and resumed eating, a slight tremor persisting due to the imposing presence of the nobility, particularly the gentleman dining before her.

Over an hour elapsed, yet the company remained seated even after the meal concluded.

Servants cleared the table, replacing plates with delicate glasses, each filled with crimson liquid.

Once all was arranged, the king lifted his glass, signaling others to follow suit, including Gracia. In response, she raised her glass as well.

As others drank, she merely observed, realizing that within the palace, such rituals were routine. She couldn't help but feel like an outsider amidst nobility.

A gentle touch on her shoulder drew her attention, and she turned to find the queen.

"Hadley, why have you not yet imbibed?" inquired the queen, her smile warm and encouraging. "Drinking is a gesture of reverence to our king."

In an instant, she snapped out of her reverie, realizing she was the lone abstainer. Hastily, she raised the glass to her lips, but before imbibing, she hesitated, taking in the scent of grapes.

The sweet taste danced on her tongue, yet a sensation akin to fiery tendrils snaked down her throat. Disregarding the discomfort, she drained the glass.

As she placed it down, she noticed the curious gazes fixed upon her.

"Is your new attendant a teetotaler, Luna?" jested Mike, his laughter echoed by others. Heat flooded her cheeks as she comprehended his insinuation.

"Dinner is concluded. You may retire for the evening," announced the king, rising from his seat, followed by the others. As the queen stood, she followed suit, accompanied by Sab.

Led by the queen, they ascended the grand staircase once more. At the topmost step, her gaze caught the gentleman conversing with the king in another corridor.

Continuing their journey, she noted a secondary staircase. Ascending, a chill enveloped her, a stark contrast to the warmth below. Despite the familiarity of the illuminated paintings, an eerie sensation gripped her, as if unseen eyes monitored her every move.

"Hadley, come along," Gracia's voice broke through her contemplation, prompting her to resume walking. They regarded her with quizzical expressions, prompting a humble bow before rejoining their company.

They continued down the corridor until halting before a grand door, which Gracia opened to unveil a resplendent chamber. Stepping inside, she was captivated by its splendor.

"This is where our Alpha and Luna slumber," Sab whispered beside her, a warm smile gracing his lips, surprising her.

"Hadley, please, take a seat and observe," instructed the queen, drawing her attention. She complied, settling into the nearest chair.

Her gaze followed Gracia as she assisted the queen in disrobing. With each layer shed, she glimpsed Maria through an adjacent door, presumably attending to her ablutions, while Sab and Gracia readied the queen's night attire.

Mesmerized, she watched their meticulous ministrations until the queen, now clad in a diaphanous gown, settled before a mirror.

"Come, Hadley, and tend to my hair," the queen invited with a smile. She approached, proffering a comb, and gingerly began to untangle the queen's locks, ensuring gentle strokes to avoid causing discomfort. The fragrance of the queen's hair enveloped her, its softness a testament to its care. Cascading in ebony waves down to her waist, the queen's hair exuded a natural allure.

Upon completing the task, the queen expressed her gratitude. "You may now retire. Tomorrow, Sab will acquaint you with your duties," she declared. With nods of understanding, they exited the room.

Once outside, Maria veered off in a different direction, piquing her curiosity. Before she could inquire, Gracia gently redirected her along their original path.

Upon their descent, she seized the opportunity to question Gracia. "Why did Maria go in that direction?" she queried as they walked.

"She had matters to attend to," Gracia replied succinctly.

"But didn't the queen instruct us to rest? Do you also sense the weighty aura upstairs?" I queried, my thoughts laden with uncertainty.

Gracia sighed, pivoting to face me, causing me to halt in my tracks.

"That level is reserved for those of esteemed rank within the palace. You mustn't venture there without permission," Gracia cautioned before resuming our journey.

"T-then does Maria hold a higher position, is that why she went there?" I pressed, seeking clarification.

This time, Sab interjected, offering an explanation. "Maria's quarters are also on this floor. She aspires for prominence, hence her presence there for discussion."

"Sab!" Gracia's sudden interjection startled me, her tone carrying a hint of warning.

Though Sab appeared on the verge of further explanation, she remained silent, her lips pursed in frustration. What did she intend to convey?

We arrived at my chamber, and I settled onto the bed's edge.

"Change your attire, Hadley. You must rest," Gracia instructed firmly.

"But I've already changed. I'm comfortable as I am," I protested, feeling a pang of embarrassment at the thought of laundering clothes.

A chuckle escaped Gracia's lips at my expense.

"Change into proper attire. That's not suitable for sleepwear. Tomorrow, I'll bring your new garments so you'll have ample choices," Gracia insisted, gently urging me upright.

Sab rose as well, adding, "Your bathroom is over there, and the closet for your garments is on that side. Everything you need is there. We're retiring for the evening."

"We're eager to become better acquainted with you, Hadley. Good night," Sab bid with a smile before they departed, leaving me to ponder their kindness.

Instead of dwelling on it further, I followed Gracia's indication and entered the designated door, greeted by a sight of breathtaking beauty.

The space was awash in white and luminance. At the far end, a sizable mirror likely marked the location of the bathroom, accompanied by a basin slightly smaller than the one I was accustomed to, yet pristine in its whiteness.

Turning to the right, I beheld a spacious wardrobe in matching white hue. As I opened its doors, my eyes fell upon a pristine white dress, beckoning me to don its elegance. With a sense of anticipation, I readied myself to slip into its embrace.