Ice Goddess Luna

Episode 11

Hadley found herself in the queen's chamber, alongside Sab, gently combing her luxurious locks as they faced the mirror. Sab's hair cascaded elegantly down her back, a sight of true beauty.

Draped in an open gown reminiscent of her attire from the past few days, Sab exuded regal grace. Hadley had glimpsed her wardrobe earlier, marveling at the array of exquisite garments. Each dress boasted its own unique design, leaving Hadley in awe.

"Hadley, remember, you're my lady-in-waiting. Only I have the authority to give you orders. If anyone mistreats you, inform me immediately. Understood?" the queen instructed.

"Yes, dear queen," Hadley affirmed.

"I also want you to familiarize yourself with the palace. Maria will guide you through everything you need to know," the queen added, causing Hadley to pause her grooming. The queen seemed to notice, prompting her to inquire, "Hadley, is something wrong?"

Striving to maintain a composed facade, Hadley offered a smile and shook her head before the mirror.

Their attention shifted to the door at the sound of a knock. Sab rose to answer it, revealing Maria on the other side.

"Maria," Sab greeted, ushering her inside.

"There you are. I've instructed Maria to show you the ropes. She'll acquaint you with the ins and outs of the palace," the queen declared.

Maria and Hadley exchanged glances, the former wearing a serious expression before stepping closer.

"After you, Luna Merlia," Maria declared with a respectful bow. Hadley noted the queen's name, Merlia, registering it for the first time.

"Begin," the queen commanded. Maria promptly turned to leave, prompting Hadley to cease her grooming and set the comb aside.

Offering a respectful bow to the queen, Hadley exited the room, trailing behind Maria, who had already distanced herself. Hadley quickened her pace to catch up.

"Wait, Maria..." Hadley called out when she closed the gap. Maria halted, turning to face her with a raised eyebrow. Hadley smiled before speaking.

"Where shall we go first?" she inquired.

"Can't you be patient and wait until we arrive, young lady?" Maria retorted pointedly.

The blunt response caught Hadley off guard, causing her to bow her head in response. She merely desired to form a close bond with Maria, akin to her relationship with Gracia.

"Don't feign importance. You're merely a newcomer," Maria added before resuming her stride. Hadley remained silent, obediently following her lead.

Descending the stairs and passing by the dining room, they entered a door leading to a spacious kitchen. The area was expansive and well-equipped, bustling with activity as cooks prepared meals.

As they walked through the hallways, Hadley noticed soldiers stationed at various points.

Their next stop was the library, which was at least three times the size of her own room. Shelves overflowed with books, some strewn across the floor in disarray.

They visited several more rooms, including the laundry room where other servants worked, folding clothes, and the food storage area.

Maria only spoke to give instructions about each room before resuming her silent march. Hadley refrained from asking questions, still unsettled by their earlier interaction.

It felt like they had been touring the palace for two hours, yet there seemed to be no end in sight. The palace’s interior was incredibly vast, with each room separated by wide, expansive hallways.

Hadley began to feel tired and hungry but remained determined to see the entire palace, captivated by its grandeur.

As they walked, Maria mentioned that they were heading to their final destination.

Hadley observed Maria's back as they continued. Even from behind, Maria's grace and beauty were apparent, evident in her posture and attire. She wore something far more elegant than Hadley's simple dress.

Hadley thought Maria looked like a princess—graceful and refined, with a beautiful, gentle face. She couldn't help but compare herself to Maria, wondering what the queen had seen in her to make her a personal servant.

After a while, they arrived at a familiar hallway. Anxiety and fear washed over Hadley as they approached a particular door, causing her to stop in her tracks, staring at it.

Maria noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Why did you stop? Are you tired? Or... are you afraid?" she asked, a smile playing on her red lips. Hadley couldn't bring herself to respond. She just stood there, frozen.

Are they going to send me back to that dark place? she thought, panic rising within her.

Suddenly, the door opened, and a man stepped out—someone Hadley never wanted to see again. Her eyes widened, and her feet felt rooted to the ground.

It's him.

The man who had slapped her in the jail. Now, she could see his face clearly, and it was terrifying. His long hair did nothing to conceal the large scar that ran from his cheek to his neck. He held a thick piece of steel and had a dirty, intimidating appearance.

Hadley trembled with fear, unable to move or speak.

"You must be Miss Maria. What brings you here?" the man asked, his voice menacing.

"I was just giving Luna's new servant a tour. But... it seems she's frightened now," Maria replied, turning to Hadley with a mocking smile. The man shifted his gaze to Hadley.

"We meet again, young lady. Now you're a servant," he grinned sinisterly.

"Show your respect to Junifer, Hadley. Go ahead," Maria urged with that same wicked smile, as if she had something sinister in mind.

The man, Junifer, began to approach Hadley. It was only then that she found the strength to step back.

"D-don't come closer..." she whispered, her voice trembling. Junifer laughed at her fear, continuing to advance, forcing her to retreat until she felt the cold, unyielding wall behind her.

No... I can't...

Tears welled up in her eyes. She glanced at Maria, who seemed to be relishing the situation, showing no intention of intervening.

As Junifer closed in, he raised his hand and caressed Hadley's cheek, making her squeeze her eyes shut in terror.

"Do you think you will survive?" he taunted. Hadley began to sob, paralyzed by fear. Her mind raced, but she felt utterly powerless. Her body trembled uncontrollably, tears streaming down her cheeks as she struggled to breathe.

"Get your filthy hand away from her," a furious voice commanded, halting the man from touching Hadley's face.

That voice...

Hadley snapped out of her daze and looked up, recognizing the speaker immediately.

It was the handsome gentleman, accompanied by four soldiers.

In a blink of an eye, the gentleman was by her side. She gasped as Junifer was suddenly hurled against the opposite wall, slumping unconscious and leaving deep cracks in the plaster.

Hadley struggled to catch her breath amidst the chaos. She glanced at the gentleman, only to find him glaring at her. Overwhelmed, she quickly bowed her head and clasped her trembling hands.

"Put him in the dungeon and wait for me there. He will pay for what he did," the gentleman ordered with authority. Even as she remained bowed, Hadley could feel his eyes still on her while he directed the soldiers.

She heard footsteps receding, indicating the soldiers were carrying out his command. She continued to bow, unable to move.

Suddenly, a firm hand gripped her arm, prompting her to look up into the gentleman's angry eyes.

If she had been paralyzed by fear before, now she felt as though her life might slip away entirely.

The gentleman pulled Hadley away from the terrifying scene. As they walked, the people they passed gave them scrutinizing looks until they eventually entered Hadley's room.

He released her arm, and even though she kept her head bowed, she knew he was staring at her. He gently but firmly lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his intense gray eyes.

"Don't ever go there again," he commanded sternly. Somehow, she found the strength to nod. He released her and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Hadley stood frozen for a few seconds before finally exhaling in relief.

She couldn't believe what had just happened.