Lunaris Ascending

Chapter Two- The Celestial Rose

***

The city was bathed in the light of the afternoon sun, displaying the glory and splendor of Ortheos’ Royal Capital, Vir. From beyond the windows of the carriage, I watched as silver lanterns swayed above crowded streets with commoners engaged in celebration.

Music drifted through the air alongside laughter and pomp. Excitement charged the air as the Capital awaited the announcement that would bind House Dain and the Royal family forever. Two beloved houses, joined as one to ensure a continuation of the golden age of Ortheos.

It truly was so beautiful before the fall…

Memories slowly came to the fore as my gaze shifted to the towering ivory bridges stretching across the river that cut through the city.

In my past life, these shimmering waters had run red during the war. The smoke came first, then the screams that rang through my mind long after I had fled.

Vir had burned for five nights straight.

Entire districts had collapsed beneath siege magic from the royal mages and the force of the royal battalion that aimed to punish the commoners whose loyalties lay with my family. Noble houses had turned against each other, in the name of the Crown, as their own military forces engaged in battle against each other. The faction loyal to House Dain had fought desperately to get me out of the Palace and away from Caius’ reach.

Many had died in that battle.

And many more because of me…

Pain filled my heart at the memory, tears springing to my eyes at all that I had lost.

“Astraea?”

Mother’s voice cut gently through the fog of memory, bringing me back to the carriage and the buzz of conversation around me. I blinked slowly, forcing my gaze away from the city and back to the interior of the carriage.

My mother sat across from me with two attendants on either side of her, her concern carefully hidden behind regal composure. I granted her a reassuring smile, easing her nerves somewhat as I turned my attention to the rest of the carriage. The attendants chatted excitedly amongst themselves about the banquet awaiting us within the Palace.

“...they say that the Great Noble Houses have all arrived.”

“And the ballroom ceiling has been enchanted to resemble the night sky!”

“The Crown Prince himself oversaw all the preparations.”

I nearly laughed at that, holding back the urge to roll my eyes.

Of course he had. Caius had always loved beautiful things, especially those that he intended to possess.

The thought made my stomach lurch in disgust.

This time will be different.

The vow settled heavily in my chest as we got closer and closer to the Royal Palace.

I will NOT marry him again.

I will not chain myself to the same fate ever again.

Whatever it takes to make it happen; lies, manipulation, war. I will escape before history repeats itself.

But first, I need to survive this night.

And the only way to do that is to pretend. Pretend that I am still the same naive, sixteen-year-old girl who is hopelessly in love with the Prince.

Pretend that I don’t remember his hands wrapped around my throat.

Pretend that I don’t remember this Kingdom reduced to ash.

The carriage slowed, and I stiffened instantly at the sight of the Royal Palace that was now in full view.

The afternoon sun reflected off the sprawling structure in silver, its towering white spires rising proudly above the capital like something divine. Vast waterfalls cascaded from the cliffs beneath the palace bridges, shimmering beneath the lanterns.

It was beautiful.

Cold.

A prison disguised as paradise.

My breath faltered as the memories struck viciously.

Dark corridors.

Locked doors.

The sound of my own screams echoing through the palace walls.

The taste of my own blood.

My sobs muffled beneath my trembling hands.

My fingers curled tightly against my skirts presently, anchoring myself to the reality before me lest the panic attack took over.

A warm hand brought me back fully, my gaze turning instantly to my mother at the sound of her soft voice that grounded me.

“Astraea…”

Concern shone in her hazel eyes, a look I knew all too well.

It's the same look she would wear in my previous life whenever I forced smiles I didn’t mean…

She knows something is wrong, perhaps not the whole truth, but she knows enough.

“You’re pale, my darling. We can still leave if you wish to.”

Her words nearly shattered my resolve. Because I knew my mother meant them.

If I asked, House Dain would turn this carriage around without hesitation. War with the Crown would probably follow eventually, but they would still choose me. Just as they had in my previous life…

I swallowed the ache of unshed tears in my throat and forced myself to smile softly.

“I’m alright, mother.”

A lie, but a necessary one. I watched as she studied me carefully before releasing a small sigh.

“You’ve seemed different since this morning.”

Because I died.

Because I am not the daughter you know, not anymore.

Because my soul reeks of vengeance.

I swallowed all the words I wanted to say and settled for squeezing her hand gently instead.

“I’m simply nervous, is all. This is a big day for House Dain.”

That was, at least, not entirely false. The carriage finally came to a halt before the grand staircase leading into the palace.

Music echoed faintly from within the palace as the carriage doors were opened. A cold evening breeze wafted in, refreshing me instantly as I watched my mother exit first. Her silver threaded gown caught the light of the sun as her attendants hurried to assist her down the steps.

I turned my gaze to the top of the steps and time seemed to freeze at the sight of him.

Father.

At the top of the steps stood Lord Enzo Voltaire Dain, Head of House Dain and the most feared nobleman in Ortheos beneath the King himself.

The sight of him nearly stole the breath right from my lungs.

In my previous life, I had last seen him dying upon a battlefield beneath Purple House Dain banners and burning skies.

I remember the blood that soaked his silver armor.

I remember the way he stood between me and an entire battalion, even with a sword through his side.

Run, Astraea!

The memory hit so hard, my vision blurred momentarily, my heart beating right out of my chest almost as if I was still there. And, in a sense, my soul still was…

But he’s still here, alive and whole beneath the golden lanterns.

Tall.

Untouched by war.

His midnight hair was streaked faintly with silver, his ceremonial robes adorned with the crescent sigil of House Dain. Power radiated from him effortlessly, commanding the attention of every noble nearby without him speaking a single word.

And when his gaze found my carriage, it softened instantly as it always did for Lady Dain and the rest of his children.

Not for the nobles or the royals.

Only for his family.

Something within me cracked at the sight, a trembling smile touching my lips.

I have them back…thank you, goddess…

“Lady Astraea?”

One of the attendants asked softly, her hand extended to help me off the carriage. I inhaled slowly, burying the grief where no one would see it before taking her hand and allowing her to help me down the steps.

Hold your head high, Astraea… You are no longer the victim…to them, you are future Queen of Ortheos…show them you’re more…

The Courtyard fell noticeably quieter at my appearance as my attendants fussed over my dress.

Silver embroidery shimmered across the dark violet skirts of my gown with the sun reflecting on the thousands of tiny crystals sown into the fabric. Every step I took made them shimmer in a sort of ethereal incandescence that awed my attendants even more. The bodice hugged my waist elegantly before cascading into layered silks touched with beaded crystals and amethyst moonstones.

I was wearing House Dain colors: amethyst and silver.

Ancient.

Regal.

Untouchable.

Moonstones glittered at my throat and wrists, with silver chains adorning my midnight curls. They were woven carefully through my soft waves that fell freely down to the small of my back. My makeup was subtle but gorgeous with pale pink lipstick on my lips and silver dust brushed lightly beneath my eyes, emphasizing the rare amethyst-hazel gaze that had earned me admiration across the continent.

I lifted my chin slightly, confidence filling me as I ascended the palace staircase. The guards on the path bowed deeply as I passed, fists pressed against armored chests.

“Lady Astraea Dain.”

“Future Crown Princess.”

“Blessing of the Moon goddess be upon you.”

I barely heard them, their reverence a mirror of my past life. Every corridor I passed dragged memories from the depths of me.

That hallway.

I fled through it once, bleeding and barefoot.

Those double doors.

Caius had locked me in there for three days straight with no food or water when I dared defy him in public.

That balcony.

I almost attained the sweet relief of death when he murdered my…

“Astraea.”

My father’s voice grounded me before I could spiral further, my gaze lifting to meet the familiar amethyst that were a reflection of my own.

He extended his arm towards me as though nothing in this world could possibly harm me while he still breathed. And for one single moment, I allowed myself the illusion of safety.

“You look stunning tonight.”

Father murmured with a small smile, and emotion engulfed me at the sight as I returned his smile with my own.

“ Thank you, Father.”

Pride swelled within his gaze as he looked at mother and I in turn before nodding to the attendant to open the doors. The bailiff stepped forward just as the massive golden doors opened slowly, his voice thundering across the ballroom.

“Presenting Lady Astraea Dain of the Great House Dain, heiress of House Dain and Future Crown Princess of Ortheos- escorted by her parents; Lord Enzo and Lady Ayla Dain.”

Absolute silence fell as I stepped into the ballroom, our presence shifting the very atmosphere of the hall.

Hundreds of nobles all turned toward us at once, their gazes filled with awe as they stared. The ballroom glittered beneath enchanted chandeliers, their light reflected against polished marble floors and towering crystal pillars. Nobles adorned in silks and expensive jewels filled the room but none could compare.

Because I was not attending my engagement announcement.

I moved like a Queen returning to my throne.

The gathered guests felt the same way as the whispers erupted instantly.

“ She’s breathtaking.”

“She already carries herself like a Royal.”

“The Moon goddess truly favored House Dain.”

I ignored them all, putting all my focus on the thrones before me. King Odran Virelle sat proudly upon the golden throne and the sight of him made my heart lurch in discomfort and…fear?

What was that?...

I held back my frown, choosing to turn my gaze to Queen Irina who sat beside her husband, her searching gaze on me. She was looking for mistakes. She would find none. They were both dressed in the colors of House Virelle: royal silver and midnight blue.

Beside them was him.

Caius Virelle.

The Crown Prince rose slowly to his feet the moment he saw me.

Speechless.

My stomach churned violently as his face melded with the one in my memories.

Beautiful.

Cruel.

His golden hair was swept neatly away from his striking blue eyes that had once made entire kingdoms adore him. He looked exactly as I remembered him to be from before the war. Before obsession twisted him into something monstrous.

I would kill to drag a blade across his throat…would his blood be warm or cold like his dead heart?

Would shock replace arrogance in those beautiful eyes?

I reveled in those thoughts despite the coy smile that stretched across my lips.

The Prince was enthralled, unable to hold back his awe and desire.

Perfect.

Let him fall first this time. It would be much more enjoyable to crush all his dreams of possessing me.

Turning my gaze from him to fan the flames of obsession, I froze at the sight of the beautiful girl standing beside the Queen.

Kyrelia Virelle.

Relief struck me so hard, I almost stumbled over my feet. Her platinum blonde curls were adorned with pearls that matched her timeless jewelry. Her eyes were full of warmth, laughter dancing behind her gaze.

She’s alive too…

She had died right before my wedding in the courtyard of this very Palace. Her voice echoed in the confines of my mind, the memory returning in fragments veiled by a splitting headache. She had said something right before she died.

Find the Lunaris….they are the key…

Lunaris…what does that mean?

My mind returned to this moment, her bright smile overshadowing the worry that planted itself to the depths of me. I returned her smile, vowing internally to unpack what I had just recalled.

I’ll save you this time, Kira…I promise…

My gaze shifted again as my parents took up their position to the left of me with the rest of the nobles. The sight of my younger brother warmed my heart.

Azael Everett Dain was a reflection of our father in every sense of the word. He towered over many despite being thirteen years old with midnight black hair, hazel eyes and a regal air that had many around him awed. He granted me a small encouraging smile that reminded me so much of our past life.

He had to grow up so fast. He endured unimaginable pain when he took his position as the Head of House Dain and the noble faction that pledged their loyalty to us.

I hate that I never got to say goodbye. I really hope you survived, little brother…

All my reflective thoughts vanished at the sight of the dark blonde haired girl standing beside him. My younger sister.

Esmeralda Alia Dain.

Hate surged instantly within me.

She stood beside Azael, dressed in pale lavender silks and expensive jewelry that would have been considered too much for her own sister’s betrothal ceremony.

All that silk could never hide the fact that you’re a snake, little sister.

She had betrayed me, and not for power.

It was all for Caius.

Together, they had broken me piece by piece while she pretended to mourn my suffering before my parents and the royal court.

Even now, I could clearly see the fury hidden behind her polished smile as Caius failed to turn his gaze away from me to her.

Jealousy.

Possession.

Resentment.

It's always been there, hasn’t it?

Our gazes met, and I granted her a sweet smile that she hesitantly returned.

I can’t wait to wrap my hands around your traitorous throat and choke the living hell out of you…

Soon, little sister.

King Odran rose from his throne, drawing all attention to him.

“Tonight, we celebrate the union between my son, our Crown Prince, and the treasured jewel of House Dain.”

His gaze turned to me, a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes stretching across his lips.

“Our very own Celestial Rose.”

Disgust twisted sharply within me. I hated that nickname just as much as I hated the stench of hypocrisy rising not only from the King but from the nobles gathered for this damned spectacle.

How many times had the King smiled at me like this whilst knowing exactly what his son was becoming?

“Lady Astraea, your grace and beauty have enchanted not only the nobility but the Kingdom of Ortheos. We are honored to welcome you into our family.”

The King continued, and I lowered myself gracefully into a curtsy.

“Your Majesty honors me.”

“On this day, I, Odran Virelle, Head of House Virelle and King of Ortheos, now decree and make official the betrothal between Caius Virelle, Heir to House Virelle and Crown Prince of Ortheos and Astraea Dain, Heiress to House Dain and future Crown Princess of Ortheos. The two Houses shall become one as they are joined in Holy Matrimony under the blessing of the Moon goddess on their eighteenth year. So says the King.”

The King’s Voice boomed across the Hall, prompting everyone to bow low in acceptance to the decree. Their voices rose as one in response.

“Long may they reign!”

Applause filled the room, nobles cheering in excitement as soft classical music played in the background to set the moment. I remembered it vividly, watching as Caius slowly approached me with that deceptive smile that had many trapped before they realized the danger he posed.

He extended his hand then with calm certainty, almost as if the outcome of this moment had already been decided.

As though I already belong to him…the bastard…

A servant stepped forward, carrying a velvet box atop a midnight blue cushion. He took it, his gaze never leaving mine. There was misplaced reverence in his gaze as he spoke.

“Astraea Dain, will you accept this union and stand beside me as the future Crown Princess of Ortheos?”

His words were soft, unable to hide the awe in his voice as he opened the box. A murmur swept through the room instantly, gasps sounding at the sight of it.

The ring was breathtaking, to them at least.

A slender gold band with delicate crowns and royal filigree curved elegantly around a brilliant blue diamond cut into the shape of a star with the gemstone catching the ballroom lights. Tiny diamonds had been embedded along the band itself, scattered around the central stone while intricate royal patterns curled softly through the gold.

At first glance, it looked romantic, beautiful and youthful. The perfect ring a lovestruck girl would treasure forever.

And I had…until he ripped it from my finger so ruthlessly, I had bled….

The marks of his ownership were still there: the blue gemstone that was a a reflection of his eyes. The royal crest of House Virelle etched discreetly beneath the gemstone. There was nothing of House Dain on it; no silver, no crescent moons, nothing.

Only gold.

Only the crown.

Only him.

I had answered instantly in my previous life, oh so excited to sign my death warrant.

This time, I hesitated for but a second.

It's enough, though. Enough for uncertainty to flicker in his expression.

Good. Let him sweat.

I placed my hand in his softly, allowing him to slide the hideous ring onto my finger. I was grateful for the white gloves that covered his hands and the silver ones that covered mine.

It was a miracle I had lasted this long without attacking him but his touch may be the catalyst that frees the monster within me that wants to rage against him.

“I accept.”

Relief washed visibly through him as the music swelled and the nobles applauded.

How pathetic.

The musicians shifted to a waltz I remembered all too well and Caius was quick to lead me to the middle of the ballroom that the nobles cleared for us. The roof was, indeed, enchanted to reflect the night sky. My gaze settled on it momentarily before Caius led us effortlessly across the floor while the nobles watched with thinly veiled envy.

To them, we looked perfect. Like a fairytale.

A future King and Queen blessed by the Moon goddess herself.

If only they knew…

“You’re quiet tonight…”

Caius murmured as he spun me underneath the glittering chandeliers.

I smiled.

“I’m just overwhelmed.”

“That makes two of us.”

Liar.

His hand rested carefully against my waist, reverent enough to make my skin crawl. It took everything in me not to pull away from him.

“I’ll make you happy, Astraea. I swear it.”

He promised quietly, fiercely, his blue eyes fixed entirely upon me. His words nearly made me laugh. Instead, I found the girl within me who had been naive enough to believe his lies. That was the girl that smiled at him now, looking at him like he hung the damn moon.

“As will I, My Prince.”

Softly, I promised, gazed at him with hopeless love.

But deep inside, I knew the truth.

I vow to drag you to the very depths of hell you kept me in.

I swear it.

***