THE TRUE LUNA

palace was not easy,

hunger that gnawed at her bones when she had nowhere to go. Here, at least, she had food. She had a bed, as thi

side the other servants, chopping vegetables, kneading dough, preparing the lavish meals fit for warriors and nobility. The scents

ooden tables clean, swept the floors, and carried linens

never saw her wo

was why she

d through their chores, grumbling under their breath, Akira was quiet and focused. She did no

pectful and

t, the Lady

being the favoured one. It

me were resentful, believing she had done something dishonourable to earn the Lady

ay, an older woman named Maria, her voice dripping with disdain. "Thinks she is

eping her eyes down as she

atter what t

ed was that

ime in a long ti

rything

buzzing all day wit

arriors, answering the call of war to a rogue p

did, but that did not stop the anxious

nger had arrived wi

ors were t

erupted almo

occasion, while guards positioned at the palace gates dra

dirt and blood, his eyes sharp despite his exhaustion. He barely acknowledged the cheers, o

not stay f

s made their way to the local tavern, where ale flowed free

re form that night, drinking more than usual, laughing loudly with his men as they recounted the battle

ght he did n

made sure his enemie

ft the tavern, he

know any of t

is chambers, to make sure everythi

erself who had giv

he had said, her blue sharp

ean. Fresh linens on the b

ed her head, "

rs, adjusting the pillows, smooth

windows left slightly open to let the night breeze in. She w

e door s

her breath cat

ak hanging loosely over his shoulders. His dark hair was damp with sweat, stra

ing was

was

and suffocating. His movements were sluggi

ard, her body inst

en men like

en. Dang

r locking onto her like

t, there w

ow snarl.

s slammed against the bed, the we

thundered i

nting, his breath ho

her throat but

was

ho had cap

who now o

l now, had barely

e was trappe

into her wrist, h

s barely above a whisper,

didn'

e struggled, but it was

ddenly as he grab

gainst her cheek. For a fleeting second, she thought

t t

eneath her jaw, forcing her to look at him. His eyes d

sess

inside Akir

ce of alcohol or was he just

nd her neck, a loud crash echoed through

. An imposing figure stood by the

re, and what authority did he