Moonlight Ball

“Your Majesty, the Queen doesn’t seem too well. I think we should have the doctor see her,” Elena said politely.

“Ah, go ahead. I’ll keep an eye on my Queen,” Sidrain answered, solely interested in Iris. Ah, so cute, that Iris! Probably Iris had simply been flustered by his attention. King Sidrain thought of tempting her again tonight. Ris, I am truly sorry. I will do better ton….

“Your Majesty,” Elena said, interrupting Sidrain’s reverie.

“Ah, what?” he asked.

Can’t you understand that I meant for you to get lost? Our King was never like this, Elena thought. Elena’s green eyes flashed. The doctor is a woman, as is the Queen, she reasoned to herself. Why should the King—a male—be here for the medical examination? Get lost!

Sidrain finally understood what she meant and stepped back.

“Ris, I will return for lunch.”

“Your Majesty,” Elena respectfully reminded him, “the Queen will be having lunch with Duke Zeneth.”

When Elena had seen Duke Zeneth’s request for an audience with the Queen, she made sure to schedule it at a time when it was plausible for Elena herself to be in attendance. Elena knew not to leave her Queen alone with Duke Zeneth. Certainly, no one would question Elena’s presence at lunchtime.

Sidrain understood. Iris is innocent; she doesn’t know anything. He couldn’t let her face Duke Zeneth alone. He glanced at Elena and smiled.

“Then I’ll come at night,” he said, unable or unwilling to hide his excitement. As a result, Elena distrusted him even more.

The excited Sidrain and wary Elena didn’t notice that Iris’s face went completely pale.

Duke Zeneth is here?

‘The most shimmering moonlight of all my moonlight… our sun has already lost its nobility.’ She would never forget that excerpt from the letter. ‘So now I’ll become the sun. The Letaire Empire is protected by Goddess Ruthna. Therefore, it is right and just for it to be embraced by this Queen.’

Duke Zenith is here.

Iris glared without breathing. The seed of treason had been planted and was about to bloom. Iris was in the thick of it, occupying the body that was about to betray the man she loved.

Elena knew that the doctor is also a magician and that it would be dangerous for anyone else to know that the Queen’s body was possessed by another’s spirit. So, she hurried the medical examination along and promptly escorted the puzzled doctor out the door.

After Elena cleared the room of all staff, she sat on the Queen’s bed, and spoke kindly.

“Your Majesty, it’s Elena. Your loyal servant. Tell me. What happened last night?”

Duke Zeneth is here.

Iris’s mind moved chaotically. Why is he here? To commit treason? What else is part of his plan? The Queen plotted to poison the King. What would she do after she was rid of him?

As Iris didn’t know anything about politics, she couldn’t imagine what was next. How does treason even come about? She didn’t know.

She should look into a history book, that’s what she should do! To learn how other acts of treason originated and played out.

Iris’s heart thumped uncomfortably.

“Your Majesty, it’s me,” Elena said, interrupting Iris’s thoughts. “I am a woman… as are you. And your servant.”

The Queen’s eyes darted uncomfortably. Elena was sure it was because of what would take place in the bed chamber tonight. It must be the reason behind the Queen’s reactions. It would be grotesque of the King to take advantage of the naïve Queen. On the other hand, there were no rumors calling him a pervert. If he were a pervert, Elena would have heard about it.

“What scared you?”

“Nothing.”

“Your Majesty, you must discuss the intimacy between a man and a woman with someone.”

Iris looked up at Elena. Elena’s soft smile looked warm from the morning sun.

“There are times when you are afraid of men. Am I correct, Your Majesty?”

Elena went into persuasive mode. She would soothe her and advise her that intimacy might be better than she anticipates. It could be heaven! Every woman has to go through the first time. And a new world will definitely open to her. The relationship between man and woman….

As Elena was formulating the perfect speech, Iris shook her head saying, “Sid didn’t do anything to make me afraid.”

Elena looked at the Queen’s face, a face emanating unwavering trust.

“I am grateful that you’re so caring. But, Sid isn’t someone I should be afraid of. So, you don’t have to worry about it.”

In other words: don’t say anything bad about my man.

That moment, Elena’s head exploded with fireworks. Finally, our King has smitten the Princess of the Magic Tower! Ruthna, thank you! I praise you! I worship you, Ruthna! Stepping back quickly, Elena stammered, “I, I see. I overstepped my bounds.” Love each other. I’ll never get in your way. If anyone does, I’ll kill that person. Oh!

Iris’s head was clouded.

What should I do with Duke Zeneth?

Iris didn’t know anything. She grabbed her wrist unintentionally. There was the ivory bracelet! A gift from Elaine that would help her find her way through this.