CHAPTER 146: MOONFLOWER

"Everyone is watching you," Diana whispered to me as I arranged the flowers on the table.

"I wonder."

"You talked back to Sloane, the supposedly future queen." She sounded more proud than scolding.

I threw a look over my shoulder and found the workers, stealing glances at me, but strangely, it wasn’t malicious.

"What came over you?"

"That I have had enough of her shit."

Diana snorted.

"What?"

"Is it just me, or have you gotten bolder? You were always such a scaredy cat whenever you were in a room full of Lycans. Osha told me all about it."

I shrugged. "I have no reason to be afraid anymore."

"The perks of being among. You’re on the same playing field now."

"Doesn’t it bother you?"

"What?"

"About your Mother."

Diana’s hand froze, hanging above the flower circle she made. Her eyes turned bleak, and I regretted bringing it up.

"Does it matter? I’m already used to it. Sloane is the daughter she never had. She can coddle her for all I care."

"That’s not true. You’re her daughter; she’s stupid not to see it."

Diana chuckled. "See... too bold, calling the Dowager stupid."

"I don’t care what happens to me," I stated, pulling on the tiny ropes. "My fate is sealed."

"Others will. Others like me, Osha, and Drevon."

My body went still, and my lips pressed in a thin line. "Diana?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever wondered why tragic things happen to the people who don’t deserve it?"

She snorted. "Asking a victim that question is very bold."

"Quick with the bold wording."

"Not a chance."

I smiled, shifting the circle I made to the servant, who grabbed it.

After a few teachings from Diana, I was able to get it done. It’s hard to believe this was her first try, and she was already a master, teaching me too.

"Why are we making flower circles?" I asked when more were brought in.

"These are moonflowers, and they represent the Fates. The Fates are women elders, so, as tradition, the women of the Balthar family make this as a way to welcome them."

"The Fates are women?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"I see..."

"It’s what I heard."

I grabbed the flower and got to work again when Sloane interrupted us.

"Doing the good work, I see?"

For someone who was talked back at, she seems to be back unaffected with her poker face, like she could conjure all the sweetness in the world.

"We need more moonflowers to complete the circles. You should get them, Eloise."

I took one look at her and around everyone working, but I could clearly see servants who weren’t at the moment.

"Why should I get them?"

"Because I said so... the Dowager left me in charge to care for the Moonhall. Are you going to go against her orders?"

I could feel eyes on me now, and something told me Sloane purposely did this. She never gets tired, does she?

"The flower pots are heavy, I’ll get them," Diana said, rising to her feet.

"No, no, your highness. I wouldn’t want to worry you. Eloise should get them, as you know, the flowers must be brought in as delicately as possible."

"Which is why the servants should get them!"

"Are you questioning the Dowager’s decree, your highness?"

Diana clenched her teeth.

The attention was getting too much, and I knew it would only burden Diana.

I pushed to my feet. "I’ll get them."

"Eloise!"

Sloane smiled. "Wonderful. Please get them on time; we need to finish with the moonflowers on time. They are in the greenhouse, hurry now."

"Of course," I said, turning on my heels and walking out of the hall with eyes upon me.

~•~

I have never been to the greenhouse before, but thanks to asking the servants roaming around, I got there.

My mouth hung open at how enormous it was, not exactly how I had pictured it to be.

I pushed open the large doors and stepped inside. It was beautiful, all having just the moonflowers.

My eyes scanned for the ones I needed, and I spotted them in big vases that could weigh a ton.

Did she seriously expect me to carry this?

I see why she was being spiteful. How petty can she be just to get on my nerves?

I searched for a much smaller vase I could carry, but this seemed to be the only one here.

"Moonflowers are beautiful, aren’t they?"

I twirled when I felt someone breathing down my neck.

"Damon," I said sternly.

"Hello, Lou. I have missed you."

I tried to ignore how my chest burned and settled for just staying silent.

He looked at the vase. "Ah... here for the moonflower I see... but the servants should be the ones carrying them."

"I can carry it just fine..."

"Sure?" he asked with a smile on his lips, and I regretted saying that.

"You know this was planted by Mother, it’s traditional too... so many traditions that I have lost count." He traced his hand on petals. "The Queen plants the moonflower as a gift to the goddess. It’s used in welcoming the Fates. I heard they love it." He looked at me. "Sadly, you won’t get to plant this."

I have had about enough of everyone trying to detail my fate to me.

"Are you cold, Lou?"

I blinked out of my thoughts, and Damon was already holding my chin.

"I thought you’d stay locked up in your chambers forever. How did you control your ice?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"None of your business."

"Lou..."

"Stop calling me that," I gritted.

He leaned close to me in a heartbeat. "Lou."

"Stay away from me," I said, stepping away.

"That is going to be difficult given what’s about to happen."

"I get it. Sloane will be queen. It’s a bit petty ranting it to my face."

He chuckled. "Oh no, not that... haven’t you heard? Right, you haven’t seen Drevon."

"I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say."

"But you have to, as it entails your future...with me."