Under the Moonlight

Lunaria is a land that is blessed by the moon. Its days are shorter and the nights stretch longer. To compensate for the darkness, Lunaria is surrounded by crystal trees – whose trunks are crystallized minerals and its leaves shimmering, giving it a soft glow. The Crystal Palace is surrounded by said trees, and with its reflective properties, gives off an eerie yet comforting aura. Its calm light is not enough to soothe Selene as she walks aimlessly on the Crystal Garden.

"You should be in bed," a voice from behind her said. Selene turned around and saw her father. With his icy blue eyes glowing with the trees, sharp jaw, and a fit and lean body, he still looks like a young king. The only signs of his true age are the crow lines on his eyes and mouth, a reflection of the times he has smiled and laughed, and his platinum hair turning gray at the edges. Most people think of him as a headstrong and logical man, but beneath that mask, he is a warm and gentle man. And while his eyes seem sharp and cold, their edges betray the tiredness he is already feeling.

"I can't sleep," Selene said. "I thought the glow of the crystal trees would lull me to sleepiness." The king took her hand and guided her under one of the biggest crystal trees in the garden. He sat down and patted the space next to him. Selene sat beside her father and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You think too much. Your marriage is in a few months at least. So, rest your head and your heart" He said.

"Do you think mom would be okay with this plan?" Selene asked.

"Your mother will fly off the handle and have my head" the king chuckled. "But only for a few minutes. She'll understand that it is necessary. We are all tired of war, and just want peace" he replied. "I reckon she might even join you at the Sun Court and leave me here, only to return once she's satisfied with how you are living there"

"You do know that she'll never be satisfied. There's always something lacking, something wrong. You'll be alone" Selene replied with a smile.

The King laughed and smiled a sad smile as he gazes at the stars. The late Lunar Queen Artemisia was beloved by all. Bearing the Mark of the Moon, she possesses the looks of the First Mother – hair black as night, gray eyes with a hint of blue, delicate features, and the pale glowing skin that makes you want to care for her. She was the realm's joy and was his as well. Her death marked the start of the king's melancholy. And while he loved his children fiercely, he will always love his wife first.

"You're right" he suddenly said.

"About what, father?" Selene replied.

"Your life is unfair. You didn't get to spend time with your mother, as much as me and your brother has" he said, with sadness in his voice.

"It's okay father. Your love and attention are enough for me" Selene said. "I'll do anything to make you proud."

"You don't need to do anything, my dearest. From the day you were born, I am already proud to be your father." The king said.

"This marriage thing with the Sun heir. Everything will be alright, right?" Selene asked her father.

"Yes, I'll make sure everything will be alright." He replied

"A thousand stars?" she asked.

"A thousand stars" the king replied reassuringly.