A Event

Elisha took a deep breath as she stepped into the sitting room where Luna was waiting. Her mind raced, running through possible scenarios. Elisha straightened her back, forcing a composed expression onto her face before finally entering.

Luna sat by the window, bathed in the afternoon light. Her orange curls framed her delicate features, and her green eyes brightened the moment they landed on Elisha. She looked comfortable, as if she had been here countless times before.

"Elisha!" Luna beamed, rising to her feet. "It's been far too long."

Elisha hesitated before offering a small smile. "Luna... it has been a while, hasn't it?"

A while? Elisha's guess, was good as a stone in a lost river. How long has it been since they last met? She needed to extract information subtly.

Luna stepped forward, reaching for her hands. "You're different."

Elisha tensed, she couldn't have found out that fast...Right?

"Different? How?"

"Yes! I mean, you are finally wearing that dress I gave you." Luna tilted her head, studying Elisha. "It's nice. I was worried about you."

The dress? Elisha eased her gaze down to her body, the purple dress, strapped with a white line, hugging her figure. "Oh yeah. Thanks!" Elisha gave gratitude. Thank god, it was something else.

So the original Elisha had been reserved. That was useful to know. "I appreciate your concern, Luna," Elisha continued carefully. "Things have changed recently, and I find myself... looking at the world differently."

Luna's smile softened. "Change can be good. But I must admit, I didn't expect you to meet me so fast. You always avoided tea time before."

Avoided? Elisha felt her stomach sink. Has she made another mistake already? "Well, like I said, I've changed. Perhaps I've realized the value of friendship more."

Luna let out a light laugh, her eyes shining with amusement. "I'm glad. I was starting to think you only tolerated me because of our families' ties."

So their friendship wasn't entirely personal—there were political connections involved, not that it was a complete surprise either way. "Nonsense," Elisha interjected smoothly. "You wouldn't have kept visiting if I truly despised your company, would you?"

Luna pouted, pushing out her cheeks. "Maybe. I can be stubborn."

Elisha exhaled quietly. She needed to shift the conversation away from the past, asap. "So tell me... What have you been up to? It seems I have some catching up to do."

Luna brightened at the question and launched into an animated discussion about her time in the capital, the latest noble gossip, and her family's dealings. Elisha listened, or rather forced to. Gossip was gossip, alright, 500 years ago or now; made no difference.

"Oh! That reminds me," Luna suddenly said, leaning forward with excitement. "Have you heard about the royal banquet next week?"

Elisha stiffened. "Banquet?"

Luna's brows furrowed. "Elisha, surely your family received an invitation? The Crown Prince himself will be in attendance. Everyone is talking about it."

A royal event? If her father and brothers were planning to attend, then it was crucial for her too... This looked bad. "I've been occupied with personal matters, so I must have missed the news. What do you know about it?" Elisha slimed her way back to the conversation.

Luna frowned slightly but resumed, "It's a grand gathering to discuss the kingdom's future alliances. Rumors say the Crown Prince is assessing potential partners—whether for trade or… marriage." Her voice lowered on the last word, her eyes twinkling.

Elisha schooled her expression into polite interest, not trying to give away too much. "How fascinating. Are you hoping to catch the prince's eye?"

Luna giggled. "Me? Oh, no. But you, Elisha… You would make a fine candidate. You have the grace of a noble lady, and now you have this newfound confidence." She winked. "Perhaps I should help you prepare?"

Elisha forced a chuckle. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. My family is still in hard times."

The idea of marriage freaked Elisha the hell out, that was for sure. But if marriage was what needed to help her keep afloat then it is what it is... so it goes to last resort. If she was to navigate this world, she needed to be aware of every opportunity, no matter how risky.

Their conversation continued, the afternoon passing in a blur. By the time Luna left, Elisha was exhausted, her mind filled with new information and... some tough choices to say the least.

As she walked back to her chambers, she mulled over everything. A royal banquet, her father's trade negotiations, her own need to solidify her place in this world—everything was becoming more complicated by the minute.

And yet, she found herself looking forward to what came next.

For the first time, she was no longer a passive player in her fate.

She was shaping it.