Silver Moon

The Night Before the Main Events

The night before the ball, same day as last chapter.

Luna’s POV

All I could do was stand still.

Ashton’s large hands where clasped on my arms, keeping me upright as I threatened to tip over. He laughed under his breath, and a blush furiously tore through my cheeks. I was flush up against his chest, and I could tell he was no weakling. Looking up, I could see his eyes studying me intently. The pull between us was intoxicating. I was the one to break away first, looking off to the side. Clearing me throat, I started to move past him. His hand gently stopped me on my elbow.

“May I escort you to dinner Luna?”  Before I could truly comprehend what he was asking, I found myself answering.

“It would be my pleasure if you would do so.”

That is how I found myself descending the stairs, with my hand laying against Ashtons forearm. He pulled my chair out for me, before sitting himself next to me. My mother looked at us in a mixture of peevishness and confusion. I was used to those looks now. Ashton following me, looked upon me with the utter wonderment, even if most found me undesirable.

Tonight was again as grand as the first night everyone arrived. The crowd had lessened slightly, as some left due to issues from their kingdom. Both of my parents were present, and this was astonishing. They almost never sat together, usually my mother entertained guests, or for the past three weeks that is what she has been doing. Tomorrow would be the ball, and this pre celebration would be like an opening act.

I felt brave today. I have been feeling different in numerous ways actually. My muscles felt tired, yet my mind was more awake then it ever has been. My senses spiraled out of control, sometimes I could smell every scent, and other times it was if I had no sense of smell in the first place. I planned to go to the piano again, even if the ball still went on downstairs. I even considered the idea of inviting Ashton to join me. I felt dreadful about ignoring him.

I must have sighed, because a light squeeze of my hand noted me to Ashton’s thoughtful eyes watching me. I gave him a slight smile, and mouthed later to him. He nodded, and released my hand. Turning across from me, I met the crazed eyes of Mrs. Lilith Von Herbetz, a slightly deranged woman, who forced herself on this journey with her eligible son, Eric Von Herbetz. 

Mrs. Herbetz had lost her husband a few years ago, due to him being over another women’s house, and her husband shooting him because of adultery. With him being gone, and the accusations and hatred from other members of society, she slowly lost what she had in money, and the failure of trying to regain the position she once had. She truly did lover her husband, and without him, she was a little maddened. She had been dragging Eric across the country in look of a rich bride, in hopes of him marrying and restoring her to some of her glory.

Eric was not the marrying type though. Mud brown hair clung to his head, making him resemble a drowned rat. His blue eyes had a watery appearance, and sat to large on his thin face. He was a gangly boy, tall and skinny. He had some brains in his skull, but he was not wise nor was he clever. He spoke simply, and his words slipped together. He would fit in description as a tired snail. When he was younger he had visited, and I remember some joy gracing his now lost eyes, and his mother not darting from one person to the next, in frantic search of who knows what.

What was disturbing was that Mrs. Herbetz had settled her eyes on me. Turning to Eric, she whispered something, and then Eric’s eyes focused on me to. Both were creepy, and I turned towards the head of the table. Dinner continued on, and I felt more unnerved the longer the dinner went on. I was allowed to leave, when Eldora complained of a headache, and she called me with her. She had seen the creepy glances of the Herbetz as well, and she did not wish to stay any longer. She brought me along to let me escape. I thanked her greatly before she showed me away.