Maiden of Moonlight | Tedros Pendragon

Chapter 1.12

" The hardest step she ever took was to blindly trust in who she was."

Atticus

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Shock was the emotion Marya certainly felt as the boy she harbored a deep crush for entered the Clearing, holding Sophie's hand. The surprise that showed on her pretty features slowly dissipated when realisation came knocking at her mind's door: Tedros loved another. Only love could conquer a barrier so great as the one of Good and Evil. Their relationship would cause an uproar, and the Pendragon prince could possibly have his reputation crumble ever so slowly as his peers turned their noses at him, while Sophie was outcast by her own for going against all rules of Evil; Nevers do not love.

Tears pricked her misty gray eyes, but the action made the brunette think: Why was she so saddened at the news? Tedros never really showed that much interest in her anyways, and they barely had any moments together; those moments meant nothing to him. She was certain.

Marya met Agatha's gaze from across the field, and within an instant, she knew that the ravenette had much knowledge on the happenings of the school. The reader would sneak out of their dorm when she thought the Montague was asleep and change topics whenever the brunette brought up Tedros. She was simply too secretive, and Marya never doubted someone's intentions as she did the ones of her own friend.

♕

" Hush now, students." Pollux called out to the mixed class of boys and girls. " Today's Chivalry and Princess Etiquette class will be blended because of the special lesson myself and Professor Lukas have prepared."

They were situated in the ballroom, a grand-piano and a variety of musical instruments ready to be played as the Good half of the two-headed dog continued, " A prince and princess will be paired to sing a ballad."

Multiple groans and grunts rang around the space, but with one arched eyebrow from Pollux and the threat of reviewing the history of breeches from Lukas, the students settled.

" It is quite common for songs to be sung in the midst of your fairytale, and we do not want you to look like simpering simpletons now, do we? The task is simple, you must perform a duet and impress us...Chop, chop. Get a move on."

Agatha's eyes widened in total disbelief before she shrunk into herself in the flurry of movements caused by partner-finding. She watched her roommate pair up with Anthony-the boy who was the son of King Dominik and Queen Erica from the Princess & the Pauper-and Tedros begrudgingly be pulled along by Beatrix before the only prince left was Gavriel. She shivered in disgust at having to be with him and ignored his broody expression, grumbling under her breath as they got started.

" I don't want to be your partner as much as you don't want to be mine." The ravenette muttered, flicking through a songbook.

" Oh, I know." Replied the Capulet. " You aren't exactly my cup of tea."

The entirety of the preparation, insults, and passive-aggressive comments were made between the two. It was the complete opposite of Marya and Anthony, who already had a song choice and were gleefully discussing it. Time ticked by, and Pollux began calling up groups to perform. Some were quite good, others...not so much.

The Montague tried to be supportive of her cousin and friend, but the whole duet was the most ear-grating thing she'd ever heard. Their professors were forced to cover their ears and grimaced when it all came to an end.

" That was splendid." Lukas tried a fake smile on his features as the room fell silent; Gavriel was flushed a deep shade of red while Agatha looked thoroughly displeased, rapidly tapping her foot with impatience.

" That was the most horrifying display I have ever seen in all my years of teaching. I have no words." Pollux did not hold back prior to calling up the next group, the previous taking a seat with the others. " Marya and Anthony, you're up. Woo me."

A nymph on the violin began strumming the strings with a bow, harmonising beautifully with another nymph on flute. The instrumental before the singing started was pleasing and had Pollux swaying already.

" Make of our hands, one hand." Anthony sang in a strong tenor voice, his eyes only on Marya as she stood on the opposite of the piano, " Make of our hearts, one heart. Make of our vows, one vow. Even death won't part us now..."

Words spilled from the Montague's lips like water from a spring the moment the boy trailed off, her soft soprano echoing throughout the vast space and creating the most angelic sound her peers had ever heard, " Make of our lives, one life. Day after day, one life. Now it begins, now it starts-One hand, one heart. Only death will part us now..."

Seconds passed, and the class was already in a state of wonder, waiting to hear more. Tedros' eyes clouded with amazement, butterflies fluttering around his stomach at the brunette's act. She was so beautiful.

" Make of our lives, one life." The duo sang together, entranced in each other.

" Day after day, one life. Now it begins, now it starts-One hand, one heart. Even death won't part us now..." The harmony they created was heavenly, and Pollux initiated their standing ovation as Marya hit the highest note he'd heard in a long time.

" Brava, Bravissima!" Lukas clapped enthusiastically. " I see we have nothing to worry about with you two."

" Agreed," Pollux stated. " I have not been impressed as such in ages. Beautifully done, my dears."

Marya blushed a light shade of pink and let a shy smile grace her lips as the duo sat down amongst their peers, accepting compliments with decorum. The Montague had never performed in front of others like so before, hence why being so graciously received made her feel warm and content.

She would admit that the last few weeks were a tad bit rough around the edges, but things seemed to be making a turn for the better, and the brunette couldn't be happier.

She finally felt as if she belonged.