Maiden of Moonlight | Tedros Pendragon

Chapter 1.18

" But first, a toast to Emily. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride."

Barkis Bittern

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" Marya!" A voice that the Montague had grown familiar with called as she was about to climb the stairs of Charity tower and head to bed after the chaotic evening. Anthony had just left for his own dormitory a few seconds prior to Tedros appearing, his chest heaving for air as he stopped before her, blue eyes filled with an emotion she could not place. " Please wait, I only need a moment of your time."

The brunette said nothing from her spot on the third step of the staircase as she peered down at him, meeting his searing gaze with an unsure look of her own. He was good at heart, and the good forgive. Sophie wanted another chance, so who was she to stop someone willing to do the right thing? Marya wanted Tedros happy, and if that meant being with the blonde girl, then so be it.

" Tell me you'll be at the Circus of Talents tomorrow." He asked, his eyes practically pleading with her to attend.

" Of course I will." The Montague replied softly, her expression puzzled at such a question. " It's my duty as a student and an act. Why do you ask?"

Tedros simply smiled, all anxiety he had felt prior fading away at her answer. He approached the bottom of the staircase, his head tilted slightly to meet her eyes as he gently grasped her hand and placed a kiss upon her milky skin.

" There's just something I need to do."

The Pendragon left for his dorm, leaving Marya in complete and utter confusion at the tender moment. What about Sophie? What was Tedros going to do? Only question after question muddled the brunette's brain as she headed to bed, curiosity and dread for the days ahead.

♕

Diamonds glittered in the soft light of the crystal lamp that lit the room for two, Marya studying her reflection in the large vanity mirror she was perched at. She bit her lip in uncertainty at the look she achieved after hours of primping and prepping with the nymphs. A silver diadem sat atop her brown locks that were swept into an elegant chignon to showcase her delicate neck and glittering drop-diamond earrings as an off-the-shoulder gown made of crimson velvet hugged her waist before flaring out in a sea of red fabric; velvet gloves adorned her arms with only a diamond bracelet on the left wrist; heeled slippers dressed her feet, giving the Montague the needed height.

Marya felt like an impostor in her own skin. Beauty became her, but she did not feel as though she were worthy of praise. Her grandmother always did say that her cheeks were far too plump, that her nose was too narrow and her eyes were too round and doe-eyed. Wearing red felt wrong. It reminded the brunette of her childhood, of the woman who did not need to raise her but did. People would think she took after her cruel grandmother, that she did not deserve to be in Good.

Agatha exited the bathroom, her face glowing with a smile. She finally felt like a princess and was incredibly excited to show everyone how beautiful she truly was! The reader dusted off her midnight blue gown as she peered over her roommate, who was staring in the mirror, her expression solemn.

" We have to go, or else we'll be late." Agatha said gently, gaining no response. She slowly made her way to the door to leave, but when her hand touched the handle, the ravenette added, " Someone wise once told me that looks don't define the good we hold in our hearts nor do they measure the kindness we have to give. You look beautiful, embrace it."