LUNAFEY

CHAPTER 11

It was almost lunchtime, and I was thinking of making lunch. The men had loved breakfast, so I might as well indulge them again. My anxiety had subsided, and I was beginning to feel courageous again. Just then, I heard a quick knock at the door. "Come in," I said, getting up to answer it. It was Cedric, his face etched with worry.

"Hey," I said, trying to reassure him with a chuckle. "Cedric, I'm fine." He sat down beside me on the bed, his eyes filled with concern. "Angus told me what happened...I-I," he stuttered, lost for words.

I smiled and hugged myself, rubbing my arms. "Truly, I'm fine now. Though I might have panicked a little before. You know, having almost tasted death a few times in the last few days...yeah, I was a little shaken." I tried to downplay my fear, but Cedric's expression told me he wasn't convinced.
"I know I always end up doing the wrong thing to you, in the name of protection," Cedric whispered, his voice laced with self-reproach. "I'm so stupid." He looked away, his eyes avoiding mine. "But you should know, I want to sincerely protect you. Just like last time, and the time before. And I want to let you know, I want to help you find your father. I'm still looking, be patient with me."

The Cedric I knew was colder, more reserved, but in this moment, he seemed vulnerable, almost uncertain. He got up, walked a little around the bed area, scratched his hair, and sat down again, as if collecting his thoughts.

"Luna, hmm?" he said, his voice trailing off.

"What's wrong, Cedric?" I asked, sensing a deeper concern beneath his words
"What's wrong," I asked again, noticing a hint of a smile beginning to form on his face.

"The thing you should've taken from the story is that Rosa was safe within these walls, not panicking like that," he said, his tone teasing.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a familiar frustration. "Yeah, because of the Harbinger," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm, implying that even Cedric was relying on the Harbinger's protection.

Cedric responded with a sarcastic "ohh," his eyes narrowing slightly. "You must really believe in a man you've never met. And here I am, trying to keep you safe, when I've protected you twice already. You don't seem to remember that."

I stood up, straightening my dress and putting on my shoes. "I remember it well," I said, my voice firm. "It all came at a price, if I remembered correctly. The first time, I had to pretend to be your bride, which led to an unforeseen circumstance." I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Where are you going?" Cedric asked, his voice barely audible, as I headed towards the door.

"To prepare lunch," I replied, turning my head towards him, before exiting the room.