The Lunar Oneshots

The Engagement

"Sign here, here, and here." Bristan, the man forcing the engagement, pointed at three different lines on the paper. Cinder awkwardly grabbed the pen and began to sign. Kai did the same. It was supposed to be Winter signing this since she took the Lunar throne. Thank the stars she insisted on Cinder for the alliance. After all, she was still the lunar princess...and future empress.

She was getting married to Kai. The only guy she ever fell in love with. The guy she met two years ago and learned to love. She guessed it was a good thing? Mostly bad, though. It was forced. If they didn't form an alliance soon, there would soon be many issues. Plus they needed more letumosis antidotes.

This was not how she imagined her proposal...

"Well" Bristan rose from his seat. "Are you planning on telling the entire commonwealth, now? That you're engaged." He grinned.

Kai's ears turned pink. "Thinking about it." He too rose from his seat and motioned for Cinder to get up. When they exited the room, he sighed. "I'm so sorry, Cinder-"

"No. Kai, it's fine. It's for the alliance, I know."

"I wasn't planning this as my proposal." Kai's eyes slightly widened. "I mean...not that I was going to propose. Uh-"

Cinder gave him a peck on his cheek. "It's okay. Just be glad you're not marrying Winter. Jacin would try his best not to kill you."

Kai let out a laugh. "You're right. It's just I know you're not ready-"

"Who said I'm not ready for marriage?" Cinder challenged and smirked.

"You're 18, Cinder."

They both laughed. Behind them, Torin was chatting with Bristan.

"When is Torin retiring?" Cinder laughed.

"In 8 months." Kai replied and returned a smile. "It's going to be really hard saying goodbye."

"Who's going to be the next adviser?"

"Torin and I agreed on this guy called Kerridon."

Cinder nodded. "Oh."

"Your Highness" Bristan beckoned for Cinder to join. She glanced at Kai before walking towards them.

"Yes?"

Bristan handed her a sheet with a pen. "Sign here" He pointed at a blank line. "for the antidote haul."

Cinder signed on the dotted line. "There."

"Well why are you so glum, princess?" He smirked. "You're marrying the most handsome guy in the country. And did I mention, emperor?"

"I know who I'm marrying" She scoffed. "It's not like we fought side by side during the revolution two years ago."

"Sarcastic, ain't ya?" Bristan took back the pen and paper. "This palace oughta teach you something." He walked away without another word. Torin sighed. "When do you plan on telling the country, exactly?"

"Soon." Cinder and Torin learned to get along these past years. Now, he didn't scold her for everything. "Torin, doesn't this feel a little too forced?"

"That's the point" Torin laughed. "You're lucky. You're marrying someone you know and love. Not some stranger they chose from many to marry you because of an alliance."

"But-"

"Princess. Just please, be grateful." He too walked away.

***

Zanaya slowly put the tiara on her hair. "Done." she said proudly. She handed Cinder a mirror.

"Thanks, Zanaya. Looks beautiful."