Three days had passed since the fateful accident—a clash with a demon that had left the camp reeling and Duke Lunther inexplicably silent. The once boisterous and confident leader now wore an air of somber reflection, his face a mask of controlled emotion. His silence spoke volumes, particularly to Princess Luna, who had witnessed the incident firsthand.
Princess Luna, the Saint of the West, stood on the precipice of the Western border, her senses attuned to the subtle shift in the wind that signaled their approach to the borderlands. The environment was changing, and with it, the mood of the camp. She observed the Duke from a distance, noting the way his gaze lingered over the horizon, lost in thoughts unshared.
The gentle rustle of fabric indicated the arrival of her lady-in-waiting, Lilia, who was preparing a hot bath within the confines of the tent. The soothing scent of lavender and rose petals filled the air as Lilia set about her task. She turned to Luna with a warm smile.
"Princess Luna, may I wash your hair for you?" Lilia's offer was accompanied by a genuine, caring tone.
Luna, appreciating the gesture, nodded and settled into a comfortable seat. As Lilia's fingers worked through her hair, the Princess's mind wandered to matters beyond the immediate turmoil of their journey.
"Lilia," Luna began, her tone reflective, "how does one know if they are in love?"
Lilia's hands paused momentarily as she considered the question. "When you are in love, it's as though your heart beats faster whenever you are near that person. Your whole world seems to revolve around them, and their presence brings a sense of joy and completeness that is hard to describe."
Luna's heart quickened at the thought, and she couldn't help but recall her recent interactions with Duke Lunther. His proximity had stirred an unexpected reaction within her. "Does that mean the Princess is in love?" Lilia's question, innocent yet probing, made Luna's pulse race.
Luna struggled to keep her composure. "No, I am just curious," she replied, hoping to dispel the notion. Her curiosity about the Duke's behavior was growing, but she remained hesitant to confront her own feelings.
Lilia continued, her voice gentle but insistent. "At sixteen, it is natural for the Princess to explore her feelings. The King, your father, is no doubt seeking a suitable suitor for you. However, love is not merely about finding someone suitable; it is about finding someone who makes you feel complete."
Luna sighed, feeling the weight of Lilia's words. "I am only sixteen. There is so much to explore and enjoy at this age. The notion of settling down seems so distant."
"I understand, Princess," Lilia said softly. "But true love is a rare and beautiful thing. It's not just about finding someone suitable; it's about finding someone who makes your heart feel complete."
Luna mulled over Lilia's advice, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. While she recognized the wisdom in her words, the thought of pursuing love seemed impractical amidst the pressing demands of her life. She yearned for the freedom to explore her emotions without the constraints of duty.
Later that evening, Luna decided to take a stroll by the nearby river, seeking a moment of solitude. The half-moon cast a gentle glow over the water, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.
As she gazed out at the shimmering surface, a familiar voice disrupted the quiet. "Magical, isn't it?" Duke Lunther's voice, though soft, carried a hint of admiration.
Luna turned, her heart racing at the sight of him. "Yes, it is," she replied, her voice barely steady.
Duke Lunther stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "But the Princess is even more beautiful than this."
YOU ARE READING
Reborn as the only princess of Cene Kingdom
Fiksi PenggemarBook of Reborn: Stella Luna Mcgrainer the star and moon of Cene Kingdom Hannah lived and died miserably. But as her life ended, she realized that she was reborn as the fourth child of the emperor's first daughter. Hannah had lived as the school's lo...
