Princess Selene (AU of The Lunar Chronicles)

Chapter Five

"What ever do I wear for dinner?" I ask Winter as she comes and sits in my room. She lightly chuckles and then sits down on my bed. "What?" I ask as I feel my cheeks getting red

"You. Do you actually want to impress those Earthens?" Winter says mockingly with the fake disgust in her voice layered on. "Or has something changed?" She asks while raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing's changed!" I yelp and Winter begins laughing, tickling me, into a confession, " ... Well maybe. The Emperor and Kai- er Prince Kaito," I say correcting myself automatically, "are much kinder than expected and I'd like to dress my best. But I have nothing new to wear, the maid just took my measurements as you arrived."

"Wear the blue dress you have." Winter says, "It suits you."

"Do you really think it's not too much?"

"Positive. I'll meet you downstairs Selene, don't stress."

I shrug my shoulders and slip on my midnight blue dress that feels as if it's made of silk. It's the only lunar ball gown I've brought but surprisingly it seems to fit in quite well with the earthen evening wear, as I never enjoyed the extravagant and gawky outfits of the Lunar Court and much preferred simplistic beauty over outfits that make you stand out for all the wrong reasons.   

I look at myself in the mirror, something that would be a feat on Luna. There are very few mirrors that remain on my little, white rock in the sky.

I push my hair back behind my ears, thinking about the past four days. How quickly everything I thought I knew has changed.

"Knock, Knock," somebody says while stepping into my room. 

"Everet," I say, "How are you adjusting?" 

"My princess, I believe that is a question I should ask. Not you."

"It's Selene to you, Everet. You know that. So, I'll ask again. How are you adjusting?"

Everet rolls his eyes but then responds. "It's quite pleasant actually. It's a nice little vacation from our ah- lovely queen and princess, would you say your Highn- Selene?"

I giggle and play punch him, "I would agree indeed."

"I hate to cut our time short, but it seems as if you must continue getting ready, therefore I must go."

"Hold on, is there something you came for?"

"Actually there was." He replies, "Do you remember the silver locket I asked you to hide from Channary and Levana?"

"Of course," I say, "The one that was once Solstice's."

"Yes. I was wondering if you brought it. Since we're nowhere near them I thought I might as well give it to her now."

"I did indeed. I never leave without it. Shall I bring it to you after dinner?"

"Of course, Selene." He says while bowing his head. "Thank you. We will see you downstairs shortly?"

"Yes. And do tell Winter." I reply.

Everet nods his head, smiles and then closes the door behind him. 

And I am alone. As I always am.