Unexpected

Chapter Five

A/N: If you're reading this...(chances are no one is) please leave a comment below. What do you think of Jared? Of Casper? I'll be also changing third person to first person sometimes...but most of all, what do you think of Viviana?

VIVIANA BLACKTHORN

She doesn't look like a queen. But she carries herself with the dignity reminding her of one. She has that glimmer of determination in her eyes. She's looking uncertain, nervous, as if she knows she doesn't belong in a place this exquisite, a place where so many nobles attend. She should not be. She is Luna's queen.

And now she's heading this way. I tilt my chin up, pretending not to notice as I calmly pluck a dumpling from the pristine white plate, then pour a teeny tiny bit of soy sauce onto the meager meal. Out of the corner of my eye I glimpse someone I know very well coming to a stop behind me. I continue to fill my plate with small servings. I know not to fix my attention onto them too much; it will make Selene all more intimidated.

"Viviana, greetings," Casper says behind me.

"Casper Laramort, how is it not a surprise you're helping Her Majesty?" I reply smoothly, raking my eyes over the piling amount of food sprawled in front of me. Stars, how I'd like to attack all of it right now. And then consume it all in one big bite.

My stomach growls accordingly to my thoughts.

Casper's smiling politely, but I can see past his mask of indifference. We've known each other for too long to be able to not tell what the other's thinking. "She needed my help," he retorted. "too bad there aren't many gentlemen around here anymore."

I arch my eyebrow at him. "Sure, sure."

Selene is looking away again, observing her surroundings. I make sure not to watch her too openly, instead sneaking glances her way subtly. Selene's brown hair is braided, ringlet curls twirling down her neck. Her skin is a glowing tan, a beautiful contrast to the luxurious dark cream gown she has on.

I can see the similarity to Channary in an instant, in Selene's dark brown eyes and the slope of her shoulders. I can also see why Levana hated her so much, Selene's resemblance to the sister who tortured her. And I can also sense the power that's rolling out in waves from her. She's a strong Lunar, this one.

The poor girl, having suffered the loss of her hand and foot in the expense at her aunt's hand.

"Your Majesty," I finally greet with a cool smile, curtsying.

Her gaze snaps back to me. They are guarded. "Hello..."

"Viviana Blackthorn," I fill in for her suavely.

"Oh, so you're Viviana Blackthorn," realization spreads across her face as she shoots a look to Casper, who's helping himself some berry-fermented wine.

Casper smirks. "Oh yes, that's her. Remember how Jared said she was a good friend to have?" he gestured to me without shame, me narrowing my eyes warningly at him.

Selene laughs. "Yes, I do."

"Jared Brekker?" I inquired.

Selene's expression stiffens but she smiles at me nevertheless. "Jared was the one who introduced you to us," she said softly. I sniffed. I wondered what had riled her to be so anxious around people like me. Casper was peering at me over her shoulder, signaling to have a conversation behind her back. I rolled my eyes at him.

"So, Your Majesty, how have you been settling in?"

Selene's face drops slightly to a frown, but she lights it back up to an easygoing smile. I can tell she'll be a great queen if she'll just be more confident. Oh, of course, from the news I know she's a brave and daring young woman but here...in the eyes of nobles, she has the confidence of a lab hamster.

"Not too good," Selene admits. "the royal families of Artemisia still won't fully accept me," she lets out a harsh chuckle. "it seems Levana supplied them with more riches and convenience, and it's obvious they think I can't give the same to them."

I nod. "Say, Your Majesty, I have connections in the court..." I smile inwardly as Casper's eyes twinkle in gratitude. "maybe I can change some people's minds? You'll have supporters very soon in your next conference, Your Majesty."

"Oh, could you?" Selene beams. She's overjoyed. "that's wonderful to hear, and I'd appreciate it. Thank you so much, Ms. Blackthorn."

I chuckle. "Call me Viviana or Viana for short, Your Majesty."

Casper, in the meanwhile, is obviously bored as he scoots in front of Selene, quickly plucks a dumpling onto his plate then plops it into his mouth, crunching down loudly and releasing a moan of delight as he tastes the food. I sigh. "Casper, there is such thing called manners."

"But fey're bot phun," Casper mumbles out between his mouthfuls. His cheeks pockets are bulging with food, resembling an obese hamster. Selene laughs at his expression.

"How did you ever become a valued member of Artemisia's courts?" I murmur in disdain as I glance at him, disgusted beyond repair. He's that 'kid' of the court that remarkably does well in politics. Casper Laramort is not one to be crossed with, that's for sure.

Casper swallows his mouthful, gulping air. He shrugs his shoulders. "I dunno. Just my usual charm, I suppose," he teases me, winking at me playfully. "It's very intoxicating," he protests as he sees my perplexed expression.

"Are you sure it's not because of your father's position within the courts?" I retort.

Casper sniffs at me, apparently disappointed I've blown his cover. "Well, that's a teeny-weeny part of it," he mutters.

Selene is watching us both curiously. "Are you two close friends?"

"You could say that," Casper smirks in my direction.

"More like frenemies," I reply back to the queen's question.

"Ah."

Then the softly tuned orchestra playing in the distance of the banquet suddenly changes notes. It's the waltz, a slow, deliberate song for dancing. Casper jolts his head up at the sound of it. Couples are already heading out towards the dance floor, arms circling around other's waists as bodies start to twirl and move in synchronize.

Casper bows to the queen, and Selene flushes. I shake my head.

"Will you do me the honor of dancing with me, Your Majesty?" he asks suavely, winking up at her. Selene groans, raising her eyes skyward as if to say help me stars.

"He's a flirt," I intervene before Selene has to decline. I know she's probably starving her guts out. So I turn in Casper's direction and give him a smooth, delicate smile that I know has his eyes transfixed on. "Why don't you dance with me instead?" I smirk.

Casper hisses at me. "What are you doing?"

"Saving the poor girl," I shoot back as he has no choice but to intertwine his fingers with mine, leading me reluctantly to the dance floor. "Stars," I mutter, disappointed. "Casper, you should at least show some delight in dancing with Viviana Blackthorn." I give him a pointed look. "Do you know how many men would kill or pay for a chance to do that?"

Casper goes silent, but he smirks at me from the corner of my gaze. I can tell he has something up his sleeve for tonight. "I'll make this dance worth it, then," he muses. Selene waves at us, laughing. I roll my eyes at her. Selene mouths, thank you.

I shrug my welcome and turn to face Casper, whose light blue eyes are twinkling underneath the chandelier light. It's not so bad, dancing with him. I suppose. I mean, what can happen during a dance, right?