Daughter Of The Moon

Chapter 28

Luna

Having taken a leaf out of Zack's book, I am reading. When I got back to my room, since I was still sleepy I flopped face-first onto my bed. Only it didn't quite work out like that. Due to my cumbersome clothes, I have somewhat limited control over my body, so I flopped onto my bed and immediately rolled straight off it. From my position on the floor, I noticed a book under the bed, gathering dust. I took it, got up, and spontaneously decided to march out of the museum in the direction of Russell Square Gardens. So that's where I am now: sitting among the daisies with my skirts poofed up around me, trying my best to read my book. Oliver Twist, it is called. Not the most thrilling read, but choc-full of awesome characters.

I have had quite a few disapproving glances thrown my way since sitting down, and even, about five minutes ago, an elderly gentleman worriedly asking me if I was okay, and where my chaperone might be.

Chaperone. I snort, tossing a stray lock of hair over my shoulder. I can fight better than most men.

But eventually I do end up accompanied. The warmth of the sun momentarily disappears as a long shadow is cast over me, and I look up from Oliver Twist to see Kai.

"I thought I'd find you here." He says.

I put my book down, cocking my head to one side as I regard him quizzically. "Why?"

"I know that you like being outside."

A memory comes to mind of Kai and I sitting in the strawberry fields, chatting about Greek mythology instead of practicing sparring, like we were supposed to. Enjoyable time outside? Check. Being outside has always been preferable for me, regardless of whether it's on the streets of Manhattan or the strawberry fields of Camp Halfblood.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"Well," Kai sits down cross-legged opposite me. "You aren't supposed to be out on your own during a quest; you could get eaten by a monster."

My pride hurt, I scowl at him. "I've been learning to fight for a month. I think I could handle it, or at least run away if it came to it."

"Not in that skirt you couldn't." Kai counters.

"I could scream for help."

"The mist would probably make the monster look like a puppy; people would think you're crazy."

"I could smack it in the face with my book."

"Gods, Jacy," Kai grins, at it brings a smile to my own face. I am happy to finally see him happy since arriving in London. "It's like you're trying to get rid of me."

Almost reflexively, I reach my hand over and ruffle his hair. "Never."

He stares at me for a moment, an odd expression on his face, but he just shakes his head. "Good," He says, sounding amused, "so let's go."

Kai gets up, offering me a hand. I take it, pull myself to my feet, and hug my book to my chest. "Go? Where are we going? Why are we going?"

He brushes a blade of grass off his sleeve, and that is when I notice that he, like me, is wearing smart clothes. I never thought I would live to see this day, but apparently it has come: Kai Murphy is wearing a suit. Black jacket and trousers with a dark grey waistcoat over a smart white shirt. His hair is messy, though, and he is still very much himself.

Suddenly I'm staring at him with new eyes, seeing him the same way most of the girls at Camp do. Kai Murphy, son of Poseidon, is absolutely gorgeous.

"You see, Luna, a handsome, chivalrous young gentleman such as myself, upon seeing a damsel in distress is not simply allowed to leave her." Kai says. "So we will take a leisurely stroll to the river. Magnolius and Odysseus are setting up our travel arrangements, and apparently we'll be leaving tomorrow, so we have the whole of today off. I thought it might be a good idea for you to see some of the city."