The Moon Court

Ten

I looked at the people as I rode my horse through the city, Delano at my side on his horse, but I noticed how the people were looking at me, as if they knew I was the queen. Then again, it was true that they knew.

"Delano." I called and stopped my horse, making him stop.

"Yes, Queen Lylah?" He asked and I smiled at him.

"I want you to send a guard to the palace, tell them to prepare enough food for the entire city-"

"Your majesty-"

"My people are starving, I won't sit by and let them wither away while I sit with a full belly." I said and he nodded, turning and sending a guard to the palace. We continued to ride, going to the center of Lunar City, then I saw the marketplace and saw most of the people here.

"Send out more guards, tell the people to come here." I said and Delano nodded as I dismounted my horse.

"Lylah!" Delano cried as he came over, standing with me.

"It's her!"

"The Moon Queen!"

"She's here!"

"I can't believe she's still alive!"

"She's real!" I walked through the stalls, Delano at my side, then I stopped and looked at the face of the young girl running the stall.

"Have everyone meet in the middle of the market." I whispered to Delano and he nodded, watching as I went towards the middle of the marketplace and stepped up onto the edge of the old, dusty fountain that looked like it hadn't run in a long while. As the people gathered, Delano came over then grinned as he stood just in front of me.

"People of Lunar City, people of my court, my name is Lylah! I am your Moon Queen, and I know how some of you fear I will be like the man who held my throne during my time locked away in the Sun Court! I am here today to tell you I will not be like him, I will not starve you and rob you of your money! Starting today, your taxes are cut in half, and there will be a feast at the palace for you! Go, get food, feed your families and your friends and yourselves! Eat, so that I can sleep knowing my people aren't suffering!" I said and everyone stared, but they went towards the palace and Delano turned to me, grabbing my hips and lifting me, setting me down on the ground.

"That was- you're amazing." He said then I smiled as I hugged his neck.

"I believe you taught me plenty on our journey, Delano." I whispered then leaned forward, softly kissing the skin of his cheek. I let him go then went to my horse, climbing into the saddle.

"Moon Queen!" I looked down at the children then smiled, getting off the horse and grabbing the girl's hand.

"Delano, take my horse back to the palace." I said and he eyed me, but I smiled.

"I'll be walking with my people." I said and he nodded as more children surrounded me, their families smiling as we walked to the palace. When we got there, I went straight for the doors and shoved them open, leading my city to the banquet hall where food was.

"Enjoy!" I told my people then they lined up and all of them got food, though it took quite a while. As they ate, I sat on the floor with them, laughing as I spoke to some of the shop keeps of the city.

"Excuse me?" I turned then saw a beautiful young woman and stood, brushing my skirt off.

"My name is Raven-"

"The daughter of the blacksmith who arms my men?" I asked and she nodded, but I noticed Delano staring at us.

"Attention, people of Lunar City!" I called and Raven eyed me as everyone turned to me.

"I would like to tell you all a story! It's about this young woman here!" I said and she looked embarrassed, but I eyed her.

"She was engaged to a man, a man in the army who went away to fight for your court! She was supposed to love him, as much as he loved her, and she did for a time! When he was sent away, she supposedly promised to wait for him! When the man returned from war, tired and wanting to just be with the one he loved, he found her in another man's bed!" I called and heard whispers start.

"Starting today, if you cheat, you abuse, or you hurt someone in any way and I find out, I will publicly announce it just as I have! This is not the city I want to run, the one where we have secrets and hurt those meant to help us, that is not how I will be! That is how the Sun Court is run, that is how that Empress runs her country! I will not be the same! And, starting today, the abuse, harm, or endangerment of any persons in my country is a crime punishable by death!" I yelled and looked at Raven, who was fuming with anger. I went towards her, getting in her face, then I moved to whisper to her.

"If I find out you hurt Delano again, in any way, I will consider it a crime of endangerment. The man is a war hero, he has risked his life time and time again for you and your little inn boy. Do not make me angry, I will not play lightly." I whispered to her then she stumbled back, but I smiled.

"Raven of Lunar City, from this day forth, you are banished from my city! You may remain in the Moon Court, but not our crown city! As you have endangered the life of Captain Delano, you are going to be let off easy this once. If I find you in my city again, I will have you punished." I said and everyone cheered as she snarled. When she ran at me, trying to stab me, I stared as Delano ran her through with his sword, her body slumping against his.

"No one hurts Queen Lylah, Raven!" He hissed then she dropped, but I was staring at him.

"Thank you, Delano." I breathed, but he simply smiled and left the room. I wasn't sure if he was okay or not, but he seemed upset.