Jessamine
Dawn may be significantly bigger than Neredia, but it isn't exactly as homely and welcoming as this place is. Though, I'm well aware those smiles aren't for me. Never will be. From the gates, upon sighting Kier and the army, there have been cheers and flowers. There have been prayers and blessings.
The ride to the castle is awfully long, because Kier feels the need to respond to his people and take flowers from some and hand them to others. Ever the charming courtier. If only they knew who now pulls those strings. If only they knew what he's giving in exchange for their safety.
A familiar darkhaired male stands by the tall gates of the castle and his green eyes are bright with happiness, even if he seems to have gotten older since the last time I saw him. Kier pulls on the reins of his horse and dismounts clapping Beta Randale on his shoulder. A thick moustache spreads along the latter's chin along with his smile.
"If you had been even a day later, I'd have traveled all the way day and dragged your ass back. I fucking hate your job," Randale laughs.
Kier snorts, just as I fall into step beside him, halting my horse and rubbing her side, cooing utter nonsense in her ears that seem to calm her down. She nudges Cerx, Kier's horse and the beast turns, running his hooves along hers in what I'd call... affectionate? Even the animals seem to be having fun.
"Is that..." Randale whispers, his voice trailing off as Az extends a hand to help me off my horse. I don't need his help, but people are watching. A lot of people. Maids are gathered outside. The head maid is right there. I see Lovette. Amelie. Layana. The chief cook. Guards are too, they're leading the troops I've brought with me away to their new quarters. I recognize a few courtiers. Helen is here as well. And Katherine.
I take Az's hand, relaxing my other on his shoulder, and his free hand grips my waist firmly as he sets me down. I wobble slightly and he murmurs, "Steady, Your Highness."
"Your Highness? The fuck is that?" Randale echoes and Kier sighs heavily. "Long story."
A high pitched squeal pierces the air and we all turn. Ah. Of course. Moira's running down the steps, her cheeks rosy and her blue eyes bright with tears. She's in a white dress, the picture of purity and humility. The crest bounces on her chest; a crest that should have been mine. Her glossy black hair is woven into a crown atop her head. She is as stunning as I remember her to be. I roll my eyes as she dashes straight for Kier, wrapping her arms around his neck with a soft sob. "Thank the Goddess, you're safe. Mother left to the temple this morning. She has a fast on for your victory."
If I keep rolling my eyes like this, they just might fall out.
I turn to Az, my lips parting to give him an order but I pause. He's staring at Moira with wide, confused eyes. "Who's she?" he whispers.
Frowning, I look over to where she stands, watching him too. "Kier's Luna." She doesn't see me yet, because she's staring at my bodyguard, unblinking. I look between two of them. Az's nostrils flare. Moira frowns, her hands hanging loosely from Kier's neck. Kier, whose gaze is fixed on me as he wraps his arms around her waist, cupping her head gently. Fucker.
But that's not what interests me. It's the sudden anger etched on his features, and how he tears his gaze away from her, breathing hard as he rasps, "Excuse me", and bolts. Moira's gaze follows him, her face drained of all color.
Interesting.
Moira's dark head whips back to me and she blanches, her eyes widening. "What is she doing here?" Her face crumples with intense emotions as she turns her head to Kier. "How could you bring her back with you? Have you no respect for me?"
I snort, lifting my dress and Camilla rushes over, making a fuss about how the train is dragging in the mud. She did tell me it was a bad idea to wear the dress while riding, but I had to make a dramatic appearance.
Kier itches the back of his neck like he does when he's nervous. "Jessamine is--"
I clear my throat.
"Princess Jessamine," he corrects, through gritted, razor sharp canines. "Is a guest here. Her father provided us with an army to lead--"
"Her father?" Moira echoes and Randale stares at me with suspicion, their eyes flicking to the crown seated on my updo at the same time. I'd domed after a quick bath on the way this morning. It is one of the many that I'd received upon my initiation into court. This one was from father. Crafted from platinum, it cradles a stone of amethyst at its centre. From its base, two delicate chains of silver drape gracefully down the sides of my head like waterfalls, adorned with tiny pearls that shimmer like dewdrops.
Moira cocks her head, taking in every detail, drinking it in, devouring it all. Her shock is palpable. Her anger is bliss. Her hate is vast and I could get high off of her jealousy. "She's the Dawn King's daughter?"
Kier's mouth twists to the side as I make my way over to them. Mikkel falls into step beside me, looking around with soft amusement in his eyes. Barton and Julian are behind with Camilla, my small entourage, yet their skin, their eyes, their hair, they set a very clear message. I'm different. I always have been. Perhaps, it is more noticeable now.
I raise my hand and Randale takes it, his fingers tightening around my white gloves. He lowers his head and presses kisses to my knuckles and I giggle at his obvious difficulty at fulfilling what courtesy demands. "Princess."
"Why, Beta," I purr, snatching my hand back. "It is indeed delightful to see you again."
All I get in response is a tight smile. My grin only spreads.
Moira is suddenly in front of me. "You are not welcome here."
I huff a laugh. "This is how you greet your guests?" I turn my gaze to Kier's. "Surely, I have not journeyed this far only to get insulted by your housekeeper."
"Housekeeper?" Moira seethes, her tone rising. It is hilarious that she doesn't even realize that those were the first words she spoke to me when we met. I'd been hoping she would at least remember it. "Do you have any idea to whom you're speaking--"
Kier pulls her behind him. "What Moira means to say is that the Sunfire pack appreciates your kindness. Beta Randale will show you to your rooms. I do hope you find my abode fit for your stay, princess." A grim look. "She is my wife. Not my housekeeper. It would do you well to remember that."
I nod, waving Barton and Julian over with many boxes they carry. "Forgive me. I can hardly tell the difference between the two these days."
Turning slightly, I take out the tiniest pink box off the top of my luggage and I smile softly, extending it towards Moira. "A gift for you."
"I'll die before I take anything from you," she spits sharply.
Ignoring her, I push it into her hands. "I'd strongly advise you see what's inside first, and you should know better as Luna that is absolutely rude to refuse gifts from your guests."
Reluctantly, Moira pulls off the lid and snarls almost immediately at me. My face is a picture of innocence as I pull out one of the tiny boots. "For the baby. They say a boy has his mother looking absolutely radiant while she carries to term. I must have guessed correctly. Consider it a late wedding present."
Her eyes burn with acidic hate and I know we're back to square one where all she wants to do is kill me. But then, how could I have know she wasn't with child, or hasn't even consummated her marriage to Kier? It's not like he told me or anything. Oh, wait. He actually did.
Randale leads us away before Moira decides she's lost her patience. I wouldn't mind. I'd bet my entire fortune that I could take her, right here, right now. But I'd rather not. I've got bigger fish to fry.
"Y-your Highness," Lovette says, staggering into swift bow as I approach her. I don't look back as I walk past. My heart stutters a little, but I don't stop walking. To think that months ago, we would have jubilated over this together. I'd have made her a lady and my closest companion. We would have scoured the palace together, stealing only the best wine from the King's coffers and we might have drowned in it together, laughing about how Moira looked like she was going to shit herself.
But we've both changed. She's become someone I don't know, and I'm not the trusting idiot I used to be.