THE FORGOTTEN LUNA novel Chapter 81

KAEL.

It had been hours since she was taken, and I had no idea where she was.

King Essak returned to the ballroom and stayed for ten minutes, but I was not able to get to him. Unlike earlier, he was fully guarded this time. No matter how I tried to ask politely and professionally, I was not allowed to talk to him. And regardless of whether I positioned myself within his peripherals, the King would always avert his gaze away from me.

Something was off.

It was taking too much of me not to snap and create chaos. I was worried, but I knew that if I let out an outburst, I would be in a bad position. The last thing I wanted was to give them a reason to throw me out of the perimeter of the Absalom Palace.

After the event, there was an after-party. I also went there, hoping to find Kevin or meet someone who could tell me anything about Adessa, but I was not successful.

I then proceeded to Mindorf Manor, which served as the hotel for guests. Everyone invited to the Moonlight Ball had automatic accommodations, as no one was allowed to leave the area until the next day, where a clear pass would be needed by anyone exiting.

I was grateful for that, as this benefited me tonight. I didn’t want to leave without Adessa.

I saw Draco in the manor, but I didn’t approach him. I isolated myself. I didn’t want any trouble at all.

It was already one in the morning, and I just came back into my room.

“Rasmus…” I spoke as soon as he picked up his mobile phone.

“Kael,” His voice was throaty. I woke him up from his sleep. “How was the ball? Were you able to talk to the King?”

“I need Kevin’s number.”

“Yeah, yeah. Does this mean you were not successful?”

“They took Adessa!”

“Fuck! I told you this is a wrong idea!” He sounded more alert.

“Not the authority, but the King himself. He requested to speak with her alone, and it had been more than six hours… and fuck!” I punched the wall and rested my forehead on it, still gripping the phone tightly.

“Shit! Don’t tell me he fancies Adessa?”

“I don’t know, man. It doesn’t seem like that, but he called her a different name as if he knew her.”

“Relax. I’ll give you Kevin’s number so he can check with someone to find out where she is.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Why the fuck did you only call now?”

“I don’t know. Stop asking questions!”

“Relax…”

“How can I fucking relax when I don’t know where she is?!” My voice kept getting higher.

“I know, but acting crazy won’t help you. Here’s the number, or do you want me…”

I didn’t hear his words because a voice sounded somewhere, announcing an important update from the King. I was puzzled until I realized the room had a built-in speaker.

“Attention, people of Absalon. The palace formally announces the arrival of the youngest royalty of the Absalom Kingdom….”

Goosebumps rose from my skin as I turned around and focused my eyes on the speaker attached to the roof somewhere near the door as if I could see the person speaking.