THE FORGOTTEN LUNA novel Chapter 90

ADESSA.

Danielle helped take my clothes off, but I told her I wanted to shower alone.

I wished I didn’t. I wished I had let her help me with my bath because she was gone the moment I stepped out of my bathroom.

Another handmaid was waiting for me. Aileen informed me that she would be assisting me moving forward.

I knew right then and there that Danielle was in trouble. I might get away from the King’s anger, but not her, and it was all my fault.

I maintained my composure while Aileen assisted me in putting on a new gown, even if I was worried. She offered to braid my hair, but I refused and let it down. And even if she wasn’t in agreement, I left the run in a hurry.

I wanted to find Danielle to make sure she was okay.

My feet led me to one of the Palace Salons, where I was told the King was. Either he left the banquet early, or the breakfast had been concluded. But it didn’t matter anymore, as Kael was no longer there, and I had to make sure Danielle would not be punished.

Aileen had been following me around, giving me directions on where to turn, and I could tell she was also worried because I had been running the hallways occasionally.

“Princess Adessa, please. Don’t run. If the King or one of your brothers sees you, they might not like it.” Aileen pleaded as she followed behind me, taking big steps and trying to catch up with my strides.

I halted and abruptly turned around, taking a deep breath before speaking to her. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen and request breakfast for me? Tell them I was not able to finish my meal.”

“But, my lady.”

“No buts. Don’t make me wait while I’m hungry. I can be wild.” I glowered at her before winking.

She bit her bottom lip, suppressing a smile as she nodded her head.

“And if anyone asks where I am, tell them you left me in my room,” I added in a whisper before motioning with my hand. “Go, be on your way. I’ll see you in a while.”

I didn’t wait for her to reply as I turned to the next corridor. If Aileen was right, at the end of this was the receiving room where I could find the King.

As I approached, I slowed down on my step, and my eyes widened when the door finally came into view. Outside was my brother, Prince Esriel. His forehead was creased, and it looked like he was listening to whatever was happening inside.

I was weirded out because there were two royal guards outside, but he was not afraid that they knew he was eavesdropping. But then, maybe these guards were used to secrecy and would never put any of the royals in jeopardy. Or Esriel knew he could get away with what he was doing.

His head tilted in my direction as I came nearer. His finger went to his lips, warning me to remain quiet as he straightened his posture.

“Is Danielle there with Father?” I asked, just mouthing the words, not releasing any sound.

He nodded, his brows still furrowed.

My hands went to my chest, and even if my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest, I mustered all my courage and pushed the double door open, much to Esriel’s surprise. But he did follow me inside.

“I did not request both of your presence!” The King said, his teeth gritting. He sat in a chair that resembled a throne. His hand was gripping the armrest tightly.

He surely didn’t like being disturbed.

Esriel closed the door behind him, and I tilted my head up. “Esriel tried to stop me, but I want to know why my handmaid is here.”

I kept my face straight, looking directly at the King, but I saw Danielle in my peripherals. She was kneeling, ten to fifteen feet away, in front of my father’s highchair.