The Hidden Luna Queen

MAEVE POV

I glanced at the overhead clock. 10:20 o'clock...

And I was supposed to be at the palace in ten minutes!

I was cutting it close. Very close.

Dr. Meadows' clinic was, by no means, far away from the palace. Not only was it within two miles of Mona Road, but we had even finished with nearly forty minutes to spare.

What I'd forgotten to take into account was the tests she'd ordered following my appointment. Peeing in a cup was not quite an experience I thought I'd ever have, but what was done was done and I wanted to forget the whole thing happened. And then there was the bloodwork, which was my first time being poked and prodded by needles. Of course, it didn't help that my veins were smaller than average and required more pokes and prods than I'd like. And then there were my clothes, which were completely-and horrifyingly-inappropriate to wear in the presence of the Luna Queen, of all people. Yesterday, I'd been advised by the receptionist over the phone to wear comfortable clothes for my appointment, but I'd quickly realized during the drive back that my loose v-neck shirt, black leggings, and canvas flats had to go.

Now, I found myself wearing a simple navy blue sundress and white dress flats-simple yet comfortable and, most importantly, suitable to wear to the palace. It was a very... very necessary change, but it also threatened to make me late.

By the time the car managed to finally roll to a stop, the clock hit 10:25, which meant it was my cue to leave. I all but threw myself out of the car as soon as it was safe and hurried into the palace, where I was surprised to see Charlotte making her way towards me.

"Good morning, Maeve," Charlotte greeted with a smile. "I was beginning to worry you might not make it after all."

Ihastened my steps until I finally reached her and quickly fell into a curtsy. However informal and friendly we were in private, I did not feel comfortable disrespecting her station in the middle of the royal palace, where anyone could walk upon us.

"I'm sorry," I said, out of breath. "I should have called, but I was distracted by an appointment I had this morning." "An appointment?" Charlotte repeated, glancing me over up and down. "Are you unwell?"

I shook my head. "No, it was just a check-up for the baby. Everything's fine."

The subsequent relief on her face was a pleasant surprise that filled me with sudden warmth. "Of course it is. My nephew is a tough little boy. There's nothing he can't overcome, especially with you and my brother to take care of him."

I smiled, quietly thanking her for the sentiment. "Are you joining today's lesson?"

She shrugged disconcertingly, despite the knowing, growing grin she not-so-subtly displayed. "In a manner of speaking, but the short answer is yes. Come on, I'll lead us there."

I waited a moment to see if she would elaborate on her mother's plan, but when she simply stood there with such an expectant look on her face, just waiting for me to follow her, I realized she did not have anything else to add.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Was that... all she would say about it?

"You... wouldn't happen to know what we're doing, would you?"

"So many questions!" she quipped, looping her arm around mine. "You'll find out when we get there. My mother is waiting in the gardens for us."

That baffled me even further. Charlotte was in on this apparent secret, too? What on earth could the Luna Queen have planned... and why were they both so cryptic about it? Did they really want me to learn what to do on the fly?

Was this some sort of test?

I tightened my grip on Charlotte's arm as she led me through the palace. If it was, in fact, a test, I wanted to do my very best. No more fighting with others and no more awkwardness.

Within minutes, we finally made it to the gardens, where I found myself surrounded by the most beautiful diversity of flora and fauna, all groomed to classy perfection, vibrant and fresh in the late moming sun. And there, in the center of it all, Queen Leonora stood, speaking with an attendant.