Moon harvest

The morning of the Moon Harvest Banquet arrived, and I found myself torn from the comfort of my bed by a determined maid. I couldn't help but groan and bury my face in the pillow, wishing for a few more moments of sleep. The prospect of the banquet had filled me with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, and it seemed that the day had finally come to face it head-on.

"Come on, Miss Seraphina," the maid's voice chimed, a mix of firmness and sympathy. "It's time to get ready for the banquet. You have a long day ahead of you."

Reluctantly, I pushed myself up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. As I glanced around, the realization of the day's significance settled in. Today was not just any ordinary day – it was a day that would shape my future, for better or worse.

With a resigned sigh, I nodded to the maid. "Alright, I'm up. Let's get this day started."

The maid smiled encouragingly and immediately set to work, bustling around the room to prepare my attire for the banquet. As she laid out the elegant gown and accessories, my heart raced, today would be the day I had to deal with the nobility.

As I stood before the mirror, allowing the maid to work her magic, I couldn't help but wonder how Mother and Father were faring. They had both been busy with preparations for the banquet, attending to various matters that demanded their attention. And while I trusted them to handle their responsibilities with skill and grace, a part of me hoped that they would find moments to catch their breath, Father looked more annoyed these days and I haven't seem Mother outside my etiquette lessons.

The gown, when finally put on, felt both extravagant and slightly constricting. I gazed at my reflection, noting the intricate embroidery and the way the fabric draped elegantly around me. As I stood in front of the full-length mirror, dressed in a gown far more elaborate and elegant than anything I had worn before, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The fabric was soft against my skin, and the intricate embroidery appeared much fancier than my usual taste.

"Miss Seraphina, you look absolutely stunning," the maid commented with a warm smile. "You'll be the talk of the banquet, I'm sure."

I managed a small smile in response, my fingers tracing the delicate patterns on the gown. "Thank you." That's what I'm afraid of, though.

As I entered the grand hall of our estate, the sight that greeted me took my breath away. The space had been transformed into a scene of opulence and elegance, the air buzzing with anticipation. Elaborate decorations adorned the walls and ceilings, casting a warm and inviting glow.

The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, their vibrant hues adding bursts of color to the otherwise muted tones of the room. Tables were adorned with glistening crystalware, delicate porcelain, and a spread of decadent dishes that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Servants moved gracefully, ensuring that every detail was perfect and every guest would be attended to with utmost care.

"Seraphina, there you are." Father's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I turned to see him approaching, resplendent in his formal attire. His presence was commanding, exuding a sense of authority and confidence that I had always admired.

I offered him a nervous smile, my fingers fiddling with the intricate lace on my gown. "Father, it's... overwhelming."

He chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know it can be a lot to take in, but you have the strength and grace to manage on your own. You are a Montclair, and that carries a weight of its own."

I nodded, drawing strength from his words. "I'll do my best."

Mother joined us, her regal presence complementing Father's as they stood side by side. "Seraphina, you look absolutely radiant." she said, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and maternal affection.

"Thank you, Mother." I replied, feeling a touch more confident under her gaze.

"We have many esteemed guests arriving," Father explained, his tone serious. "It's important to make a strong impression, but don't overdo it."

I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I was not just a girl in a fancy gown, but a representative of our family. "I understand, Father."

Father and Mother moved through the crowd with grace and ease, engaging in conversations that seemed to carry a weight far greater than mere words. I watched and listened, trying to learn from their example... that is until the King arrived. I quickly hid from him and watched as he made his way towards father. when did he arrive? it wasn't even announced.

Daigo, wearing his elaborate regal attire, oozed charm as he addressed my father. "Ah, Arnold, my good man, quite the splendid feast you've put together."

My father's jaw twitched ever so slightly, a sign that he was barely containing his annoyance. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It's a true honor to host such a grand event."

King Daigo, dressed in his finest robes and adorned with jewels, held court as if he were the center of the universe. His self-importance was palpable, radiating from his every gesture and word. Those were the words my father used to describe him, and I found myself agreeing easily.

I knew what wasn't being said. My father, a man who had been tirelessly protecting the empire from the relentless onslaught of monsters, had been roped into hosting this grand spectacle at the last minute. Daigo's decision had conveniently come at a time when my father's hands were full. His knuckles white from clenching the goblet that contained a drink I suspected he wished to throw in the king's face.

Daigo's smile widened, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "I'm sure you didn't mind the slight change in plans. Hosting a banquet can't be that different from fending off monsters, can it?"

My father's lips quirked in what seemed like a smile, but the edges held a note of icy politeness. "Oh, of course, Your Majesty. Dealing with monsters is a walk in the park compared to ensuring a banquet runs smoothly."

The air was thick with unspoken tension. Daigo's words had a way of sliding off his tongue with an air of condescension that was both impressive and infuriating. And my father's responses, while laced with politeness, carried a biting edge that only someone who knew him well could detect.

"Ah, Arnold, you're too modest," Daigo chimed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure the monsters will patiently wait for your return after our little soirée."

My father's smile remained fixed, his voice the embodiment of courteousness. "Indeed, Your Majesty. After all, monsters have such a keen sense of time."

The King had smiled, his tone pleasant yet laced with subtle intentions. "Arnold, it has been far too long since we've had the chance to meet again. I hear your daughter has grown quite remarkable." The conversation had taken an unexpected turn.

My father had nodded, his expression guarded. "Indeed, she has."

The King's eyes glinted with mischief. "I must admit, I've been curious about her progress. I've been considering a potential marriage alliance, you see."

Arnold's gaze didn't waver as he responded. "Ah, a marriage proposal from you, Daigo? How intriguing. I'm sure my daughter would be honored to be considered as a pawn in your political games."

The King's smile faltered for a split second, his composure slipping just a fraction. "You misunderstand me, Arnold. This is a chance for your daughter to have a bright future."

My father raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "A bright future, you say? Ah, I can just imagine the dazzling glow of a future spent entertaining your court and enduring your royal whims."

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud at my father's audacity. He was a master of using words as weapons, and he was certainly making a point.

King Daigo's expression tightened, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. "You seem to underestimate the benefits of such an arrangement."

"Ah, yes," my father said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The benefits of becoming a glorified hostage in your opulent palace, all in the name of diplomacy."

The King's patience seemed to be wearing thin, his smile faltering further. "You have quite the way with words, Arnold."

My father's smile was as sweet as it was venomous. "And you, my dear King, have quite the way of manipulating situations to your advantage."

Hmm, let's use this commotion to grab some food and run away. No one will find me if I hide in the garden. No sooner had I stepped foot into the table's vicinity than a chorus of greetings erupted around me. My heart sank as the nobles, dressed in their finest attire, turned their attention toward me. Their smiles were like polished masks, their eyes filled with curiosity and expectation.

"Seraphina!" someone exclaimed, and suddenly, I was surrounded by a whirlwind of greetings and curtsies. My heart raced as I tried to process the rush of attention.

"Good evening, Lady Seraphina," a gentleman said with a formal bow, his words dripping with politeness that felt foreign to me.

"Hello, dear." a matronly lady chimed in, her smile warm but her tone reserved.

Caught off guard, I stammered, "H-hello, everyone."

The greetings continued, a parade of faces that I struggled to put names to. Each noble seemed to blend into the next, their elaborate titles and intricate courtesies leaving me feeling out of place. I could feel my cheeks burning as I mumbled polite responses, my hands fidgeting nervously with the folds of my dress.

"Such a charming young lady." a woman commented, her eyes scrutinizing me.

The first few greetings were friendly enough, but as the conversations continued, I sensed a shift in their tone. Whispers began to slither through the air like serpents, their words barely audible yet stinging like nettles.

"Have you heard? She's the one who climbs trees and runs wild through the gardens."

"I heard she caught a frog once and proudly showed it to everyone."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I bit my lip to keep from retorting. It wasn't that I was ashamed of my love for the outdoors and my tendency to explore. It was just... different here, among these nobles who seemed to live in a world I couldn't quite understand.

As the conversations continued, I struggled to find the right words. My parents had taught me the formal language of the court, but it felt awkward and unfamiliar on my tongue. My responses came out a bit too casual, a bit too honest for the refined company around me.

"Oh, Lady Seraphina, have you been enjoying the festivities?"

I hesitated, a shy smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Well, I guess so. The music is nice."

The nobles exchanged glances, and I could practically feel their judgment. I cleared my throat, attempting to sound more composed. "I mean, yes, the festivities are quite enjoyable."

But their whispers persisted, growing louder in my ears. "She's not like the other children her age."

"Perhaps some more lessons in decorum would do her good."

"Did you hear? The girl prefers riding horses to needlework!"

"Scandalous! I heard she was seen climbing trees with the stable boys."

"Such behavior is unbecoming of a noblewoman, don't you agree?"

"Seraphina, dear, have you been practicing your curtsies?" Lady Marlowe's voice was syrupy sweet, but her eyes held a glint of condescension.

I tried to remember what Mother had shown me, the proper way to curtsy, but my mind went blank. My heart raced as I attempted to mimic the movement, stumbling awkwardly.

"Oh, my," Lord Tavish's voice dripped with mock concern. "Perhaps she's been practicing with the stable boys too."

Laughter echoed around me, like mocking notes of a song. My face burned, and I longed to vanish from their gaze.

"I think it's time for us to mingle elsewhere," Lady Marlowe announced, her smile a mere façade. "Enjoy the rest of the evening, Seraphina."

Feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment, I watched as Lady Marlowe and her companions moved away, their hushed laughter fading with their departure. My cheeks were still tinged with pink, and I fought to steady my breathing. It seemed that the world of nobility was a maze of unwritten rules and judgments, a place where every word and action was analyzed and dissected.

As I stood there, my gaze wandered to the moonlit garden just beyond the grand hall. The night air beckoned to me, promising a temporary escape from the suffocating expectations and scrutinizing gazes. With a swift glance around to ensure no one was watching, I slipped out of the hall and into the serene embrace of the garden.

The scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves greeted me, and I found this place ten times better than the suffocating walls filled with those so called nobles. Moonlight bathed the garden in an ethereal glow, casting long shadows that danced in the breeze. I walked along the cobblestone path, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I left the facade of the banquet behind.

As I wandered deeper into the garden, I heard the faint trickle of water. Following the sound, I arrived at a small fountain, its waters sparkling under the moon's tender gaze. I found a stone bench nearby and settled onto it, letting out a sigh of relief. That was a disaster, but I wouldn't cry over their words, let them speak all they want... for now at least.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the soft footsteps approaching until a voice broke the silence. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Startled, I turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows. It was a young man, dressed in finely tailored clothing that marked him as a noble. His eyes held a hint of amusement, as if he had stumbled upon a secret.

"I hope I'm not intruding," he added with a polite smile.

I shook my head quickly, feeling a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "No, not at all. It's just... overwhelming in there."

He chuckled, his laughter carrying a warm quality that put me at ease. "I understand. These events have a way of overwhelming even the most seasoned of us."

I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his intentions. "Are you not a part of the banquet?"

He leaned against the edge of the fountain, his expression thoughtful. "I find the tranquility of the garden much more appealing than the pretentious conversations inside."

A smile tugged at my lips, and I realized that I wasn't alone in seeking solace away from the crowd. "I can't argue with that. The garden has always been a place of comfort for me."

"Ah, so you're the adventurous type?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

I chuckled softly. "You could say that. I've been known to explore every nook and cranny of this estate."

His smile widened. "A kindred spirit, then."

As we talked, I learned that his name was Alistair, a noble from a neighboring Kingdom. He had a way of making conversation feel easy and genuine, as if we were old friends catching up. We talked about everything from our favorite books to the constellations that adorned the night sky.

"It's refreshing to meet someone who isn't afraid to be themselves," Alistair remarked, his gaze sincere.

I glanced down at my gown, feeling a pang of self-consciousness. "It's hard to be oneself when everyone around you expects something different."

As the night wore on, the air grew cooler, and I realized that I had spent more time in the garden than I had intended. Alistair stood and offered me a courteous bow. "I should be returning to the banquet. Perhaps we'll cross paths again."

I nodded, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. "I would like that." With a final smile, Alistair disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone with the garden and the stars above. Alistair... Oh, I forgot to ask for both his title and his last name.