Breakfast in the garden.

Hemera's POV

I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed. The bed was so soft and comfortable that I fell asleep immediately after I laid on it. Plus, the bath I had really helped. I didn't want to sleep on Elpis' bed; it was his not mine. I didn't want to disturb him.

I opened the door and Elpis wasn't there. didn't he sleep here last night? I really wondered. I hope I wasn't a burden to him. I heard a knock on the door. Was it Elpis? Elpis will never know about his bedroom door. I opened the door and it was the maids.

"Good morning, ma'am." They all bowed. It felt really weird. I am the one who always has to bow. Well, I have to get used to this. They came in with so many dresses, accessories, and make-up. was that all for me?

"We are going to help you get ready, ma'am."

"Thank you." Honestly, I really was sure I was going to need help. Most of the time, I helped Lydia get ready and I know I can't put on those dresses alone. I took a bath on my own. Then came out after wearing my underwear.

"We will make you look very pretty ma'am." One of the maids said with a smile.

They helped me put on the dress and tied the ropes. Then, they did my makeup and my hair. It was really nice.

"Thank you," I told them with a smile. They bowed to me. it seems they don't really get thanked enough around here.

"The alpha said we should take you to the garden for breakfast when we are done dressing you ma'am." So, he is around. I wanted to ask the maids if he slept here but I thought otherwise. I will just ask him myself.

They led me to the garden and then I saw him. he was seated at the opposite side of the table. There was a lot of food there. So much meat and vegetables. I was sure both of us couldn't finish everything. He stood up when he saw me. I bowed respectfully. He is an alpha after all.

"Leave us." He commanded. All the maids left immediately.

He came and pulled out a chair for me, "Please sit." 

I sat down opposite him. "Are we excepting anyone?" I asked.

"No. it's just us." He told me.

"Wow." That was all I have to say. I didn't know where to start but I did know the chicken looked so good. Thankfully, while serving at the Cresent Castle I learn a thing or two about etiquette.

"So, how was your night?" he said. 

"It was nice. Thank you for bringing me here." 

"You don't need to thank me. You are my wife." He told me.

I almost forgot that little detail. I am his wife or will be his wife. But how was I supposed to love him when I was in love with another? Yes, he rejected me but that does mean I still don't love him. He was my mate. He is my mate. 

As I ate, I couldn't help but stare at the garden. It was so beautiful. I couldn't even believe that I would be staying here. I think Elpis noticed me because the next thing I knew, he was on his feet. He gave me his hand, "Walk with me." he told me with a smile. I must admit though, his smile is charming.

We walked for a while in silence. His hands were behind his back as he walked. He looked so charming. I could see him stealing a glance at me when I turned and it was really awkward.

 "Thank you for bringing me here. It is very lovely." I told myself. 

"I am happy you like it." 

We walked in silence for a while. We both had things to ask but we didn't know where to start.

"Who is Crane to you?" he asked suddenly.

"He was my mate," I answered plainly. I knew he would ask me and didn't just know it would be this soon.

"Was?" he was quick to pick up the tense.

"He rejected me under the moonlight."

"Hmm." He nodded his head. His hands were still behind his back. "Do you still love him?"

"Does that matter?" I asked.

"We will be married Hemera. Of course, it matters." He said in a calm tone.

So that was the problem. I could understand him. It is certainly not right that your future wife would have feelings for the man who rejected her on his eighteenth birthday.

I stopped and turned to him. I looked into his eyes, "I promised you Elpis. I will be a loyal wife to you and a loyal Luna to your people. I will keep my word." 

I saw his eyes beam with much of emotion but it disappeared immediately. He was happy, that was all I needed to know.

"I have to leave you. I have things to do today." And we bowed to each other and he left.

I didn't really have much to do since I was still new here. I went round the palace so I could get used to the place, then I went to the library and picked up some books to read. I went back to the room. I didn't have anywhere else to go.

As I read, there was a knock on the door. I opened the door and it was one of the maids.

"Ma'am, someone is here to see you."

My mind immediately went to Karla. How did she get out of work so early? She did tell me she would come and see me.

"Where is she?" I asked excitedly.

"The dinning ma'am…"

I didn't hear the rest of what the maid had to say. I ran as fast as I could to the dining in the layers of clothing I was wearing. I opened the door only to see a man standing there. he turned around and it was the one person I didn't want to see yet, Crane. The smile on my face disappeared.