Page 25 of A Hunter for Luna

"What did Vala want?" she asked, perching on the edge of my bed.

I hesitated, the words sticking in my throat. But even if she was young, she was my sister, my confidante. If I couldn't trust her, who could I trust?

"Benedetto is here," I said finally. "Vala wants me to... secure an heir…as quickly as I can."

Rose's eyes widened, her mouth forming a silent 'oh'. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Do you think you can do it?"

I gave her a wry smile. "I'll have to, yes?"

Rose reached out, her hand finding mine and squeezing gently. "You can do this," she said, her voice filled with a conviction I wished I felt. "I’ll help."

I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. I glanced back to the invitations on my desk.

This was possible. When I squeezed Rose's hand back, a genuine smile spread across my face since I spoke to Vala. "I think I know where to start."

I held up the Tulliano invitation, the embossed gold lettering glinting in the sunlight streaming through the window. “Thisball is in a few days. But before I go, let’s visit friends. Make a few social calls."

My smile turned mischievous. "Gather gossip and perhaps... inquire about this notorious rogue’s movements."

Rose's eyes lit up, her own smile mirroring mine. "Oh, Luna," she clapped her hands together in delight. "That's brilliant! And it’ll be fun, too."

"I am indeed," I stood and moved to my wardrobe. "And you, dear sister, are the perfect companion for such an outing. I’ll bathe, change and then we will all go and visit some of your friends."

As I rifled through my gowns, selecting a deep green silk that would complement Rose's outfit, my mind raced with possibilities.

Benedetto was a mystery to me. A puzzle to be solved. What better way to solve a puzzle than to gather all the pieces?

I turned back to Rose, holding up the gown for her approval. "What do you think? Will this do for an afternoon of gossip and intrigue?"

Rose examined it, lips pursed, then nodded. "It's perfect. You'll look like a great lady, Luna. And while they're all busy admiring you, and talking about you behind your back, I'll be busy listening."

I grinned in response to the impish expression on her face. "And that, my dear Rose, is why I know not to underestimate quiet women like you."

She sighed. “Sofia should probably stay here, though. People will speak more freely in front of just me.”

I nodded. She was right. Nor would it take much persuading to get Sofia to stay here; she hated social events.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LUNA

Roseand I stepped out of the d'Alvarez gate into the warm summer afternoon, followed discreetly by two guards. Wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across a clear, vibrant blue sky. I blinked in the bright sunlight as a gentle breeze carried the distant sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the clatter of carriage wheels over cobblestones. The streets of Legnali bustled with activity.

I wore the gown I’d selected. Rose looked radiant in a light blue dress trimmed with delicate lace, her golden hair pinned up elegantly. Two guards trailed a discreet distance behind us as we walked arm in arm down the street.

As we strolled, Rose chattered happily about the beautiful weather and the flowers blooming everywhere. I smiled and agreed.

We’d considered and selected the families we visited today based on their predilection for gossip. This was a reconnaissance mission, our best chance to find out who’d seen Benedetto and if anyone knew what parties he’d be at. If I played my cards right,I might even get a clue about what was going on with the de Spoleto family.

Rose and I had a tiny sister we’d never met.

We turned down a busy street lined with upscale shops on our way to our first target. Our guards followed at a measured pace just behind us, scanning the crowd while trying not to draw attention. I kept my expression pleasant but my senses alert as we made our way to the first estate on my mental list.

The de Vinci villa came into view when the road curved toward the hill. It was a grand estate surrounded by immaculate gardens, red, purple and yellow blooms in beautiful patterns. As we passed through the ornate gates, the heady scent of jasmine and roses enveloped us, a fragrant welcome.

We were immediately admitted, ushered to a sitting room where a slightly plump, fashionable woman with bright, sparkling dark eyes greeted us at the door with a broad smile. "Luna, Rose, how delightful to see you both. Please, come in."

Lucretia de Vinci was the biggest gossip in Legnali.

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