Page 28 of A Hunter for Luna

He beamed at the compliment, chest puffing out with pride. "Isn't it just? Come, let me show you the drawing room. A new statue has just been delivered."

As we followed him through the mansion, I cringed at the murals on the walls. Everything seemed designed to signal wealth and status, rather than any true sense of style or art.

We settled in the garden, sinking into the overly plush chairs. Tulliano immediately launched into a detailed description of his plans for the masquerade.

Tulliano grinned broadly, his eyes gleaming with pride as he gestured expansively around the opulent drawing room. "This masquerade will be the best ever in Legnali! It will be the most talked-about event of the season, mark my words. The entertainers will be the best, the food will be the best…."

I smiled politely, murmuring the appropriate words of admiration, and distracted myself by counting the number of times he said ‘best’.

Rose, ever the charmer, leaned forward with a dazzling smile. "You must be hoping to make quite an impression, Tulliano," she said sweetly. "Looking for a wife among the old families, perhaps?"

Tulliano laughed nervously, his eyes darting between us. "Well, a man must secure his future somehow, mustn't he? And what better way than through a good marriage and sons and daughters to carry the family name?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his blatant ambition. As if any of the old families would consider him a worthy match. He was so desperate for their approval, he couldn't see how transparent he was.

But I kept my expression carefully neutral, nodding along as if his words were the height of wisdom. "Indeed. A good match is essential for any man looking to elevate his family."

Tulliano puffed up with self-importance, clearly pleased by my apparent agreement. "Exactly, and with this masquerade, I'msure to catch the attention of some eligible young lady. Perhaps even a de Spoleto," he said, looking speculatively toward Rose.

A flare of protective anger sparked within me at the insinuation, but Rose just laughed lightly, her voice tinkling like bells. "Oh, Tulliano, you flatter me, but I'm afraid my heart is not so easily won. You'll have to work much harder than that to persuade me."

Well played, sister. Put him in his place without bruising his fragile ego.

Tulliano chuckled, but I could see the flash of disappointment in his eyes before he covered it with a jovial smile. "Ah, well, a man can dream, can't he? But no matter. With so many beautiful women in attendance, perhaps the absent gods will aid me in finding my future bride."

The conversation turned to more mundane matters of decorations and entertainment, and then to our need to return home, given that sunset was close.

We took our leave of Tulliano.

The sun had painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. Rose walked beside me, her steps light and graceful despite the long day of visits and conversations.

"That was interesting," she glanced up at me with a thoughtful expression. "Tulliano is desperate for approval. He'll do anything to make this masquerade a success."

"He's more ambitious than he lets on," I kept my voice low so only Rose could hear. "This masquerade is his big chance to step up in society, to prove himself worthy of the old families' attention."

Rose seemed to sense my inner turmoil, for she reached out and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "This will work out, Luna."

A surge of love and gratitude for my sister squeezed my chest, for her unwavering support and loyalty. I returned the squeeze before letting go.

When we arrived home, I headed straight to my chambers. Sinking down at my vanity, I stared at my reflection in the ornate mirror, tired and discouraged.

The door creaked open, and Sofia entered quietly, her expression gentle as she took in my pensive state.

"What did you learn?" she asked, setting a tray of toast and chamomile tea on the table beside me.

I sighed, the sound echoing in the stillness of the room. "Benedetto will be at the masquerade. Tulliano has practically set a trap for him with all the attention."

Sofia's brow furrowed, her green eyes sharp with concern. "Rose told me the rest. Is it something you can do?"

I met her gaze in the mirror, my own hardening with resolve. "Yes. I need a baby from him. That's Vala's price for the family's continued protection. And this is the only way I'll get one."

Sofia nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps, since you’re both older, it will go better this time."

I let out a humorless chuckle. "I doubt it. But I have no choice. I must do this, for Rose's sake if nothing else."

Sofia's hand rested on my shoulder, a comforting weight. "Watch for opportunity, Luna. Sometimes it arrives disguised."

I laughed at her despite myself. “Is that foreseeing, or one of the sayings you’ve had to memorize as an apprentice?”

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