Page 4 of A Hunter for Luna

So much luxury!

A round man in a plain robe walked in, carrying a large black satchel. He bowed to Lady Vala, then said, “Young lady, I’m told you injured your feet. Would you show them to me?”

I nodded and tugged the hem of my skirt up, He knelt beside me, examining my feet. “Fetch me warm water and a towel.”

He twisted his fingers, the natural moon-fueled shadow of his magic brightening to the warmer shade of a healing spell. I grabbed my magic, pulling it up so it wouldn’t drink up all the energy without permitting it to heal my feet.

I twisted in my seat as he cleaned my foot, then applied the magic to my cuts. Despite my best efforts, my magic consumed part of his and he frowned, looking at my foot.

His expression made me nervous, and I glanced at Lady Vala. She was staring at my foot too, and a satisfied smile curved her lips.

“That will be all, herbmaster. My steward will pay you.”

He rose, bowed and left.

“I’ll leave you to get ready,” Lady Vala said as two more servants, both young women, walked into the room. One of them carried a tray with a crystal bottle and glass, the other headed to the bathing chamber where I heard a rush of water.

The liquid in the bottle sparkled with magic. I drank the glass the servant gave me, feeling strange as my magic gobbled up whatever it was supposed to do. There was no way I could keep it from doing that when the magic went inside me.

“I’d like to bathe alone,” I said when the tub was full, steaming, full of fragrant oils.

They waited at the door as I submerged into the warmth. The water washed away the dust and fear sweat. I closed my eyes, letting the water soothe my aching muscles, the scents of jasmine and another flower lulling my senses.

Perhaps I could invite Sofia and Rose and my stepmother to visit once I’d met my husband. Since I’d be pregnant then, anda member of the d’Alvarez family. Father would have no power over me. I could protect them.

If my husband wasn’t just like Father. Lady Vala didn’t seem beaten down like Canta was though, so I dared to hope.

When I emerged from the bathing chamber, wrapped in a huge towel that was soft as a cloud, a new dress and jewelry had been laid out. My other clothes were nowhere to be seen.

“The evening meal will be served soon. Do you want help dressing?” asked the older of the two women.

I nodded. These gowns, rich fabrics trimmed with ribbons and delicate flowers of lace, were even finer than Rose’s. Lacing on the back meant I would need help getting it laced up. I’d never worn something fitted like that.

The silk dress whispered around me. One maid’s quick fingers tucked it up and pinned it along the hem; it had been made for someone taller than me. Even so, it was beautiful.

The other maid combed my hair out and braided it up with quick efficiency, pinning it with jeweled combs.

The powder they dusted on my face made me sneeze.

Indoor sandals were kind on my feet as I walked down the staircase. When I came to the lower floor, Vala met me in the hall. "Beautiful."

I followed Vala to the dining room where food was laid out on a side table. It smelled delicious and looked complex. Sauces and meat and bread and side dishes…Rose and I usually ate porridge and fruit, or bread and cheese. Elaborate meals were for adults.

But I was an adult now.

Watching Vala, I mimicked her choices and then carried my plates to the table. A slice of meat with a light sauce, rice, and a green dish I assumed was a vegetable. She passed over most of the food. I took more than she did. I was hungry enough to risk looking greedy or foolish.

The meat and sauce were very rich, the rice savory with a seasoning I didn’t recognize. The green dish was sour enough to make my mouth pucker.

Vala laughed at my expression. “It’s an acquired taste.”

I swallowed quickly and took a bite of the meat to chase the taste away.

"Are you aware of what is expected when Benedetto returns?" she asked when I was done chewing.

I shook my head. "That I should do my duty and make him happy."

She set her goblet down carefully. "Ah, I was afraid your father raised you in the strict form. What will happen might be a little uncomfortable, but Benedetto will fulfill his duties swiftly and then he'll be gone again."

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