Page 63 of A Hunter for Luna

A sharp knock interrupted our moment. I tugged the sheet up on Luna’s exposed chest and called, "Enter," expecting the servant with Luna's garments and our breakfast.

Instead, a young footman nervously bowed from the open door, his entire attention fixed on his boots—and decidedlynoton my wife—as he held out a sealed letter. "A message from the Imperial Palace, my lord. The courier said he’d await a reply."

I broke the seal.

The emperor requested our presence for a midday meal. Of course. My good mood evaporated. Trouble was brewing. I just hoped this had nothing in specific to do with Mother's politicking.

"Tell the courier we'll be there.” He backed out and the maid bearing Luna’s garments passed him, flicking a glance at me.

Luna smiled at the maid and rose. "I suppose that means our lunch is rescheduled. I'll leave Pip at home."

Pip let out a small hiss, clearly displeased.

A wry smile tugged at my lips. "Good luck convincing him. He's as stubborn as you are."

I left the room to give Luna privacy as she dressed. When she left, I inspected the wardrobe, pulling out an outfit of Lorenzo’s formal attire altered to fit me.

A deep blue jacket with silver embroidery, tailored trousers, and a crisp white shirt. More color than I preferred to wear, but I wasn’t going to decline the favor. I dressed quickly, movements tense.

What was the emperor up to with this?

Catching my reflection in the mirror, I looked like a man ready for battle. That's exactly what this was, a battle, just without swords.

I smoothed down my jacket, trying to shift my hardened expression to something closer to calm. I hated this. I'd rather duel ten men than walk into that palace and play politics with the emperor. Even if he was as decent a man as he could be, power politics made me want to kill something.

As I adjusted my sleeve laces, Pip flitted into the room, landing lightly on the desk. It watched me with sharp, intelligent eyes, head tilted as if assessing my agitation.

"What?" I gave the creature a half-hearted glare. "Don't look at me like that. You’re simply a slightly more intelligent cat."

Pip hissed softly, then nudged a small object toward me, a throwing knife I hadn't even noticed I'd left unconcealed. I picked it up, staring at it for a moment before hiding it up my sleeve.

Even Pip knew when I was too distracted.

At least one of us, even if not one who thought like a human, was paying attention.

I strode through the villa toward the main doors. Servants scurried out of my path, sensing my dark mood. I barely noticed them, my mind running over strategies to deal with the impending lunch and make sure Luna and I left unharmed politically or physically.

I emerged into the sun-drenched foyer, blinking against the bright light. Luna already stood by the sedan chair and the servants ready to carry it, a vision of understated elegance. Herauburn hair was pinned up, a few loose strands framing her face. The silver filigree in her earrings caught the sun, glinting like stars against her fair skin.

I paused, drinking in the sight of her. Like sweet water on a parching day.

Luna turned. A small smile played on her lips. "Ready to face the lions?"

I snorted, shaking my head. "Not lions, vipers. Be careful."

She tilted her chin up, a defiant gleam in her eye. "I'm not afraid of lions. Or emperors, for that matter."

She should be. A rush of admiration mixed with the ever-present desire. Like me, she was a fighter, even when it wasn’t the best plan.

Kalion was too crowded to use a carriage, so sedan chairs were the compromise used by the nobility. They took less space and left less manure.

Luna settled herself on the seat, her movements graceful and assured. Pip swooped down, settling on her shoulder with a contented chirp. Clearly, he had won the battle of who was staying home.

"Let's go." I joined her. "Time to see what the old man wants. "We were lifted smoothly, and the four trained men began the trek to the palace.

"You took your time," Luna peeked out the curtains to watch the other travelers as we entered the bustling streets of Kalion. "Are you nervous to meet the emperor with me?"

I snorted, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow. "No, you'll probably do a better job dealing with the talk," I said. "I'm not exactly known for my tact."

---