Page 66 of A Hunter for Luna

After a moment, she nodded. "I understand. Just..." She hesitated. "Be careful. Please."

I kissed her hand. "Always." The word tasted like a lie even as I said it.

Once I saw her inside the villa, I left and made straight for gathering places where I could find various acquaintances and allies at this time of day. They’d all heard about the summons of course. As I spoke with them, a picture emerged I didn't like.

Whispers of private dinners, carefully worded promises, a web of influence spreading through the capital. Many proxies were used, but at the end of the day, all of it traced back to one person. Vala d'Alvarez. My mother.

Damn her. Containing my worry and anger, I made my way back to the villa.

Pacing the study, I slammed my fist on the desk, making the inkwell jump. Didn't she realize what she was doing?

But even as the thought formed, I knew the answer. Of course she realized. This was no impulsive scheme. It was a calculated play, years in the making. And I was the pawn she'd chosen to bet on.

Well, this pawn had his own agenda. I straightened, my jaw clenched. Luna found me like that, staring out into the twilight, my knuckles white against the windowsill. "Benedetto? What did you find out?"

I let out a harsh laugh. "That my mother is a serpent in silk skirts. And that I'm an idiot for not seeing what she was up to sooner."

Luna came to stand beside me, Pip swooping over to perch on my shoulder. "You're not an idiot," she said firmly. "Vala’s been plotting longer than either of us has been alive. She’s moved faster than we realized, is all."

I glanced at her, surprised. It was a kinder assessment than I deserved. "You give me too much credit."

"And you don't give yourself enough." She found my hand, her slim fingers interlacing with my calloused ones. "First we find Moonshifter and heal that wound for you. Then worry about the rest."

I looked down at our joined hands, a strange pang in my chest. "Mother's built a faction for me, without my knowledge. Knowing her, she's been pulling strings to see my rivals dead, too. If the other potential heirs convince the emperor this is a threat to him personally..."

"Then we die," Luna finished. Her auburn hair glowed in the candlelight. "We can't leave. Not yet, not until this is under control."

Frustration boiled inside me. "Dead gods smite her."

Luna's eyes widened at the profanity, then she laughed. "Most people wouldn't be angry at someone trying to put them on the throne."

"I'm not most people. It's a hard seat, and she plans for me to be her puppet. She needs to learn the meaning of ‘no’ when other people say it."

CHAPTER TWENTY

BENEDETTO

The next eveningthe Imperial Palace in the soft glow of evening lanterns, its towering spires casting long shadows across the courtyard. I exited the sedan chair, then held my hand out for Luna. She descended gracefully, her gown flowing like liquid silver in the moonlight.

This dinner engagement was close to a battle. I’d found out Vivaldo, the other heir to the emperor’s wreath would be in attendance. We’d loathed each other for years.

I wouldn’t be surprised if many servants were ready to grab us if it looked like a duel was about to happen. I could beat him physically easily, but Vivaldo was smart enough to cheat.

"Shall we?" I offered Luna my arm. She took it with a brittle smile. I could sense her unease beneath the facade of poise.

"Let's get this over with," she murmured as we ascended the palace steps.

The dining room we were led to was a smaller, more intimate room, lit by chandeliers of intricate crystal. This was not a state dinner but an ‘informal gathering’.

The long table was set for twenty guests, the golden plates and cutlery gleaming against the dark wood. I scanned the room, taking in the players of tonight's game.

Vivaldo sat at the far end of the room, his posture relaxed, his smile pleasant but sharp as a blade. Several other nobles were seated, each with carefully neutral expressions. Masks upon masks. In Kalion, true intentions were rarely worn on one's sleeve.

And at this function, only a fool would show their true face.

I escorted Luna to a seat near the center of the room, where her easy grace immediately drew attention. Lords and ladies alike turned to greet her, their eyes alight with curiosity and calculation. I took my place beside her, acutely aware of the whispers that followed in my wake.

"Benedetto, so glad you could join us," Vivaldo called out, raising his glass in a mocking toast. "And the lovely Lunetta, of course. You've become quite the talk of the court these days. Especially after that little affaire of honor."

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