ushernet Chapter 184 Daughter in the Wrong Castle
Chapter 184 Daughter in the Wrong Castle
"Melina?"
Aeric did not know what to make of this. He'd made multiple guesses in his mind of who it could be by the door that had Ilyon so stricken with worry, but he'd never guessed that it would be a Daughter of Moonlight.
And she didn't even appear fazed or anything. Her face did seem visibly tired, with shadows under her eyes showing her weary she was. Her hands were clasped in front of her and her eyes shied away from his questioning gaze.
She looked very unhappy and clearly hurt, like something had happened to her. She was also dressed like she had just put on something in a blitz of thought, climbing on her Nightpanther which was standing close to a fountain, terrorising the men trying to trim the fields.@@@@
"Hey, Aeric," she waved nervously at him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked her, looking at her from head to toe. "Are you not aware of what time it is? You're all the way in the Starlight Region. Wha— what are you doing here?"
His gaze darted behind her, half-expecting someone else to appear. When no one didn't he bent his neck to look. "Does your mother and sisters even know you're here?"
"Not exactly," she admitted softly. "They don't know. Well, it's very complicated. I didn't run or anything if that's what you're worried about."
Aeric pretended to sigh with relief. "Oh, well that makes everything better. Don't you see where you are, Melina. This is the Starlight Region, an enemy Region to Moonlight, and you're a Princess of Moonlight. Don't you see the big issue here or am I just crazy?"
"I know, it's just that. I didn't have anywhere else to go. You see, my mother..." Her voice faltered, and she glanced away, her silver hair shimmering in the evening light.
"Your mother what?" Aeric demanded, looking back to make sure that his own mother wasn't coming.
"My mother banished me from our castle," Melina said with a sad frown. "Just for a week, but still."
Aeric frowned deeply. "What? Why would she do that?"
"She was angry about what happened," Melina said, still lowering her gaze away from Aeric's. "The fight with Luna, I mean. She says it's my fault." She sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "She said I was the reason the battle happened at all. And that I had failed as a Daughter."
'Woah?' Aeric's eyes widened as he was taken aback for a second. 'Hey. Is this my fault? Mother Selene just basically disowned her daughter for a full week. That is very serious.'
His expression darkened. "That doesn't sound fair at all," he said firmly to her. "It wasn't your fault, Melina. In fact, you told Luna not to fight me, I remember that. If anything, you tried to stop it. But Luna's mind was made up."
Melina gave a weak smile. "Try telling her that. She didn't want to hear it. Said I should feel ashamed for letting my sister come back home battered and bruised because she was fighting for my honor. An honor that I do not seem to want anymore."
"I tried to explain that I'm only making up for the horrible things I did to you. And that I'm being strong in what I believe in for the first time, but she didn't want to hear it. And Aryanne..." Her shoulders slumped slightly as she continued. "Aryanne didn't even say anything to help me."
Aeric narrowed his eyes. 'So Aryanne knows about the fight now.'
"I thought... we'd share a room," she said, her voice light but with an edge of expectation.
Aeric's eyes widened. "What? No, absolutely not." He gestured down the hall. "This is a castle, Melina. There are dozens of rooms. We don't need to share one."
"I don't see why not," Melina shrugged.
He stared at her. "On a normal day, I wouldn't either. But my maid comes into my room and so does some weirdo who I haven't figured out yet. I have to keep you hidden until I think of what to say to my mother."
Melina sighed faintly. "Okay. I'll leave it all to you then."
She said nothing more, leaving Aeric scratching his head. He then led the way and she followed him through the hallways.
He walked with purpose, his mind racing as he tried to think of ways to keep her presence as inconspicuous as possible. To avoid stares, Aeric had asked for a wig and one of the maidens brought one for him. He quickly wore it on Melina and led her up the staircase.
Every corner felt like a potential hiding place for trouble. His mother didn't need to know about this, not tonight — not ever, if he could help it.
Reaching a spacious but modestly furnished guest room, Aeric pushed open the door to find Ilyon and a maid standing. Experience more tales on empire
"You are done?" he asked, stepping inside to inspect the room.
"The room is prepared now, Master Aeric," Ilyon replied. "Your friend..."
They both exchanged glances. "Anita," Aeric said.
"Your friend Anita can spend the time here," Ilyon said with a smile. "I'll be taking my leave."
Aeric nodded. "Well done, Ilyon."
The maid nodded too and left.
It was just Aeric and Melina inside now.
The room was warm, with a fire already crackling in the hearth. "So, this is your room for the next few days," Aeric said to her.
Melina glanced around, her gaze lingering on the ornate carvings of the bedposts and the silk curtains framing the window. "It's... nice," she said simply.
Aeric watched her as she looked around, then he spoke again, "Look, I'll be outside while you settle in. Okay? Once you're done, let me know so I can come in and tell you how we're going to do this."
Melina turned around just in time to grab Aeric's hand as he was about to leave. She looked up at him with her beautiful, glistening, silver eyes, and then she said; "Why don't you stay here? I don't mind."