The CASKETS

"You are betrothed," spoke Clovis

Moon smiled at them, she knew they were feeling guilty but to not make them be, she decided to try to show how unbothered.

"Really? Isn't that lovely?" said Moon as she chewed on her meat.

Clovis and Neil stared at one another before Neil spoke, "You seem not to understand us, my darling."

"I do, Papa. It's not the end of the world if one gets betrothed to an unknown person," commented Moon with a smile.

Clovis heaved a sigh before she stood to her feet and walked to the other side of the table to sit beside her daughter.

"Dearest, you know I and Neil love you, right?" asked Clovis as she held Moon's hands in hers. Moon nodded to her question.

"I know," muttered Moon as she had a wide smile. She didn't want to fake nonchalance but what could she do? Absolutely nothing!

"You are going to marry the Prince. Prince Harvey of Ashbourne" uttered Clovis with an awkward expression.

The awaited reaction they were expecting never came, their daughter sat silently as she pondered on her thoughts.

"Moon?"

"Yes, Mama?"

"You heard what I said right?" asked Clovis

"I did, Mama," mumbled Moon before she sipped the fresh orange juice from her cup after untangling her hands from her Mother's.

"So?"

"I know there must be an absolute reason why I am betrothed to him. He is a promiscuous person and we all know. I am the Spoken Saviour so maybe I can save him from the rumored curse," uttered Moon calmly.

Neil and Clovis breathed a sigh of relief, they were expecting her to disagree, scream, and bang the table and doors. They were expecting her to show aggressive behavior that she never had but she didn't. She was so understanding.

"I'm so happy you understand, my love. Mama is sorry for putting you through all this. You are strong and brave. You can endure and maybe when the time comes when everyone sees you aren't their savior, then you can leave the prince, marry someone of your own choice," uttered Clovis and Neil called,

"Clovis!" he glared at her and she pouted her lips. She brushed her daughter's hair and then one of their guards came in to inform them about their visitors.

Clovis stood up instantly, causing the chair to fall to the rugged floor.

"What is it, Mama?" asked Moon after seeing her Mother's reaction.

"They are here," spoke Clovis before pulling her daughter by the hand and drawing her close.

"What are they doing here at this hour?" questioned Neil to no one.

The CASKETS entered their dining area and the Dandelions froze, except Moon who didn't know who they are.

"CASKETS," mumbled Clovis and Neil before they bowed. Their already old back aching in pain.

"Is this she?" asked a female Casket and they nodded.

Moon bowed her head also, she was clueless about what was happening. When she had heard her Mama and Papa speaking about the 'They', they didn't mention names. The people in front of her were mostly the 'They.'

"Yes, Lady Amandla," said Clovis.

"Have a seat," offered Neil to the five CASKETS.

"We leave here with your daughter at dawn, prepare her well before we leave," uttered Lord Temples.

"Prep her about her duties and responsibilities," uttered Lord Wellbolve.

"She's aware of all that, Milord, but I will prep her more before tomorrow," said Clovis with a bow.

"What shall we offer to you?" asked Neil. His voice held hostility, which made Lady Bytheseashore smirk.

"Neil, don't be sad. Your daughter isn't going forever," uttered Lady Bytheseashore as she grinned.

Neil didn't reply to her but instead clicked the bell and two maids entered.

"My Lord," they spoke and bowed

"Prepare special dishes for our guests," said Neil, and the maids complied.

Clovis held Moon by the hand and spoke to the CASKETS, "I am taking her to get ready for tomorrow. Goodnight." She took a glance at Neil before leaving with Moon to her room.

At Moon's Room...

"Mama, I'm scared," uttered Moon. That nonchalant facade she wore fell off instantly. She couldn't believe that she would be leaving by dawn.

"My darling, come," said Clovis as she lead her to the couch.

"This is the reason why I had been strict with you when it came to attitudes and behaviors. You are aware that I conceived you on the day of the Red Moon. The actual moment it appeared in the sky," explained Clovis.

"The child born at that moment was the prophecies savior. You were born at that moment, the Saviour who would save us all. For more privileged saving, you were betrothed to the prince who was cursed," said Clovis with a sigh.

"I'm going to save the prince from his curse, then what of the others? What am I going to save you from, Mama?" asked Moon. This question had never been answered by her mother or anyone else.

"It's forbidden to utter it," mumbled Clovis while biting on her lips.

"So, I'm just going to go on with this? Ok then. Allow me to start packing my things," said Moon as she stood to her feet.

"The servants will do that. Come, let's discuss marriage life," said Clovis before she and her daughter left for her room.

.....

"I can't be naked in a man's presence," said Moon as she shook her head.

"You will, my darling. You must conceive a baby," said Clovis.

"I wouldn't ever have a child with the prince," spoke Moon and instantly, Clovis palmed her mouth with her palm.

"Don't ever say that. The CASKETS mustn't hear of this. They can be cruel sometimes," spoke Clovis before taking her palm away and calming her fast-beating heart.

"You fear the CASKETS?" asked Moon.

"Everyone does, their name alone is scary," said Clovis

"True, can I sleep here with you, Mama? Are you coming with me also?" inquired Moon.

"We aren't. The CASKETS will deliver you to the castle and we would visit you when the date of the wedding has been fixed," muttered Clovis.

"Can't you follow me to the castle?"