A Night of Fun

The tea was served for the both of them, and when they were alone, Luna decided to get straight to the point. "You know, I saw the most intriguing scene today."

"Hmm?" Willow looked at Luna. "What did you see?"

"Prince Ren and Lady Aria had a little tryst, but not all is well between the lovers." Luna explained with a bit of a smile. "It seems that Prince Ren is quite displeased that Lady Aria for not completing her task of removing me."

Willow gasped. Her eyes were wide, and she was sitting there in disbelief. "You mean that Prince Ren asked her to do such a terrible thing?"

Luna nodded. "It seems that he did not want to dirty his hands himself."

"Why would Prince Ren ever think of hurting you?" Willow asked. She could not see a connection between the two.

Luna was a bit disappointed that Willow was not aware of Princess Olivia's forbidden knowledge. Olivia must have kept it to herself. If it was to protect herself and others or for some other reasons, Luna decided to think of it later. For now, it would be good to focus on weakening the enemy.

"We should focus on weakening their relationship." Luna pondered on it for a moment.

"Well," Willow started, "it does not take too much to do that."

Luna quirked her eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

"You can't say that you've never noticed?" Willow looked at Luna in disbelief. Luna shook her head and leaned forward. "Lady Aria isn't Prince Ren's only company. She is the only one that he speaks to openly, but he has quite a few women that he has been seen with. Every time Lady Aria hears another rumor, she fumes for days."

"Has it ever been more than rumors to her?" Luna began to form an idea.

"Not to my knowledge." Willow replied with caution. "You aren't thinking of getting involved are you?"

"Thank you for your concern, but no." Luna said decisively. "But we should perhaps setup a good opportunity for Lady Aria to see Prince Ren's true colors."

"You aren't thinking I should!" Willow shrieked.

"Of course not!" Luna looked at Willow with confusion. "We need to find a professional. We should seek out a bit of entertainment tonight."

Willow looked at Luna in horror, but she wanted to see what Luna's plan was. Luna asked Willow to get themselves some clothes that wouldn't draw too much attention. Luan also tasked Willow with getting them transportation for the night.

When evening fell, both ladies slipped away. They dressed in common clothes, and they rode a nondescript carriage into the town center. Luna told the driver to wait for them, and they made their way on foot from there. Luna followed the flow. She was paying attention to where it seemed that many of the well dressed men were spending their nights.

When she found a pub that had quite a few patrons, she and Willow entered. They found a small corner to observe. Willow wasn't really sure what Luna was looking for, but she wanted to keep an eye out to make sure no one caused them trouble.

Above the pub was an inn, so Luna observed that several men brought women upstairs. She tried to see who among the ladies seemed to be somewhat what Prince Ren might fall for. She wasn't too concerned about specific physical attributes. She just needed someone who would at least come off as refined and could convince him that she is need of his manly strength. Luna wasn't too familiar with Prince Ren himself, but most men with a title had a bit of an ego. Fanning that ego would most definitely catch his attention long enough to set up her trap.

Luna found a bewitching woman that seemed to match her criteria. She signaled to Willow to join her at the bar. She then passed word to the inn keeper that she wanted a room, and to ask the woman to be sent to her room. Willow and Luna then settled into the room. Willow didn't ask any questions. She just observed Luna's attitude. It was quite an experience for her.

Before long, the woman came into their room. She looked rather surprised, but not alarmed. Luna motioned for her to take a seat. When the woman sat down, Luna threw a purse of coins on the table in front of her.

"What can I do for you?" The woman asked as she felt the weight of the coins in the purse.

"This is a down payment." Luna informed the woman. "I need you to distract a man for a time during the autumn ball."

"Just talk?" The woman asked.

"You can do whatever you wish. All I ask is that you keep him occupied in a location I can find you two later on." Luna gave her requirements. "I will also provide you a dress, and make sure that you look like a proper lady."

The woman looked at her hesitantly. "This sounds a little too good to be true."

"It is up to you." Luna replied absentmindedly. "You just need to show up to see that it is real. I will give you another purse of the same value when the night is over."

The woman nodded. Luna gave a few more instructions, and then she and Willow left. They didn't need to hang around any longer. Someone might discover that they snuck out if they stay out too long.