Prince Peter's Homecoming

Luna woke up the next day feeling refreshed, but in pain. She stretched her muscles to alleviate the soreness. Stretching did help, but she was still a bit stiff.

The maids came to help her prepare for the day. She was being pruned and groomed. Today, Prince Peter was set to return, so she had to prepare for his homecoming. Luna could not care less, but she had to play the part of the perfect wife. She just hoped that the prince didn't have any expectations for later on.

Everyone was busy preparing. Prince Peter had been away with a political envoy to negotiate a trade agreement. The advisors were eager to learn how things went. The king was looking forward to hear of his son's success, and the queen just wanted to hear that her son returned safely.

Queen Regina called Luna to be by her side. They had breakfast together, and then they went to wait for the enoy's return. They went to the drawing room closest to the entrance of the palace.

"My dear, how are you faring?" Queen Regina asked Luna.

"I am doing quite well." Luna responded respectfully.

"Are you ready for Peter to come home?" Queen Regina asked innocently. "I know that he can be hard to deal with at times, but he is a good man. I thought you two were getting along well."

Luna was cursing herself inwardly. If only she had some memories of Princess Olivia. Now she's grasping for anything to make a cohesive response.

"I am looking forward to his return, your majesty." Luna gave a perfunctory response. "He has been quite good to as of late."

"I am happy to hear that, my dear." Queen Regina gushed. "I hope to hear good news soon."

Luna was aware of the good news the queen was looking for. She nearly shrieked in response, but she held her tongue. She smiled back and just nodded. Hopefully, this man had no interest in her!

The ladies chatted for a while before servants came to inform them of the prince's arrival. They made their way to the entrance. Since they were on an upper floor balcony, they could see the envoy enter the gates.

Luna could guess which one was Prince Peter. He looked remarkably like his mother. Rich chocolate hair framed his face. His piercing green eyes have off a sense of nobility. And his arched nose was most certainly the only resemblance to his father. Luna admitted that he was attractive, but she was not interested. Other things took priority.

Once the grand standing had ended, Luna that the other royals left the balcony. They made their way down to see the prince. He looked somewhat tired from his journey, but he still made sure to properly greet his parents. He took a quick glance at Luna, and then made his way to make a report to his father.

Luna was relieved. The glance she was given was simply an acknowledgement. His eyes were devoid of much emotion. It seems that her plans to stay away from him would still work.

After the fuss died down, she was able to take some time for herself. Prince Peter needed to report to his father. Queen Regina on the outgrowing was busying herself with other preparations for the welcome dinner for the evening. Luna slipped away to her chambers without anyone noticing.

Once she was inside, she breathed a deep breath. She was going to rest a bit, but suddenly, she was in a warm embrace. Willow had apparently been waiting for her. Luna didn't dislike Willow, but she found the girl a little clingy.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't check in in you yesterday. I was stuck in my white mage training all day. How did things go at the tea party?" Willow inquired.

"Oh, nothing too exciting." Luna nonchalantly replied. "The mother and daughter nearly outed themselves."

"Oh, that must be a good thing of m for us!" Willow clapped her hands. "Did the queen say anything."

"She caught on, but didn't act on her suspicions." Luna explained. "I do think they are melt l merely puppets in a larger conspiracy."

"What do you mean?" Willow tilted her head. To her, it seemed like a cut and dry situation.

"They do not seem smart enough to plan anything like that out. No doubt they were the ones who ended up dealing with the ruffians, but from their paddle faces, I do not think they would ever resort to violence on their own." Luna explained her thoughts.

"I guess you're right." Willow conceited. "But who else would want to harm you? You have never offended anytime outright."

"Just because I was made a target this time, does not mean that I am the sole target." Luna thought out loud. "I could just be collateral damage on the way to their ultimate goal."

"To think that life gets so complicated when you become a royal." Willow lamented.