A few weeks had passed since the victory banquet and it was one of those joyous days of Luna as she came back to her city- Moldavite.
The fresh and salty air carried the sounds of seagulls from the shore. One could see the sparkling water of the ocean under the sun. The waves crashed with the cliffs making rainbows with the drops exposed to the sun- a sight common for the people of Moldavite.
"Finally home!" Luna's face gleamed with joy as the carriage reached the gates of the Oleander estate.
The wildflower meadow themed garden emanated the Oleander's free spirit that had not wavered even at the harshest adversaries throughout their history.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the main building. Luna stepped out, greeted by the maids standing in two rows bowing gracefully while her butler took her hand helping her off the carriage.
"How was your trip to the capital, my lady?"
"It was bearable. Nothing much exciting." She handed her coat to one of the maids. "Anything new around here?"
"Two guests arrived. One came last night and one this morning." The butler followed her through the entrance stairs.
"Who?" They walked past the long hallway towards her office.
"One I reckon Prince Sebastian, other I know nothing of except being sent by the Lilies."
"The Lilies?" Luna slightly tilted her head towards the butler.
"The family's insignia was on the carriage's flag." The butler halted behind Luna and stopped talking as Luna looked him straight in the eyes. He continued hesitantly, "Shall I arrange a meeting?"
"I'll be in the Lilac garden in about an hour."
"Who are you meeting first?" Luna hadn't clarified.
"Both, at the same time." The butler gave her a confused look as he opened the door to her office.
"But..."
"Neither of the two bothered for a prior notice of their arrival, we should treat them the same." Luna's words were final. She shut the door behind her.
Luna stepped into the Lilac garden in white shirt and pants seeing the two men sitting next to each other in the white gazebo. Her attire suited her personality though it didn't suit the nobles' taste for women's clothing.
Prince Sebastian greeted her with a warm smile, "Greetings, lady Oleander. I hope you're in good health."
Luna bowed her head a little, "I am, thank you."
"I've brought tea from Sert for you. Hope you enjoy it." He hinted towards the purple glass jars on the table.
"I'll make good use of it." She looked at the man sitting next to him and recognised him instantly. "You.."
The man stood up from his seat, knelt on one knee and kissed the back of her hand as a formal greeting. "Owen Lily greets you." His deep low voice sent a jarring tremor through her chest. "I apologise for coming unannounced. I hope this atones for my rudeness."
Luna looked behind him at the big wooden box lying on the floor. "That is Jesuit's bark, my lady. I understand Arkithonald (a city in the territory of Oleander duchy) is suffering from malaria. My first priority was supplying the antidote for your people."
"It must've been hard to come across such a precious item since it doesn't grow in Evimeria. I'm grateful for such a thoughtful gift." Luna's face gleamed with joy. Malaria had spread in that region and the only cure, Jesuit bark, was scanty. She had been distressed with the issue, but now, all her worries had been lifted.
Why didn't I think of that! Sebastian reprimanded himself in his inner mind. She prefers her people's wellbeing over luxurious gifts. How did I forget that!
Luna took a seat in front of the two as the maids placed tea and snacks on the table. Owen noticed Luna's eyes fixated on his face, "Is something wrong?"
"Ah, no. It's just that your eyes are refreshing." Sebastian peered at Owen hearing Luna's words. "With your skin tone, those green eyes are like an oasis in the desert."
"You are great with words." Owen held the cup in his firm veined hand. "Even back at the victory banquet, your company was enjoyable."
"Really? I couldn't tell with your solemn expression." Luna placed a scone on her plate.
"I don't smile often, is what I've heard. Maybe that's why." He took a sip from the tea.
"Maybe." Luna shrugged. "So what brings you to the Oleander household?"
"Duke Lily has decided to help you prepare for your coming of age ceremony." Owen cut to the chase, "Normally, the women of the house are to prepare such events. In your case, you're not only the lady of the house, you're the head as well. The duties of the dukedom will make it harder for you to work on both."
"I appreciate your concerns, but given the situation of the unknown beast on the loose, I don't think it's a good idea to host such an event."
"It is precisely because of it that you need to hold this event." Owen emphasized, "It will show other nations that Evimeria is not shaken by such matters."
Sebastian nodded at his words, "I agree with him on that aspect. If we don't, they'll think we've weakened after the war against Eisenschap- that our economy has plummeted with the defence budgets."
"A fair point." Luna replied after thinking about it. "Then I'll leave it all on you to arrange the banquet. We only have a month, but I know you can do it since Duke Lily has sent you alone. I'll inform my staff about it."
"Thank you. I won't let you down." Owen shook her hand, his grip firm and brief.
"You're forgetting me. I also came to help." Sebastian frowned.
Luna gave a tight smile, "Your Highness, I don't want to have rumours of any sort of relationship between us. Your involvement would only fuel such gossip amongst the nobles." She stood up from her chair placing her napkin on the table.
"And he wouldn't?" He arched an eyebrow.
"Absolutely not."
"It's because I have recently become a member of the Lily." Owen adjusted his coat as he stood up. "I'm here to show off my skills to the nobles and, in the long run, showcase the strong relationship between the two duchies."
Sebastian sulked as he got up from his seat, "I understand. But do promise me a dance at your debutante."
"It's a promise." Luna smiled before leaving. Sebastian followed suit.
Owen stood in the garden for a while after the maids had cleared the table. "Clingy, annoying, and predictable. At least learn some manners before trying to court a lady." He muttered to himself.