I made my way swiftly to my room in the strangely still royal hallways. A harsh reminder of the life I was leaving behind was the faint reverberation of the banquet's music and laughter. The realisation of what I was doing hit me suddenly, causing my hands to shake as I unlocked my room's door.
“Damn it! I wished I never trusted him!”
I reached for a suitcase and started tossing in my clothing while tears ran down my cheeks. I made an effort to concentrate, but my thoughts kept returning to the sight I had seen upstairs—the intense kiss, the confessions. I couldn't express how much it hurt.
I feel so betrayed...
I had secretly begun to think that Jacques had promised me this life. Deep down, I wish it was true. A life in which I was his Luna, valued and revered.
However, it was all a big fucking lie!
Why does it hurt so much?
I hesitated, holding one of the clothes that Jacques had given me. It was exquisitely designed for tonight's meal and was composed of the finest silk. I had proudly worn it, thinking it represented my position besides him. It felt like a nasty joke now.
After packing my luggage, I took a seat at the little writing desk in the room's corner. The words first resisted coming as my fingertips lingered over the page. What could I say?
After a long moment, I began to write.
Dearest Jacques,
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Being here has been an experience I will never forget. I hope I was enough as your Luna, even if only for a short time. I wish you happiness and peace in the life you choose.
Goodbye.
Your Luna,
Cestia
I didn’t tell him I knew. I didn’t accuse him of betrayal. That would have given him the power to explain, to twist the truth, to try and make me stay. I couldn’t bear to hear his voice again, not after what I’d seen.
Folding the note carefully, I placed it on the bed where he would see it.
Taking a deep breath, I wiped my tears and stepped out of the room. My next destination was the potion room. It was a place I had stumbled upon weeks ago while wandering the palace, filled with strange elixirs and vials glowing with unnatural light. I wasn’t sure if what I needed would be there, but it was my only hope of leaving undetected.
The room was tucked away in one of the older wings of the palace, its door creaking softly as I pushed it open.