The Hidden Luna Queen 2
Chapter 47

Maeve POV

As if she read my mind, Princess Charlotte approached me, twiddling with her fingers. "I was hoping we could sit together for a while... I had something I wanted to talk to you about," she revealed. "Is that alright?" I blinked, admittedly feeling a bit dumbfounded. The last time I saw her, we seemed to leave things on a good note. What could she possibly have to say to me?

Xaden glanced between us, seeming to take my befuddled silence instead for exhaustion. "Ah, Charlotte," he interjected with a polite smile, Maeve has spent much of the morning at the palace training and bonding with Mother. I'm concerned she might be too fatigued for additional company this afternoon."

Internally, I began to panic. Although I appreciated his intervention on my behalf, I didn't want her to think me rude for dismissing her after coming all this way to visit! After going out of her way to lend me that beautiful dress and help me with Isabelle yesterday, the least I could do was see what she needed today.

Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh," she exclaimed, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry. If you're too tired, I can come back another time.

"N-No!" I hurriedly cut her off. "I'd be happy to sit with you."

Instantly, the light in her face returned and she happily swayed in place, her skirt flowing around her with grace. I couldn't help but think her adorable at that moment, as a sweet rush of affection overcame me.

After realizing I was serious about this, Xaden was courteous enough to lead us to the reading room, which had a lovely view of the garden out back and was private enough for us to be able to speak without reserve. Although... I supposed that depended on what Charlotte wanted from me.

Once Xaden left us alone, I waited patiently for her to say what she needed to say.

Instead of initiating conversation, however, she simply sat in her chair with her hands folded neatly in her lap. Whenever I met her gaze, a small smile spread across her face, as if she either was not sure what to do next, or she was content to just sit together in silence. I pressed my lips together, unsure what to do.

Was she waiting for me to say something?

And then, I remembered that I'd just had my first etiquette lesson that morning! I wanted to smack myself. I was supposed to be a gracious and courteous hostess... she was a guest in my home, after all.

My mind ran through what Luna Queen Leonora taught me that morning. "May I... ask the servants to fetch you something to drink or eat?"

Charlotte shook her head. "That won't be necessary."

"O-Oh, I still have your dress," I splurted out, breaking the awkward silence, preparing to jump out of my seat to fetch it for her if she so demanded. "It's been carefully and thoroughly washed and dried, so there's no-"

"Thank you, Maeve, but I'm not here for the dress," she interjected kindly, making me settle back down into my chair. "You may keep it if you wish. Think of it as my gift to welcome you into the family."

She wanted me to keep that beautiful thing? "I couldn't possibly-"

"I insist."

I pressed my lips together, but I couldn't deny the euphoria that fluttered inside me at receiving such a nice gift. "Thank you.."

"Do

you like the color?" Charlotte asked, her eyes glimmering brightly.

I actually hadn't put much thought into it. Color was still a very foreign concept to me and I had yet to see and try on everything that was available. “I think it's lovely," I ultimately answered. "Subtle, but impactful." "I quite agree! Though, I must admit purple is probably my favorite color. What do you think about the texture of the fabrics?"

Somehow, we fell down a deep rabbit hole of different topics that Charlotte was eager to explore together. She wanted to get my opinions on anything and everything, but the wide array of questions she was asking me made my head spin. People had never asked me for my opinions on anything before, so I admittedly had very little to offer as far as conversation.

However, I found the conversation surprisingly refreshing. I got to think for myself for once and ponder about things I once considered luxuries.

But... hadn't she come to me to talk about something important?

"Is something wrong, Maeve?" she asked, having noticed my mind was elsewhere.

"It's just... you came all this way and I distracted you with talk of colors," I said, feeling like I wasted her time because I brought up her dress.

Charlotte averted her eyes, fiddling with her fingers. "Well... to be honest, I didn't just come here to chat."

I figured as much. "Okay..." I said slowly, prompting her to continue.

"I came here to ask you for a favor," she admitted cautiously with a shy smile, only serving to increase the unease in the pit of my stomach. " Something that would mean the world to me if you would agree to do so."