The night of the moon ritual had arrived, drawing everyone to the grand ritual hall of the castle. I made my way inside, joining a room already filled with people who were dancing and celebrating beneath the radiant glow of the full moon streaming through the large windows. Snow-white draperies adorned the walls, giving the hall an elegant touch. The sweet scent of flowers, that reminded me of winter, filled the air, creating a delightful atmosphere. Candles flickered all around, casting a soft and slightly eerie glow. Even the central table, covered in white cloth, was adorned with flickering candles.
My eyes scanned the room, and I spotted the emperor seated on his throne at the altar, with his surviving two wives by his sides. I found a seat among a group of women, who were also patiently waiting for the rituals to begin. I looked around, searching for Regan, but he was nowhere to be seen among the men or the other princes. Where could he be?
After some time, I saw him entering the hall. He has this commanding presence, a strong aura that makes people tremble in his vicinity. I noticed how everyone's gaze shifted towards him, only to quickly avert as if realizing his identity. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as I observed many women in the room giggling and blushing, their eyes sparkling as they looked at him.
Regan stood still near the entrance, surveying the room as if he owned it. Finally, he took a seat that set him apart from everyone else. There was something strange about him.
After some while of waiting, the high priestess came in. Her dark and alluring aura drawing all eyes upon her. She was dressed in flowing black robes that seemed to dance with shadows, a long veil that concealed her alluring appearance.
As she made her way towards the large table in the middle, her movements were deliberate and graceful, swaying the athame she was holding, as if she held a connection to something beyond the ordinary world.
When she reached the table, everyone stood up, even the emperor and his wives, their lips curving into an unusual smile. The priestess made a hand gesture, and everyone obediently sat back down. Suddenly, six shadows emerged behind the white curtains that covered the grand entrance, as they began to dance with swords in their hands. Then a seductive, siren-like voice resonated through the hall, creating a commotion as the priestess began to dance, swaying to the mesmerizing melody.
Everything felt strangely familiar, like a distant memory on the tip of my tongue. I strained to recall where I had witnessed this scene before, causing my head to throb. I clutched my head, I was beginning to feel light-headed as the haunting sound echoed relentlessly. What was happening to me? It felt as if my memories had been scrambled.
Concern casted on Lisa's face as she approached me from behind. "My lady, are you alright?" she asked, her worry evident.
I turned towards her, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Lisa," I reassured her, trying to hide my discomfort.
The rituals continued, and the enchanting sound ceased. The priestess directed her athame towards the full moon, uttering mysterious words in their ancient language. After chanting for a while, a powerful gust of wind rushed in through the open windows, extinguishing the candles on the table, causing my heart to skip a beat.
I shifted my gaze towards Regan, catching sight of him downing his wine. Why was it always me who had to keep an eye on him? I grumbled internally, rolling my eyes in frustration. Let him do as he pleases; he can go to hell for all I care.
****
Regan downed the wine in his glass, savoring its unusually delicious taste tonight. His eyes repeatedly darted towards Nora, stealing glances at her with every passing moment as if she were the sole focus of his attention in the room. The sight of her beautifully seated there stirred something deep within him, igniting a feeling that he couldn't quite explain.
He shifted his gaze to the table as he refilled his glass with more wine. Her thoughts had consumed his mind lately. There were so many things he needed to discuss with her, so much she deserved to know. But explaining himself was never his strong suit. He preferred silence, allowing others to believe what they wished. But with his wife, he couldn't keep her in the dark any longer. The question was, where should he begin?
Should he start by telling her that he erased her memories on their wedding night? Sharing that truth would surely be unforgivable. Or should he begin with the betrothal, or why he insisted on keeping his distance out of fear of hurting her? It would all seem like a ridiculous joke to her, and she would probably think he had lost his mind.
He gulped down the remaining wine. Everything was slipping out of his control, but he had to come clean and reveal the truth about himself. But what could he possibly say? How could he explain that he possessed extraordinary powers, which was the reason for his distance? The problem was, he didn't even know what he truly was.
This was one of those frustrating moments when he couldn't find answers to anything.
His thoughts were interrupted by the empty wine bottle on the table. Why did it have to be finished? He shook the bottle in frustration and clumsily dropped it back onto the table. Attempting to stand up, he stumbled backward into his chair. What was wrong with him? He had never been drunk before, even after consuming countless bottles in search of that drunkenness. So why was he feeling this way? Why couldn't he see clearly?
Managing to rise unsteadily, he made his way out of the room through a hidden door that led to the hallway. A silly smile crossed his face as he spotted a woman approaching him. She seemed like a heaven-sent blessing.
"Your highness, it seems like you're drunk. Let me assist you," she kindly offered, guiding him to a place he had no knowledge of.
****
The siren-like voice resonated once again, and the priestess, after performing the ritual, danced and swayed out of the room, leaving everyone happy and jubilant.
I wondered what the point of the moon ritual was that fascinated everyone. Does it really bring good fortune and favorable seasons, as everyone wishes?
I heaved a deep sigh and glanced over to where Regan was sitting. But to my surprise, he wasn't there. Where did he go? Did he leave with a woman? That particular thought stung like a bee, and I quickly stood up to search for him.
I rushed to our chamber, but he wasn't there. I opened the door to his personal room, but he still wasn't there.
Tired and frustrated, I sank onto the bed, feeling mentally drained and my mind devoid of any thoughts, except one…
Where could he have disappeared to?