Lily turned to face him, 'Elaine said this was commissioned for the royal visit. You don't like it?'

"You always look beautiful. It doesn't matter to me what you wear," Zayn's brows furrowed as he took a closer look at the ill-fitting dress that clung awkwardly to her body, "What's important is, do you like it?"

She hesitated before shaking her head.

"Then why wear it?" His voice was gentle, not accusatory. He stepped closer, adjusting a strap that had slipped off her shoulder. "You're a Luna now. If you don't like something, you should say so."

'I didn't want to cause trouble,' Lily signed as she pursed her lips.

Zayn's eyes softened. "Lily, advocating for yourself isn't causing trouble." He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin. "If you don't like what you wear, you should voice it out."

Lily pursed her lips, her hands moving slowly as she replied, 'I don't know how to do that.'

"It's never too late to try," Zayn said. He tilted her chin up, making her look into his eyes. "And you'll have me for support. Always."

The intensity in his gaze made her heart flutter. Lily nodded, feeling a new resolve build within her.

'I'll go find Elaine and tell her now,' She signed with determination.

Zayn nodded approvingly, not before he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Would you like me to go with you?" He asked.

Lily shook her head, 'No need, I can handle it myself.'

Lily left the room shortly after. She needed proper clothes, ones that actually fit her frame. But as she turned onto an empty hallway, hushed voices caught her attention.

"I can't believe she just accepted those clothes without complaint," a voice whispered. It was Victoria, her voice dripped with disdain. "They look ridiculous on her."

"Yes," Elaine replied in a hushed voice, "She just took them from me without a word. I knew she was mute, but she couldn't even stand up for herself. Blindly accepted the reason I gave. Is she soft in the brain, too?"

Lily froze. The words stung, but she did not back away.

"Zayn deserves better than some mute charity case," Victoria continued. "Someone who can actually stand beside him as an equal. Someone like me."

Lily's fists clenched at her sides. She wanted to confront them both. Zayn's earlier advice echoed in her mind. She had to learn how to stand up for herself. But something held her back. Her instincts told her this wasn't the right time or place.

She backed away quietly, her mind racing. She couldn't keep wearing these ill-fitting clothes, but she wouldn't give Victoria the satisfaction of seeing her upset either. She needed another solution.

As Lily wandered down a different hallway, trying to formulate a plan, she collided with someone turning the corner.

"Oh my," a regal voice said. "Look where you're going, dear."

Lily looked up to find Princess Tilda staring down at her with curiosity. The elder princess was dressed impeccably as always, her silver hair swept into an elegant updo.

"Luna Lily?" Tilda asked, her sharp eyes taking in Lily's appearance. "Are you settling in well?"

Lily nodded, her hands moving to sign a polite greeting.

Tilda gestured to a servant beside her who whispered a translation in her ear.

The princess's eyes swept over Lily's ill-fitting dress. "My, your servants must be rather incompetent. That dress looks horrible on you."

Lily's hands moved quickly to explain the situation.

The servant whispered to Tilda again, who nodded in understanding. "I see." She gave Lily an appraising look. "You should look into restoring your voice, you know. You'd be of more use to Zayn that way."

Lily nodded, signing that there was someone back at their pack who was helping her.

"Good," Tilda said with approval. "Follow me, I have something to show you."

Curious, Lily followed the princess and her servant. After going down some hallways, they reached a room with an ornate door. The servant opened the door for them, revealing an organized dressing room.

Inside it were rows and rows of wardrobes and shelves lining the walls. Each was filled with garments more intricate and beautiful than the last.

"These," Tilda said, pointing to a section of the room, "should suit you. They're clothes I've acquired over the years but never found occasion to wear."

She pulled out a deep blue dress that looked close to Lily's size. "Try this one."

Lily accepted it with wide eyes, signing her thanks.

"Don't thank me yet," Tilda said with a slight smile. "This isn't free, you know."

Lily tilted her head questioningly.

'I don't have much to offer, your Highness.'

"You know your worth," Tilda sighed before continuing, "My request is simple. You'll owe me a favor. A favor I can call at any time."

Lily's hands moved quickly. 'What could I possibly do for you?'

Tilda laughed, the sound light and airy. "My dear, I don't make deals with useless allies. For now, just focus on being Zayn's Luna. That's all I ask."

The princess handed Lily a small pendant on a delicate chain. "This will grant you access to this room whenever you need it. Consider it yours during your stay."

With trembling fingers, Lily accepted the pendant, bowing deeply to show her gratitude.

"I'll leave you to explore and choose, don't embarrass me, Luna Lily," Tilda said, waving her hand dismissively, "I need my rest, I'm not getting any younger."

After the princess left, Lily looked through the wardrobes a little more. She picked out a few more suitable outfits before returning to her room with Zayn. When she returned, Zayn was lounging on the bed, a book in hand.

"Lily," he breathed, setting the book aside. "You look beautiful."

She smiled shyly, twirling once to show off the dress.

"Perfect," he said, rising to his feet. "It suits you perfectly." He took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Come, I have something to show you."

He guided her onto the balcony, where a small table had been set with an array of delicious-looking foods. Candles flickered in the gentle evening breeze, and the view of the royal gardens stretched out below them, bathed in moonlight.

"I had the kitchen prepare some local specialties," Zayn explained, pulling out a chair for her. "I thought you might like to try them."

Lily's heart swelled with emotion as she sat down. She couldn't remember the last time someone had done something so thoughtful for her.

'Thank you,' she signed, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

Zayn smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes and softened the hard edges of his face. "You're welcome."

As they ate together, sharing bites of food and quiet conversations, Lily felt her heart filled with warmth. When Zayn reached across the table to brush a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingered. She felt the warmth of his touch against her skin.

If only things would stay like this.