CHAPTER 140: 140 - MORE MODEST

140

~Belinda’s POV

I could hardly keep still. My heart felt so light these days. In just a few days, I would finally be crowned Luna. The thought alone filled me with joy, pride, and a sense of victory I had longed for all my life. I told myself not to think of anything else, not Lisa. None of it mattered. What mattered was me, my crown, and the future that awaited.

That morning, I took a long bath, soaking in rosewater and herbs, letting the scent cover me like a veil of luxury. My maids brushed my hair until it shone, then dressed me in a flowing gown of soft velvet. When I was satisfied, I decided to see the triplets. They were in the lounge at this hour, drinking and laughing.

I pushed open the grand doors, walking in with my chin high.

Kael looked up first, his smirk lazy as he lifted his goblet. Rowan leaned back on the couch, his boots resting carelessly on the table, a bottle in his hand.

"Well, if it isn’t our soon-to-be Luna," Kael teased, his voice rough with wine.

Rowan chuckled. "Look at her, sitting like she already wears the crown."

I smiled sweetly and glided into the room, seating myself carefully on one of the cushioned chairs like a princess on her throne. "You should get used to it," I said softly. "Soon I will be your Luna, and I will give the commands alongside you."

I folded my hands in my lap and looked directly at them.

"I came because there are things to arrange," I said. "I want the best seamstresses, the finest in the land, to make my gowns for the ceremony. I will not wear anything less than perfection. My hair must also be done by the most skilled hands. I want beauty that cannot be questioned."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "So demanding already."

Rowan poured himself more wine. "And who do you suppose will fetch these miracle workers for you?"

I leaned forward slightly, my smile sharper now. "You will. Both of you. I want the best. And when I say the best, I mean the ones who can turn silk into water and jewels into stars. I want gowns that will outshine the heavens."

Kael scoffed but then called out sharply, "Matilda!"

She scurried in, bowing low.

"Yes, my lord?" she asked timidly.

Kael waved his goblet lazily. "You heard her. The soon-to-be Luna demands the best dressmakers and hair talents. Go. Find them. Bring samples, designs, whatever you must. If you fail..." His eyes narrowed, making Matilda tremble.

Rowan smirked. "She won’t dare fail. Will you?"

Matilda quickly shook her head. "No, my lord. I will bring the best."

"Good," I said softly, turning my gaze on her. "Tomorrow, I want them here. Not one, but many. I want to choose who deserves the honor of dressing me. I shouldn’t be telling you this, Matilda. As the head of maids, you should know these beforehand."

"Yes, my lady," Matilda said, bowing again before running off.

I leaned back, satisfied. "That will do."

The next morning, true to my order, three seamstresses were brought to the palace. Each of them carried bundles of fine cloth and sketches of gowns. I made sure to dress beautifully before meeting them, silk gown, golden pins in my hair, and a pearl necklace that shimmered in the light. I wanted them to see the woman they were about to serve.

Kael and Rowan sat lazily in the lounge again as the seamstresses were presented, but this time, I took full control.

"Bring them forward," I commanded.

Matilda ushered the first seamstress in. She was a thin woman with clever eyes, carrying a case of designs. She bowed deeply.

"My lady, I am called Maris. I have clothed the wives of the elders of the council. My work speaks for itself."

She laid out her sketches. Dresses with sweeping skirts, lace detailing, and pearls sewn into the hems.

"Tell me," I asked, lifting one sketch, "how long will it take you to make this?"

Maris bowed again. "If I begin tonight, in four days, my lady."

"Too long," I said coldly. "Next."

The second seamstress stepped forward, a plump woman with rosy cheeks and nimble fingers. "My lady, I am Annora. I have dressed brides for both Alphas and Lunas. I can finish two gowns in three days. My stitching is flawless."

She opened her box to reveal samples of cloth, silk, velvet, and satin.

I touched the fabric, testing its softness. "Better," I murmured. "But I want more than speed. I want brilliance."

Finally, the third stepped forward. She was older, her hair streaked with silver, but her presence was calm and commanding. "I am Seraphine. I have made gowns for Lunas. I do not boast, for my work needs no words."

She unfolded a gown she had brought as a sample, a dress of pale blue silk, embroidered with silver thread that glimmered like starlight.

My breath caught. Even Kael leaned forward, his smirk fading for once. Rowan whistled softly.

"That," I whispered, touching the gown with awe. "That is the work of a Luna."

Seraphine bowed slightly. "It will be my honor to clothe you, my lady."

I straightened, my smile spreading. "Then it is decided. You will make my gown. You will design it with all the power and grace fitting for the Luna of this land."

The other two seamstresses bowed and were dismissed, though I could feel their disappointment. I didn’t care. Only the best would do.

I ordered one of the maids to get my mirror, and she was back in a jiffy. The maid held it while standing in front of the tall mirror, watching Seraphine’s hands move with such care as she stretched her measuring tape across my shoulders. The soft brush of the fabric against my skin made me shiver slightly, not from cold but from the weight of what this moment meant. I could hardly breathe from the happiness that in just a few days, I would be crowned the Luna. The title would finally be mine, me, Belinda.

"Lift your chin, my lady," Seraphine said gently, her voice calm, steady.

I obeyed, tilting my head up, almost proud. I smiled at my reflection.

"Do you want the neckline to sit low, or do you prefer something more modest?" Seraphine asked, carefully wrapping the measuring tape around my waist.

"Low," I answered quickly. "But not too much. Just enough for everyone to know that I am not to be overlooked. I want the room to stop when I enter. Do you understand?"

Seraphine glanced at me, then gave a small nod. "Yes, my lady. I understand."