The courtyard was quiet now. The storm had passed, leaving puddles that reflected the pale moonlight. Lunar brushed a strand of wet silver-white hair from her face, eyes scanning the grand palace halls. She had made up her mind: she wanted to see the human world.
Her heart raced. The Northern Land had rules, duties, and expectations. But the human world… it was full of adventure, freedom, and possibilities she had only read about.
Lunar (thinking, softly):"I can't stay cooped up here forever… I have to see it for myself. I just need an excuse to leave without causing trouble."
She wiped her hands on her damp cloak and took a deep breath. Her gaze flicked toward the corridor where Roy stood, silent and imposing. Cold as ice, he hadn't moved since the rain stopped, yet his presence made her pulse quicken.
Lunar (thinking, determined):"I have to be careful… he can't suspect anything."
She glanced around and noticed a group of palace servants hurrying past with lanterns, cleaning up after the storm. An idea formed in her mind.
Lunar (softly, to herself):"Ah… yes. I'll say I'm delivering thanks to the human workers. That should give me a chance to leave the palace… just for a while."
Slipping quietly down the hallway, Lunar kept her steps light, careful not to make noise. She imagined the bustling streets of the human city, the sights, the sounds, the smells — all so different from the Northern Land. Her excitement made her forget, for a moment, the tension she had felt with Roy.
Lunar (thinking, mischievous):"A little walk in the human world won't hurt anyone… and maybe… I can learn something new."
But as she reached the side door that led out toward the city, she froze. A shadow blocked the entrance.
Roy (cold, sharp, stepping from the shadows):"Where do you think you're going?"
Lunar's pulse jumped. She hadn't expected him to notice. She straightened, trying to appear calm and innocent, though her hands trembled slightly.
Lunar (softly, carefully):"I… I was going to thank the palace workers. Just a short walk outside… nothing more."
Roy's icy eyes scanned her face, reading her like a book. He didn't smile. He didn't move closer. But that sharp, fire-and-ice gaze made her heart race.
Roy (coldly, clipped):"A short walk, hm? In the rain-soaked city… and alone?"
Lunar (thinking, quietly, frustrated):"Why does he have to make this so complicated?!"