Chapter 32

The next 24 hours were nothing short of hectic. After Lorenzo and I accepted the Lycan Luna’s invitation, the whole estate was sent out to begin preparations; and before I knew it, we were off to the Royal Palace to begin rehearsing for the Luna Dance.

“It’s tradition that the dancers stay at the Royal Palace for the duration of their rehearsals, so naturally we will stay together,” Lorenzo told me as we rode towards the palace. “I know it may be tough living in such close quarters with Cate…”

“Don’t worry about her. I’ve decided not to let her get to me and ruin this,” I replied resolutely, knowing that Lorenzo was dancing around the subject. He nodded with a pleased smile at my response, and I grinned back at him.

The Royal Palace was a short distance from the Black Moon estate, making it a much more enjoyable journey. We were instructed to arrive in the early afternoon before our first rehearsal that evening. I strangely didn’t feel nervous, just determined to make the right impression.

“Up ahead sir, we are here,” the driver said and I craned my neck to see the gates of the Royal Palace opening ahead of us. I had seen pictures of it on postcards, but nothing compared to the real thing — pillars of purple and gold topped by opulent domes that glittered in the sunlight, surrounded by fountains with water that looked almost crystalline. I hated to admit that it was more beautiful than the Black Moon estate, but in truth that wasn’t surprising.

We rolled up the long entryway, slowing to a stop at the bottom of a long marble staircase leading to the front door, where we were greeted by the royal guard. Lorenzo exited first, and then I followed, accepting his hand. I stared in awe at how massive the place was, my attention only being drawn away from the architecture by the presence of the queen herself.

“Welcome Mr. Sinclair and Ms. Wright of Black Moon, to the Royal Palace,” the Lycan Luna said with a gracious smile. “It is wonderful to see you again and to have you in our home.”

“Thank you for hosting us, your majesty,” Lorenzo said as he reached to kiss the Lycan Luna’s hand. I bowed as well, dipping my head in respect.

“It is truly an honor,” I said and she shook her head.

“No, the honor is all mine. I was thrilled to hear you’d accepted my invitation to be a Luna Dancer, Eleanor. Your performance at my banquet was truly inspiring, I can’t wait to see you at the festival,” the queen said in a tone that seemed genuine and not just customarily polite. It was nice to be truly recognized again. “Your betas may drive around back to deliver your luggage. Now please follow me, our other guests are waiting inside.”

Guests? I wondered silently, trying not to appear outwardly alarmed. I knew I would have to face Cate sooner or later, but who else would be waiting for us?

I came to my senses as we entered the main hall, and I was instantly reminded of the Royal Grand Theatre but the palace clearly had more historical decor. I tried not to look like a kid in a candy store; I was here on official business and couldn’t afford to act like a tourist.

As we rounded the corner, I could feel Lorenzo’s grip on my hand tighten at the scene in front of us. There stood Cate with her arm around none other than Cruz Sterling. I was shocked but couldn’t say I was entirely surprised. Cate knew that Cruz was Lorenzo’s rival, and having him around was the perfect way to get under Black Moon’s skin.

The Lycan Luna cleared her throat to announce our arrival and Cate and Cruz straightened.

“It is so wonderful to have all of you here in one place. I believe you’re all already acquainted with one another, so if you’ll follow me,” the queen said, blissfully unaware of the rise in tension. The four of us fell in line behind the Lycan Luna as she guided us to another room.

“Sterling, didn’t expect to see you here,” Lorenzo said, an edge to his voice. He was trying to bait Cruz into another round of their ongoing competition.

“Are you really surprised Sinclair? I always make sure to have the best dancer on my arm,” Cruz replied, giving me a condescending look. I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore Cate’s obviously fake giggle. Then the queen cleared her throat and I tried to keep my attention on her.

“As you all know, the premier event of the Luna Festival is the Luna Dance. It is the depiction of the

struggle we all face, between the light and dark sides within us, the new and full moons. Cate and Eleanor, I have chosen you as this year's performers based on your stunning choreography at my birthday banquet,” at that, the Lycan Luna smiled at each of us. “I admire each of your unique talents and look forward to seeing how you bring your own grace to this year's performance.”

“We, well, I won’t let you down your majesty,” Cate said in her usual high pitched voice.

“I’m sure you won’t Ms. Bellagamba,” the Lycan Luna replied, with, was that a hint of annoyance in her voice? We followed her into what appeared to be a library, filled with paintings of Luna Festivals passed. The four of us spread around the room, taking in the history of both the festival and the dance as the queen continued.

“The Luna Dance is one of the hardest ballets to perform, and so I have brought in our best choreographer to teach you the steps. She will be arriving shortly, but in the meantime I wish to discuss another matter,” the queen said and her tone changed to something darker and more serious. This grabbed all of our attention, and I met Lorenzo’s eyes in concern from where he stood a few feet away.

“It is fitting that you two dancers should have such prominent men as your companions, because another great tradition of the Luna Festival is choosing the next aid to the royal family,” the queen said knowingly. I watched as Lorenzo and Cruz both stepped towards the Lycan Luna.

“Lorenzo and Cruz, you are among those who the Lycan King has his eye on. I suggest the two of you be on your best behavior during your stay here, because, as I’m sure you know, the aid to the royal family is second only to the Lycan King.”

“You mean we are in the running to be an aid to the next heir?” Cruz asked, in a voice I’m sure he meant to sound noble, but his question was an obvious lack of attention to the queen's words.

“Yes. You may all consider spending some time here in this library during your stay, I think you will find the information valuable,” the Lycan Luna said with a glint in her eye. We all glanced at each other, wondering what the next few days would bring. A knock at the door meant one question would be answered.

The choreographer entered and I recognized her as Julia Longkowski, the most well-known ballet teacher in the city. She entered with the poise of a dancer, her aura almost as regal as the Lycan Luna’s.

“Your majesty, it is wonderful to see you again,” Longkowski said with a bow. “Ladies, it is lovely to meet you and a pleasure to work alongside you.” Both Cate and I approached her, our heads bowed in respect. I held my breath at what I knew would come next.

“There are two roles to play in the Luna Dance. The hero, the light, the full moon. Then there is the villain, the dark, the new moon. I have the honor of telling you now which dancer will take on which role.”