✴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴏɴ ᴀᴍᴜʟᴇᴛ️ ✴️

It was the day of the burial of their beloved king.

Sam putted all the large baskets of different kinds of fruits- he harvested- in his wooden cart.

Chara gently rubbed the horse neck, "Father, do you have to leave? Can't you take a break at your work just this day? Besides, its King Cornelius' burial. Don't you think it's a little disrespectful?"

"Chara, whatever unexpected event happened, we still need to earn money for our daily needs." Sam said, and smiled at his daughter.

After he prepared the things he needed, he sat in the front of the wooden cart and took the reins of his horse.

He looked at Chara and said his farewell, "I'll be back in Sunday, or when the fruits will all be sold."

She watched him go and waved until he was to far away.

It was uneasy to see her father no rest for a month. Chara needs to help him, but how?

* * *
"Chara! I heard you were looking for a job right?" Sylvie came to her friend's house with newspaper in her hands.

Chara nodded. It was the only plan she could think to help her father, and also her mother. To earn more money, but Chara can't find a job alone, so she asked for Sylvie for help.

"Well then, I have suggestion for you. Here, read this." Sylvie showed her the papers she's holding.

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🇨 🇦 🇷 🇩 🇴 🇳 🇮 🇦 🇳
🇦 🇷 🇹 🇮 🇨 🇱 🇪

Loyal Maid of the Royal family of Cardonia had poison our dear king. She was immediately banished out of the kingdom as punishment.

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Queen Eloisa ordered to recruit new kitchen maids.

"To those willing to work in the castle of Cardonia as kitchen maid, shall come in Sunday, 10 in the morning sharp." the words of the queen.
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A perfect job! It would be a great and easy job for her. Besides, how hard could it be to cook for the royal family if she knows how to cook many dishes.

"Where did the maid go after her banishment?" Chara asked.

"They said she went to her relatives in the kingdom of Nydithia. The kingdom in the west sea." answered Sylvie.

"By the way, good luck convincing your mother at your idea." she added.

"Wait what?"

"Chara, I know you since forever, and I also know Ms. Amelia is a loving, caring, and a protective mother. She'll be worried sick if your far from home."

Sylvie was right. There's a chance her mother would disagree.

"But I won't easily give up." Chara said confidently. "See you soon, Sylvie."

Sylvie watched her friend opened the door of their house, and before Chara could enter she looked at Sylvie who mouthed, "Good luck." and she started to walk up the lane to her own house.

Chara walked inside, and saw Amelia on her rocking chair and knitting something.

"Mother, I have news, good news..., I think,"

"What is it dear?" her mother asked.

"The royal family of Cardonia are recruiting new kitchen maids, and I wanna sign up for the job. Can I mother?"

Amelia was shocked, she paused knitting, and looked at Chara.

"Why would you like to work? Chara?" she asked.

"I noticed father is so tired, but still he kept working for us. So, I want to help. Please mother, let me take this job." Chara begged.

Amelia clearly understand if Chara wants to help. But she can't help herself to be worried, her daughter will be miles away from her, far from the village. And if something will happen to her or if she's in danger, Amelia won't be there to protect her.

So no, she must not let her go, she must refuse.

"What's your decision, mother..., mother?"

Amelia didn't answer.

"Have you decided? Will you let me?" Chara tried again.

"Yes, I have." Amelia finally managed to speak.

Chara grin and waited for her mother to speak again.

"We will wait for your father to return, and he will decide if we'll let you take that job." Amelia added.

Chara's smile slowly vanished. "But mother, father will return in Sunday," she blurted out.

"What's the problem with that?" Amelia said, confused.

"They will start hiring in Sunday, 10 in the morning."

"But I have decided. You will wait for your father." said Amelia.

"But-"

"No more buts. Didn't you still have chores to do, it won't work itself if you won't do it."

Chara sighed, she had no choice but to follow. How bad can it be if she'll wait for two days.

But she began to worry again. If her father won't return on Sunday, she will lose her opportunity to help.

Also, she'll miss the chance of entering the castle, and who doesn't want to enter the majestic castle of their kingdom.

✴️ ✴️ ✴️

In a garden, inside the castle. The body of the deceased king was now buried near the grave of Queen Helen.

Dripping tears, Luna was on the pavilion in the garden. She gazed at the grave of her father and mother.

Ten years had passed, she never thought of visiting this place. Correction. She never wants to visit this place.

She believed, the past is past. Her dead mother will never be given a chance to live again, even with the use of magic, and surely she'll never come back to help Luna in her complicated life.

That's why she doesn't want to waste her time mourning in a grave.

Eloisa saw Luna alone, she went near the pavilion and sat beside her.

Luna noticed her aunt, but she didn't look up at her.

"When it is?" Luna asked in a low voice.

Eloisa looked confused, not understanding her. "I'm sorry, but what are you talking about dear?"

"I heard your planning to recruit new kitchen maids. When is it?" Luna asked again.

"Oh, so you knew. Sunday in the morning."

"Like you said the other day, news scattered so fast." Luna sighed.

"I'm glad Nisha was banished from our kingdom, I will never forgive her for killing my father." she added.

"Really Luna?" the duchess asked.

"Really! And if I ever saw her again here in Cardonia, I'll kill her." Luna said, gritting her teeth.

Silence took over them for a minute.

A sentry came near the pavilion and looked at the queen. "Your majesty, your guest have arrived."

"Wonderful!" Eloisa turned to Luna, and said, "Excuse me dear. But I really have to go."

* * *

A tan, fat, but muscular man, waited in a room for the queen. The door threw open, as Eloisa entered in, with a crook smile on her face.

"Edmon," she greeted, "It's been a long time since you left for treasure hunting." she chuckled.

Eloisa looked around the room, noticing there were no other people besides them.

"Have you found what I need?" she asked excitedly.

The man, Edmon, opened his satchel and searched for something inside.

The queen gasped in happiness when she saw the purple, sphere amulet, marked with the symbol of the crescent moon.

She gently took it from him and was amazed by it.

"Spent fifteen years to look for it. Now you can complete your plan, Your Majesty." he smirked nastily.

Eloisa smiled devilishly, while still looking at the amulet.

"Now your mission is complete, Edmon. You shall return to your former job." she said to him.

"So, your not mad at me anymore." he asked.

Eloisa stared at him, and frowned.

"Though, I'm still disappointed you have failed me fifteen years ago. Yes, you did kill Aileen, but you forgot to kill Luna!" she growled.

Edmon flinched. He gulped and avoided her look.

"But nevertheless. It doesn't matter, I learned to love Luna, she reminds me of my childhood. With or without her sister, she's still the second best in his father's eyes, just like me in my parents. Cornelius always got their attention more than me."

Eloisa begun to remember her days when she and her brother was still young. A tear dropped from her cheeks. When she noticed Edmon was now staring at her, she immediately wiped her tears away.

"So now your forgiven for your failure." Eloisa added.

"I am grateful and happy to serve you again, my wicked queen." said Edmon and bowed in front of her.