The Luna’s Pure Heart – Chapter 41

(Eleanor pov)

It had been four days since meeting Titus. Damion has avoided me at all costs and I’m pretty much fed up..yet again. It’s like an endless cycle..he pushes me away, I get pulled back in, then he pushes me away..yet again. Surprisingly though, my security has gone up since that day and it feels like my every move has been watched. Not only do I have Pierce following me but two more guards now trail behind us and occasionally Jake will come by and check on me.

To keep my mind off of Damion, I have been helping Jane out in the kitchen because I feel practically useless around here. I haven’t found it in me to reach out to Helen yet because I know when I do, I won’t be able to hide who my mate is..and I don’t want to tell them until I know what’s going on with me and Damion for sure. I feel bad for not reaching out, but just knowing they are safe and living freely is more than enough for me to be happy for them.

It was mid-morning now and I slipped on a yellow sun dress with frilly sleeves and headed downstairs to help Jane meal prep for lunch. It’s always a struggle to get her to let me help, she says the future queen should be giving the orders, not taking them, but I honestly don’t mind..it relaxes me.

Lately, Piper has been following me around again. She insisted on helping with my morning routine and even brought over a new wardrobe. I didn’t mind but some of the outfits are..questionable. They seem like something Stacy would wear..which is definitely not my style. But I accepted the gesture and tucked them away, in the back of the closet. She brings up my breakfast every morning and hovers around until I feign wanting to take a nap or read a book. I just don’t get good vibes from her..she is always watching as well…

I tried to go down for breakfast one day but she insisted the King likes limited company, which after his avoidance I could see that being true, so I have been staying upstairs for the most part. I guess I am partly relieved because honestly, I just don’t know how I can face him after everything that happened. So I sneak downstairs after a few hours and tend to hide myself away in the kitchen with Jane and the other kitchen staff.

I walked into the kitchen with Pierce and my other two guards, Matteo and Patrick, close behind.

“Good morning Jane, what’s on the agenda today?” I asked cheerfully.

To be honest, I felt most comfortable in the kitchen with Jane and the other servers. The newest girl that arrived, her name is Dani, she is twenty years old and has gorgeous caramel skin with curly black hair. Her eyes are a beautiful brown and she is just so outgoing and fun to be around.

“Oh don’t even ask, there is so much to do today, we are preparing for the elder’s arrival in two days and I guess a shipment from the market didn’t make it so I have to run into town to grab it.” Jane sputtered out, anxiety filling her voice as she paced around the kitchen, completely overwhelmed.

“The elders? Do they come to the castle often?” I wondered why they were coming. Maybe it was a mandatory meeting or something.

“Never..well except the king’s uncle, but he never stays long.” Jane said, a look of distaste on her face. She must not like Elder Paul either.

I looked around, watching as Dani walked in carrying the dirty dishes from breakfast with a few other servers helping her.

“Well, I can go to the market for you if you like. I have been wanting to visit the city.” I offered cheerfully. Jane glanced up at me, surprised by my suggestion when she looked back at Pierce.

“I’m not sure that is a good idea.” She said warily and I waved my hand dismissively, like it was no big deal.

“Oh it’s fine, I need to get out of here anyway. Dani can come with me too..if that’s okay.” I added for good measure, knowing Pierce was probably relaying everything to whoever decided what I was able to do. I’m not sure who decides that anymore. I thought it was Damion at one point but he seems to not really care…at least that’s the impression he is giving.

Dani perked up at my offer, her smile widening as Jane let out a long sigh.

“Pierce, is that okay?” She asked, glancing behind me as Pierce nodded his head tightly.

I couldn’t help the shriek of excitement that left me as Dani ran over, grabbing my hands as we began jumping up and down excitedly. This was the first time I would ever go out into a city like this, not since I was a child. Even though it is Night Shade and doesn’t seem to have the best reputation, I’m sure it’s not so bad.

Jane shook her head, smiling as she pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket.

“Okay you two, here is the list. You better behave, Dani..remember who you are traveling with. Don’t get our future Queen into any trouble.” Jane said while narrowing her eyes at Dani.

“Oh, of course not, never.” Dani said quickly, trying to hide her giggles. Why did it feel like we were young schoolgirls?

Jane walked over towards Pierce as she patted him on the shoulder.

“You have your hands full with these two..sorry.” She laughed, walking back to the pantry as she continued to take inventory.

Dani looped her arm in mine, pulling me close to her side as we began walking to the front of the castle. Suddenly the scent of my mate wafted toward me. I turned my head sideways, trying to see if he was around, and saw nothing. Maybe I’m just going crazy..I feel like I have been smelling him everywhere I go..I guess that’s normal since he walks through the castle..but it’s almost like I can sense his presence even when he isn’t there.

“Let’s have a little fun. We can grab some lunch too while we are there.” She whispered into my ear, smiling like a fool as I nodded my head excitedly.

“Sounds perfect.” I beamed, feeling excited for the first time in a while. This is just what I need, some time away from this castle and a chance to breathe without that man’s scent following me around everywhere..

Now that the elders are coming in a few days, I need to do it before then. I can’t let my uncle interfere in this..who knows what kind of things he might tell her. I need to talk to her before that.

I lifted my hands up, running my fingers through my hair with frustration as the door swung open, making me freeze in place..shit.

“Are you seriously still avoiding her?” Lance sighed, exposing me completely.

I stood up straighter, clearing my throat as I grabbed the first thing I could off of the shelf..which just so happened to be a bottle of hand soap.

“No, I just needed this. I ran out..” I barked, pushing past Lance as I mentally kicked myself. What the hell was wrong with me?

“Damion, why don’t you just ask Elle out, show her you are actually interested..” Lance suggested, making me stop in place as I gripped the soap bottle tightly.

“Ask her out? What do you mean? Like a…date?” I practically choked on the last word..ask her out on a date?! I couldn’t even handle being in the same room as her right now, let alone sit across a table from her…and besides..I have never even been on a date before. The idea of that uncharted territory scares the hell out of me..as lame as it is to admit.

Lance placed his arm around my shoulder, causing me to shrug it off instantly and glare at him.

“Yeah, just say you want to have dinner with her and talk about shit..you are obviously avoiding her for a reason..” he glanced at me sideways as I continued walking..He has known me long enough to sense something and I wanted this conversation to be over with immediately.

Just ahead was Lucas waiting by my office doors as I quickly handed him the bottle of soap and walked towards my newly replaced desk. This wouldn’t be the first time I had to remodel my office because of one of Titus’s episodes.

Lucas looked down at the soap with confusion as he carried it with him and sat down. Lance seemed to link him something because I soon realized Lucas was trying to hold in a laugh. I let out a frustrated g***n and I placed my head in my hands.

Something was seriously wrong with me..why did the mere idea of sitting with Eleanor one on one shake me to my core.

‘Because you are falling for mate, admit it.’

Titus gloated, making me annoyed as I tried to shut him out.

“Listen, leave it all up to me. I know exactly what you should do…I will get it all set up and after she gets back from the city you can ask her on the date.” Lance said like it was nothing and my head shot up.

“Wait, she already left for the city?!” I snapped, I thought Pierce would tell me when they were going to leave..f**k..I can’t let her go there by herself…I was going to follow her and keep my eye on her. I know..that’s the level I’m on right now…I feel pathetic enough as it is…

I quickly stood up and raced out of the office.

‘Jake, have a car ready for me to leave immediately.’

I linked quickly, avoiding the smirking betas behind me as I felt their eyes burning into my back..I will deal with them later, right now I had to go find Eleanor.