Rosemarie clicked her tongue as she tugged at the measuring tape, circling it around my waist. "Oh, would you look at this?" Her eyes lit up, looking at the measure and at me. "A figure like yours is a tailor's dream! Not too thin, not too broad, and those curves... Oh, Moon Goddess! You'll make even silk jealous," she said while her assistant was writing the measurements. She spread her hands as if something had made her feel delighted. "I swear, when you step into Lord Lucretius' birthday ball, half the women will cry, and the other half will faint!"

I scratched the back of my head, heat climbing my neck. "You exaggerate..." 

I couldn't believe that I was having a conversation with someone who was considered the most prominent seamstress in the capital. Only those respected nobles and royals could be able to set an appointment with her, given how she made the clothing so artistic according to her client's taste.

"Exaggerate? Ha! I am telling you the truth, darling. You've got the kind of frame that makes gowns behave. You know... like water over stone and how it falls fluidly." She winked, turning to her assistant's ledger as she nodded in approval. Then, she clasped her hands together and turned to face me. "I cannot believe I'm going to be one of the few people who know that Lord Lucretius is engaged!"

Her words caused my gaze to dart involuntarily toward the corner where Lucretius, along with some attendants Rosemarie had called a while ago, was inspecting a dark velvet tuxedo. Rosemarie said that she had finished his suit that he would wear to his birthday party. What he was just lacking was the suits for our engagement party and wedding.

I told myself to look away before anyone noticed my stare at him, but it was too late. 

As if sensing me, Lucretius' head turned. His eyes found mine across the parlor, locking onto me. It was the same gaze when he held the meeting in the assembly hall, and I could have sworn I felt my legs turning jelly right at that moment. The corner of his lips tugged into a mischief smirk that made my stomach flip.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I hastily averted my gaze to the floor, pretending to be fascinated with the seamstress's measuring tape. 

"You must have some kind of spell on him. His Lordship doesn't bring women here. Ever. The last time I measured someone in this shop under his name was..." She tapped her theatrically. "Oh, right...! Never!" she exclaimed.

"Never?" I parroted in disbelief.

That was deemed impossible! I heard his playboy reputation, and he had slept with different women. I could even assume that there were some female soldiers whom he managed to charm in bed. 

I wouldn't be surprised anymore. But hearing what he said that he never brought someone here? It was extremely unbelievable!

"Never," she repeated cheerfully, tugging the tape up to measure my bust. "Which means you are very special to him." She winked one more time.

"How about his mate?" I asked, curiosity ate me.

Rosemarie twitched her lips, caressing her chin. "For serving Lord Lucretius since he was a little, I had never heard of him having a mate. He has been a bachelor since he turned 18, and he never once minded it." She shrugged as if it were a trivial matter.

That earned me silence. He had never met his mate since he had his coming-of-age. Had he ever felt lonely for all these years? Could that be the reason he had chosen to be married now?

"Ahh," Rosemarie said, misinterpreting my reaction, "Fret not, darling. I have a feeling that even if he finds his mate now, he wouldn't turn his back on you." Her lips stretched into a sheepish smile.

My jaw dropped as I felt my cheeks burning from embarrassment. "I-I am not worried about it..." I replied defensively. 

I didn't feel jealous about it. In fact, I would be more concerned about being freed from the marriage if Lucretius had found his mate when we got married. 

It would still better if you ended up with your fated mate. Though mine was unfortunate, I wanted Lucretius to be with the person he loved. I would be willing to divorce him once he told me that he had finally found the person the Moon Goddess had fated him for.

Her smile widened. "Every woman in this capital stares when he walks into a room. The difference is..." She leaned closer, her voice dipping into an intrigued whisper. "...he only stares back at you."

My heart leaped out of my ribcage at her words, and as if my eyes had a mind of their own, they flickered upward again. Lucretius was still watching, and the smirk on his lips was gone now, enough to make me gulp.

Oh, shit... Why was he looking at me as if I had done something to displease him?

"Oh, my, how romantic!" I jumped to my feet when Rosemarie released a delighted laugh, unaware that he was just adding fuel to the fire.

And just when I thought I could hide behind her chatter, Lucretius murmured something to dismiss the attendants. Then, without breaking eye contact, he began walking toward me.

Suddenly, I wanted to run away from this place. I felt like I was courting my death.

Rosemarie didn't notice my panic and chattered, "My lord! You simply must see how perfect her proportions are. I swear! I've dressed duchesses and ladies of the court, but this one..." She paused and gestured her hand to me. "Moon Goddess Herself must have carved her figure."

Lucretius chuckled as he came to stand beside me, snaking his arm around my waist. "I am completely aware," he said meaningfully, lowering his head to plant a sensual kiss on my exposed shoulder, where I hadn't noticed the chemise had slightly slipped off.

His action brought shivers down my spine.

He didn't have to explain it. I was well aware of what he meant, and I could tell that my whole face was covered in bright red right now when Rosemarie's smile widened, understanding his words.

Rosemarie clasped her hands together, her face alight with excitement. "This is going to be exquisite. Wait here, my lady. I must fetch the fabrics I set aside for you." She turned briskly to her assistants. "Come, come, bring me the silks and brocades from the emerald collection. Quickly!"

With that, they bustled out of the room, along with a flurry of skirts and measuring tapes. I could even hear her voice still echoing down the hall about colors, embroidery, and gemstones.

Silence enveloped us, but I could hear his warm breath fanning my shoulder before I felt him position behind me.

"L-Lucretius..." I gulped when his arms wrapped around me, his chin resting on my shoulder he kissed earlier.

"Are you tired?" he asked softly, gone was the teasing tone he had a moment ago.

His question surprised me. I knew that it was a simple question, and any decent person could ask that, but my chest tightened because it felt good that someone was worrying about my welfare.

I swallowed hard, heaving out a sigh. "No..." I replied softly, almost a whisper.

It was true. The taking of measurements was a little tiring, but I had a good nap after the prior events that happened before we arrived here. The fun experience here was truly blissful.

His lips brushed dangerously close to my ear as he murmured, "Good."

I stiffened, my sensitive bud irked up out of nowhere. What was that supposed to mean? Was he planning to do something here?! 

Just by imagining that was enough to make my body tingle in excitement. I mindlessly castigated myself for thinking some carnal thoughts right at this moment.

Before I could find the courage to ask, footsteps and rustling skirts filled the room again. Rosemarie brought some bolts of shimmering fabric cradled in her arms, her assistant trailing behind her.

"Aha! Just look at this emerald silk under the light, my lady! It will make your grey eyes glow like moonlight!" she declared happily.

Lucretius slowly withdrew his arms. Disappointment was about to linger on me, yet his hand landed on my waist, as if he was reluctant to let me go.

I slowly exhaled a breath and responded. "That's a very lovely silk, Rosemarie!"

After picking some silks and fabrics for my other gowns, I was finally able to change back to my uniform. I was finally able to breathe from this tedious measuring.

"Measurements are complete," Rosemarie finally declared, clapping her hands. "Now, I shall prepare sketches for your gowns. You'll look divine, my lady. Positively divine."

When Lucretius returned to my side, his hand lightly brushed the small of my back, guiding me toward the door. That subtle touch set off sparks in my veins, but I forced myself to stay composed as Rosemarie and her attendants bid us farewell.

The moment we stepped outside, I was greeted by the cool air against my skin. I inhaled deeply, and just before we could take more than a few steps, a word broke out that halted my steps.

"Elixane..."

I froze. My head turned sharply toward the source, and it was the Temple of the Moon Goddess again. A shiver coursed through me, and I involuntarily clung to the hem of Lucretius' tunic.

"Lucretius..." I stopped him just as he began to assist me in stepping onto the carriage.

"Hmm?" He blinked, slightly tilting his head.

"I am going to the temple..." I said without looking at him, but my eyes were fixated on the temple. 

"Elixane..."

I heard it again. This time, I didn't wait for him to respond and crossed the street, responding to the calling of my name.

"Euphyllia? Euphyllia!"

As if it were a blur, I ignored Lucretius calling my name, my feet dragging me to the temple, eyeing up and down.

According to legend, the Moon Goddess Herself built this temple, creating a holy place for Her creations to gather in worship and devotion. Other main temples were also established in the kingdoms of Waevalon, Sowinski, and Estasia Eglaria, all guided by Her divine inspiration.

The magnificent structure rose proudly, its design embellished with detailed carvings and glistening marble. The entrance, flanked by towering pillars, bore the emblem of the moon and stars. Inside, the air was infused with the delicate fragrance of lavender flowers thoughtfully placed as decorations throughout the temple. Gentle sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, painting the marble floors in vibrant shades of blue and silver. The ambiance was peaceful and reverent, a holy sanctuary devoted to honoring the Moon Goddess.

As the Moon Goddess built Her sacred temples throughout every kingdom, She adorned them with Her favorite flower, lavender. These were no ordinary blossoms, as they carried a divine bond to the Temple of the Moon Goddess.

These special flowers couldn't thrive anywhere else, as their very essence was tied to this sacred spot. Any effort to steal or grow them beyond the temple would fail, as they simply wouldn't take root in any other soil.

They were found only in the Temple of the Moon Goddess, a reflection of the divine favor gracing this sanctified place. While other man-made temples could grow lavender gardens, they could only nurture ordinary types, unable to embody the mesmerizing essence of the Mother's chosen bloom.

Besides the Temple of the Moon Goddess, the royal palace was another remarkable place where the sacred lavender flowers flourished. This prestigious location enjoyed a special status, free from the restrictions that applied to other human-made structures.

Within the royal palace grounds, the lavender blossoms thrived, their soft petals filling the air with a heavenly scent. This special privilege, reserved for the royal lycan family, highlighted their deep connection to the Moon Goddess and Her blessings.

It symbolized their honored status and the sacred relationship they shared with the celestial realm.

Now standing before the temple, in front of the Moon Goddess's statue, divinely carved, She stood with Her wavy hair appearing to float, Her eyes veiled by a blindfold. Her hand stretched out, palm open, with a crescent moon gracefully resting upon it.

The more I looked at it, the more I felt like the voice came from it. Just as I opened my mouth to utter a word, Lucretius' voice pulled me back to the present.

"Euphyllia." Then, I felt his hand enfold my wrist and gently turn me around to gather my attention. "What's wrong?" he asked, looking worried. "I have been calling your name, but you still won't turn to me."

I fluttered my eyelids, releasing a deep breath. "I..." I tried to say something, but it felt like there was a huge lump stuck in my throat. Feeling useless, I lowered my gaze. "My... apologies." I didn't know what to say.

But there was one thing I could confirm at this moment. 

The name didn't feel foreign. It was more like home.

And for the first time, I realized the Moon Goddess wasn't calling for another. 

She was calling for me.

Elixane was me.