PART 1: THE SUN AND THE MOON

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It was a summer afternoon. The rays were beaming down on the golden sunflower fields, illuminating the large stalks as if they were glowing. Fields of other crops such as wheat and tea leaves were being tended to by water wagons led by horses as men guided them.

Farmers, in large brim hats and covered in a sheen layer of sweat, harvested coffee cherries from the tree groves. Kids played in the small ponds that littered the territory while mother's and older siblings helped with food preparation for markets and running errands.

The Bellafonte territory was peaceful unlike the land further north and the climate was never cold.

Summer weather dominated all year long and only got a little cool during the 'winter' months, never getting below a temperature that required even a shawl.

It was a normal day.

Which contradicted the dreadful storm currently brewing in the nobleman's mansion.

✽✽✽

Vincente Blackwall, the personal attendant to the local baron, stood in the mansion's large study of illustrious redwood furniture, walls decorated in religious themed tapestries, wild ivy plants, and many books, magazines, and newspapers were neatly placed on the expanse bookshelf.

Behind the large study desk was a balcony large enough to hold a garden table and two chairs. Sitting in one of those chairs sat the very man he served.

The baron was a tall man, intimidating to most who did not know his personality, but when they found out who he was, he was the most honorable yet sensible man he has had the pleasure of serving.

And right now, his young master was sitting there with his face in his hands. A perfectly placed letter and envelope sat on a silver platter in front of him.

The wax seal, a dark blue moon emblem perfectly in tact sat staring at him.

The contents of the letter were simple. But the baron was showing confusion as he reread the lines for the third time.

He sighed. Vincente presented a tea pot and poured chrysanthemum tea into the white porcelian cup.

"Did you read the contents?" The baron asked and the attendant nodded once as he passed the cup to him.

"Yes."

"What do you make of it?" The question was firm, but serving this man for many years has made Vincente aware of his speech patterns. He was nervous. Rightly so too.

"The Duchess of Vaelmont wishes to court you."

The baron blinked.

"Why?"

The attendant paused.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Why does she wish to court me?"

"I... don't know, my lord." Vincente frowned.

"Neither do I."

The Duchess of Vaelmont.

Sister of the queen.

Leader of the royal knights.

A woman who is way above his station in many ways.

The same woman had sent him a letter with only two sentences:

'I wish to court you for your hand in marriage. Prepare yourself.'

"It sounds more like a threat than a proposal." The baron groaned, running his hands down his face. He looked to his attendant, almost pleading. "May I reject this?"

"It would be rather difficult."

"I figured so." The baron picked up the letter to stare at it again for the fourth time. The woman was so infamous that she did not even leave a signature.

Aurelian Bellafonte could only sigh once more. He was a mere country lord who only recently joined the social circles due to his parents over-protectiveness. His first trip to the capital had only occurred not even months ago.

And yet, the moon of the empire was trying to make him her husband. 

How did this happen?