Chapter 2 How's Your Day, Dear?

• Cercei’s POV
• Seeing Maria endure such torment, with constant sneezing fits while struggling to hold onto the broom, I couldn’t bear it any longer. I offered her my handkerchief and quickly took over the sweeping duties to ease her burden.
• “Have you taken your anti-allergy pill?” I inquired, the broom gliding effortlessly through the fallen petals.
• She blew her nose into the handkerchief before responding, “I ran out this time.”
• “Your poor nose looks like it’s been stung by a bee,” I joked gently, attempting to lighten her spirits.
• “Shut up,” she playfully rolled her eyes, a chuckle escaping her lips.
• We both knew the teasing was a way to alleviate the strain, a shared language between us. She found a breather on a nearby bench, aiming to escape her allergic suffering momentarily.
• Meanwhile, I continued sweeping, the white roses scattered across the garden in abundance. It was no surprise, considering the MoonStone pack’s trademark was that of the white rose.
• “I honestly don’t understand why Vienna always feels the need to be so vicious,” Maria expressed with frustration evident in her voice, accompanied by sneezes.
• “Maria, please be careful with your words. There might be someone listening,” I cautioned her, aware of the lurking ears always ready to report any perceived offences.
• Apprehensive, I glanced around, my senses heightened with worry that someone might overhear the less-than-favourable words that escaped Maria’s lips.
• “Oh, come on. We all know it’s true,” she persisted, her voice laced with frustration.
• “Even so, Vienna wouldn’t react kindly to such words,” I cautioned her once again, fully aware of the consequences that awaited those who dared to speak ill of the Alpha’s daughter.
• “She can have my nose instead,” Maria retorted, pointing humorously at her swollen, red nose. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn’t help but chuckle at her remark.
• “You should return inside. Vienna would not be pleased to find you helping me here,” She suggested, concerned for my well-being. Then, she swiftly took hold of the broom, eager to continue her duties.
• “Are you sure you’re alright?” I asked, still concerned about her well-being.
• “Don’t worry, hun. At this point, I can practically feel the ‘abs’ forming on my nose,” she reassured me, attempting to lighten the mood.
• “Alright, just be sure to cover your nose while you sweep and take your anti-allergy pill,” I advised, my charming attitude taking over.
• “Yes, Mommy,” she quipped, playfully teasing me.
• I shook my head, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
• Leaving Maria to her task, I made my way back to the mansion, only to find yet another mess that Vienna had ‘accidentally’ created once again.
• Despite the weariness that consumed my body, I forced a smile whenever Vienna issued her orders. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her. After all, her mother, the Moonstone Luna, had tragically passed away during childbirth.
• In the wake of that devastating loss, her father had gone to great lengths to fill the void, perhaps even going overboard. As a result, Vienna had grown up entitled and spoiled, unable to comprehend or consider the emotions of others.
• Having endured a day of torment, I finally collapsed onto my humble bed.
• “You should freshen up, my dear,” My Mom told me.
• I instinctively shifted my gaze to the portion of the room designated for us.
• The three of us shared this modest space in the maid’s quarters, a room barren save for the two beds and a tiny window. I often found relief through that window, gazing at the night sky and marvelling at its sheer beauty.
• “Where’s papà?” I inquired, my mother meticulously tending to their bed.
• “He’s still at the library with Monsieur Remus,” she replied, referring to the Alpha.
• My arms ached from the extensive scrubbing I had undertaken throughout the day. Vienna’s ‘accidental’ spills of paint had occurred not once but thrice. Despite my exhaustion, I summoned the strength to rise from my bed and prepared to take a bath.
• My eyelids drooped heavily as I absentmindedly brushed my hair.
• “Here,” Mamà gently took the brush from my weary hand, her touch soothing as she ran it through my hair.
• “How was your day, dear?” my mother asked in a soft, caring tone.
• “Ask Vienna,” I replied with a yawn, prompting a chuckle from my mother.
• “I’m sorry you have to deal with her,” she sympathised, her voice tinged with sadness.
• “It’s okay, Mamà. I’m used to it,” I reassured her. As my mother turned to face me, I couldn’t help but notice the wistful smile gracing her lips.
• “You know, the Moon Ball is coming up. House Crescent has been chosen as this year’s host,” she revealed.
• My eyes widened at her words. “A ball?”
• I had only ever seen extravagant ball banquets on television or read about them in books. The mere thought of attending such an event filled me with excitement.
• “All the North and West packs will gather together, singing, dancing, and searching for mates,” my mother explained, her finger playfully touching my nose as she mentioned the last word.
• While I knew that my role would likely be limited to serving during the night, the prospect of being present at a grand ball, observing the elegant dances and enchanting atmosphere, was enough to fill my heart with joy.
• “When will it be, Mamà?” I eagerly inquired.
• “The next full moon,” she replied, causing my eyes to sparkle with anticipation.
• “It’s the same night as my birthday!” I exclaimed with excitement. Mamà chuckled in response.
• That night, I fell asleep with a smile on my face. A ball, a magical event that I had only dreamed of attending, was about to happen soon. I couldn’t believe my luck. People say birthdays should be special, and this year’s celebration was shaping up to be the most extraordinary one of my life, or so I thought.
• As dreams of elegant dances and radiant gowns filled my slumber, I couldn’t help but imagine the grandeur waiting for me. The high lords and the Alpha himself would surely grace the occasion, and I was filled with endless curiosity about their appearance and demeanour.
• With countless questions swirling in my mind, I eagerly anticipated the answers that would soon suffice. Little did I know the twists and turns that lay ahead, but for now, the anticipation painted a picture of a birthday that would surpass all my expectations.