RAYLEIGH’S POV

The looks of shock on the lower nobles’ faces when he’d walked in with Griffin and Ariana had been priceless.

Imperials usually arrived last, but the trio had decided to show up earlier than most nobles as a gesture of support for Rayleigh’s bride-to-be. Uncle had wanted to come early as well, but the Ferdinands had arrived in the capital just after noon and needed to provide him with an update on Quan, which meant the Emperor would probably only arrive around seven.

“This is delicious.” Ariana had been trying not to eat too much of the caviar and smoked salmon canapés, but the capers, hints of lemon juice, and truffle and chili flakes had overwhelmed her self restraint.

As expected of the Snowfalls, they’re quick to bring the Crown Princess more plates filled with the small bites, as well as a fresh glass of herbal tea as she opts to explore the buffet tables, seeking out sour and spicy snacks.

Pregnancy cravings.

Griffin is keeping an eye on his wife while chatting with Rayleigh, before they feel the familiar pressure and stand at attention, bowing when the Count is near enough.

“Good evening, teacher.” They’d synchronized greetings as children.

“Boys! How sweet of you to arrive early! Come, come, you two need to eat more - I see the Snowfalls have prepared the snacks you both love.”

Teacher is always so caring, even after everything I’ve done.

Guided over to the tables with those gentle hands on their backs, Rayleigh smiles as the Winter Count immediately tries to serve them food - we’re not children on a field trip anymore, teacher - then lower nobles begin to approach, now that the Count can act as a bridge between them and the imperial family.

Interesting.

Hawksworth arrives promptly at six, the Moravias and Eszeses right behind the flirtatious noble.

I’d expected that playboy to be earlier than most, but for Ariana’s family to come so early, as well as the Eszeses...

The Crown Princess’ evident surprise at seeing her parents and younger brothers tells Rayleigh she hadn’t mentioned the plan to her family, which means Marquess Moravia had decided to show support for Asha on his own.

When the Marlowes and Fencetons enter at ten past six, it becomes clear to everyone in the glittering ballroom just how powerful Asha has become.

One meeting - that’s all it took for you to impress and win over some of the most important men in the country.

His chest feels warm.

Well done, Asha.

There are plenty of whispers, with nobles arriving after key council members looking stunned and worried that they’d misread the invitation.

“The Grand Duchess is amazing.”

Yes, she is.

“As expected of the Hero’s daughter.”

Asha is a true Lamberg.

“Good evening, your highnesses.” Ugh. Aasi.

“Marquess Aasi.” Griffin has to nudge Rayleigh into responding, when the youngest Imperial waits for the pompous noble to greet teacher.

“You remember my daughter Rosalind don’t you, your highness?” Has this fool no shame?

“Good evening, your highnesses.” Chivalry demands the Crown Prince and Grand Duke greet the lady curtsying to them, and though Rayleigh would much rather not, he also knows making a scene here would ruin teacher’s and Asha’s reputations.

Griffin shifts closer to him in a silent show of support, and then Rayleigh is once again glad his cousin had married such an incredible woman.

“Lady Rosalind, what a lovely dress.” Ariana has her usual congenial expression on, the well-honed mask she’s been wearing in public since her debut. “Is it a Diore?”

“Yes, your highness.” He’s starting to feel very uncomfortable with the way Aasi’s daughter’s brown gaze immediately fixates on him once she’d answered the Crown Princess.

“What a keen eye you have, your highness!” He really sounds just like a donkey when he laughs. “This gown is from the Madam’s latest collection, and doesn’t it look like it was created just for Rosalind? She’s absolutely stunning, wouldn’t you agree, Grand Duke?” Rayleigh would grit his teeth at the brazen behavior if he didn’t have years of experience dealing with such imbeciles.

“It’s hard not to recognize a style of gown created for and popularized by my dear cousin Asha.” Ariana’s sweet smile does nothing to temper the effect of her words, and Griffin has to elbow Rayleigh to keep him from laughing.

Thank you, big sister.

The Aasis’ flushed faces really make Rayleigh want to smile, but he bites his inner cheek and stays expressionless.

“Lady Asha does have remarkable taste. Her engagement gown was a masterpiece, and I’m curious to see what new trends she’ll be setting tonight.” Marchioness Fenceton is a formidable woman - a brilliant tactician who’s helped her husband maintain neutrality while winning more nobles over to their faction with her charm and eloquence. For the ash blonde to step in and praise Asha publicly, especially when teacher’s daughter used to be mocked for her poor fashion sense, speaks volumes to Rayleigh and everyone around them.

“Indeed, Marchioness.” Duchess Marlowe is a key figure in society, famous for publicly destroying the reputations of nobles who anger her with only a few soft words. “The Winter Lady has a discerning eye, and the ingenuity that allows her to balance style with comfort perfectly.”

'Winter Lady’, Asha’s nickname, used to be uttered only in mockery before, when teacher’s daughter had been seen as nothing but a shallow, selfish troublemaker.

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She was just acting her age, but we held her to the empire’s standards instead of remembering that she’s a northerner. And she’s still a troublemaker in her own way, though she’s had to force herself to mature in order to protect her family.

He feels terrible that Asha had to endure the judgement and contempt of so many prejudiced individuals - himself included - but at the same time he’s proud of how she’d faced it all and elevated herself in the eyes of others while still remaining true to her wild heart.

For the Duchess of Marlowe to use the moniker respectfully, in praise of Asha’s abilities, proves how well the future Grand Duchess had charmed the older noble at the engagement party.

Minutes after the Aasis scamper away in embarrassment, the head butler announces the arrival of the star of the event.

Asha.

If he’d thought she’d looked a vision on their engagement day, then tonight she’s an angel’s dream of heaven.

Her usually unruly waves have been braided intricately - pearls and diamonds twinkling amongst the elegant cascade - with some locks artfully curled around a small face. Those bright blue eyes sparkle with Asha’s innate independence and intelligence, framed with kohl and glitter to make them a brilliant reflection of the heavens.

And her gown...

Off the shoulders, to showcase her slight build as well as her long and slender neck - which bears a simple yet elegant pearl and sapphire necklace. Though the top of her dress begins high enough to be modest, more pearls embroidered into the fabric draw attention subtly to Asha’s growing curves - beginning at her chest, past her tiny waist, and around slim hips before ending in a flourish at the hem of a voluminous yet light dress that sways and flounces airily with every step of feet encased in silk and diamond heels.

“Gods.”

Yes.

It seems Asha has started a new trend in the empire, just as Marchioness Fenceton had anticipated, though at that moment Rayleigh lacks the presence of mind to do anything but stare at the ethereal beauty making her way towards her father, who’s sniffling next to the Grand Duke.

“Daddy.” When she smiles like that, Rayleigh forgets how to breathe.

“My baby!” Teacher is careful as he hugs and kisses her, not wanting to ruin the hard work of countless Snowfalls. “You look more like an angel than ever!” Yes.

Asha’s giggles distract Rayleigh from composing himself, which means he’s woefully unprepared for when those enchanting sapphires turn to him.

Fortunately, Griffin elbows him in time to prevent an awkward silence, though Rayleigh doesn’t remember what he says in greeting, especially when a light flush appears on those high cheekbones and thick lashes lower demurely.

“Happy birthday, little sister.” The Crown Prince is grinning broadly, twinkle in crimson eyes indicating he’d found Rayleigh’s reaction hilarious.

“Thank you, your highness. And thank you for coming to my party.” Her smile is bright, and it makes Rayleigh want to simultaneously hide her away from the world while showing her off to anyone with eyes.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Asha.” Ariana’s warm tone and genuine smile are reserved only for people the Crown Princess truly likes. “Congratulations on your nineteenth birthday.”

The nobles around them are effusive in their well wishes and compliments, though Hawksworth’s besotted eyes make Rayleigh want to throw his glove at that handsome face.

She’s mine.

It’s probably the first time in his life he’s ever felt this possessive.

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“They’re held back at the palace.” He wants to chuckle at the way those large eyes blink at him, as though surprised he’d realized who she’s been furtively searching for. “Uncle will be here soon with them, which will also make it easier to introduce her to teacher.”

Asha looks delighted to hear that, sparkling up at him as they waltz.

It’s times like these that he’s reminded of how very small she is, when the top of her fair head doesn’t come close to his collarbone despite her high heels, and her delicate palm is dwarfed by his as he leads her easily through the dance.

She’s still a child.

Northerners are only treated as adults within the clan when they turn twenty, which puts Rayleigh in the uncomfortable position of having to spend his wedding night with a bride who’d still be considered an adolescent in her family, despite her already being recognized as an adult by the empire.

“Are you ill?” Blinking in surprise, he looks down into twin skies, before realizing his wandering mind had caused him to blush slightly.

Control yourself.

“It must be the wine.” He chuckles when she gives him a disbelieving look, since his Imperial and Saharan blood provide him with a higher tolerance than most. It’s also hard to feel warm when he’s holding her like this - northerners have naturally lower body temperatures than others, with the Lambergs being especially cool to the touch - and they both know it.

Deciding to change topics, and needing something to distract him from the feel of her body so close to his, Rayleigh remembers what he’d heard from Viscount Fleming before Asha’s arrival.

“I’m looking forward to your submission for the contest, Asha.” Apparently, she’d been persuaded to participate in the annual innovation competition by the nobles who’d visited her to debate alchemy and other topics.

Cute.

Asha’s adorable when she blinks at him like that, and then she’s absolutely radiant as she begins to chatter excitedly about the potential applications of harnessing something she calls ‘invisible waves’.

Rayleigh has never had an interest in alchemy, preferring to focus on politics, economics, finance, and military strategy, but Asha’s passion is contagious, and though she occasionally uses words he doesn’t know, her explanation is easy enough for a non-alchemist to understand.

“Not only that, but if I can get this right, it’d significantly boost the empire’s medical and defense capabilities.”

“You’ll be called the Heroine of the Empire soon, Asha.” She flushes at that, though wariness and suspicion linger in her eyes at his honest belief that she’ll successfully create something that will protect the country.

It’s to be expected, since I mistreated her for years. Helping with her party celebrations for a week isn’t enough to undo all the damage I’ve done.

When the song ends, he walks her back to teacher, wishing for the first time in his life that the waltz was at least twice as long.

Uncle arrives just as Griffin is asking Asha to dance, and then Rayleigh wants to smile when he sees the way those bright blue eyes immediately hone in on Lady Willow Ferdinand.

I’ve heard only good things about this woman. Even if she’s a widow who lost her husband and daughter to illness during their travels, I know teacher and Asha won’t mind the way some imperial citizens might - when many expect women to be completely ‘pure’ on their wedding night.

“Asha, my dear, I thought I’d walked into a dream when I saw you.” Uncle greets her enthusiastically, warm smile on his face as he leans down to kiss her forehead gently. “Happy birthday, my darling niece. May the gods continue to hold you in their favor through many more birthdays to come.”

The frenzy of whispers around them is to be expected after that since the imperial family are descendants of the gods, and therefore a blessing like that from the Emperor is considered the greatest gift one could receive on the celebration of their birth.

“Thank you, your majesty.” She beams up at him happily, and once again Rayleigh faces the inner dilemma of wanting to hide her away while showing her off.

“I don’t believe you’ve met the Ferdinands before, little one.” Griffin must have mentioned it to uncle. A glance at his cousin confirms it, as the Crown Prince and Princess do their best to pretend they’re not watching both Count Lamberg and Lady Willow as carefully as possible.

“Greetings, Lady Asha, and best wishes on your birthday as well as belated congratulations on your engagement. Please accept House Ferdinand’s deepest apologies for the late arrival, and our heartfelt thanks to you for including us in such a joyous celebration.” Marquess Ferdinand is every bit the accomplished diplomat, and his family is also used to supporting him in his work, as evidenced by the way they bow and curtsy in tandem.

“Good evening Marquess Ferdinand, Marchioness Ferdinand, Lord Rowan, Lady Elisha, Lady Willow, and Lord Ashley.” Her etiquette is beyond compare at times like these, right down to the angle of her head and the placement of fingertips over her heart. “Asha Lamberg thanks you for attending so humble an event with such sincere hearts, despite the exhaustion you must be feeling from your long journey home, after countless years of distinguished service to the empire in foreign lands.”

That was perfect.

It’s so perfect that the silver-tongued Marquess can only blink in surprise, as nobles around them whisper the Winter Lady’s praise.

As for Lady Willow...

One glance at the green eyed brunette tells Rayleigh all he needs to know.

Your new mother has found you, Asha.

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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 15 END