RAYLEIGH’S POV

An Elementalist. Asha, you truly never cease to amaze me.

Based on her expression, she’s clearly thinking of a way out of the situation, and he regrets putting her in a tight spot by asking her so publicly.

It’s just that the look on your face earlier isn’t something I ever want to see again, Asha.

That twisted, tormented visage, haunted eyes screaming in terror and agony, had torn his heart to shreds.

“She’s been having nightmares.” Teacher steps in smoothly, pulling his daughter close and hiding her face against his chest. “I’m sure our earlier conversation made her think of them.”

Was it truly nightmares that caused you to change, Asha?

The Court Mage looks pensive, silver eyes observing Rayleigh’s fiancée carefully, though he says nothing.

“Asha, my dear, you need not worry about such things.” Uncle has always had a soft spot for her, though he’d kept a distance when nobles made fun of her for immature behavior, believing that coddling a child too much made them grow up soft. “They’re just nightmares, they can’t hurt you.”

Rayleigh doesn’t miss how a small fist clenches, gripping teacher’s shirt tight before releasing the fabric. Then Asha’s leaning back, smile firmly planted on her face, and his chest aches a little.

“Of course, your majesty. I’m sorry for overreacting and inconveniencing everyone.”

Uncle just smiles, before patting her messy head. “No need to apologize, Asha. We’d never have known the true power you wield if you hadn’t been so affected.” Then his face is concerned. “We’ve asked a lot of you today, haven’t we? First with negotiations with Anouar’s representative, then with the discussion here. You’re a clever young lady, but it might be too much for someone your age.”

That’s true. Asha’s the youngest in the room by far. Imperials have to mature faster than others, but Asha has always been sheltered and treated like a child in her House.

Even her attendants are older than her, though they too look like teenagers thanks to their northern bloodlines.

“I’m alright, your majesty.” This time her smile is genuine. “I’m really glad to be of help.”

“Asha...” She gets squeezed tight by teacher for that, as uncle makes more of a mess of her hair. A glance at Lady Willow confirms she’s itching to spoil Asha as well, and Rayleigh smiles when he recalls how the elegant, intelligent, and talented noblewoman had dared prepare to commit treason on behalf of another’s child.

I knew you were the right choice the moment I saw the way you looked at Asha during her party, Lady Willow.

“Well then, isn’t this just more reason to celebrate?” Griffin is sensitive to emotions, and is clearly trying to change the mood in the room.

“Indeed, my love.” Ariana joins in, bright smile on her face as she raises her glass of vegetable juice. “To Lady Asha.”

As glasses clink and Count Eszes pesters Count Prospero with questions about Elementalists, other nobles chuckling at the unfortunate Court Mage’s long suffering expression, Rayleigh thinks back to the conversation earlier.

Were you truly thinking I’d be working with Medea to overthrow my family?

It hurts, but Rayleigh can’t blame her.

I must be a monster in your eyes.

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The news spreads quickly, thanks to an official imperial announcement in the papers: the engagement of Count Callan of Lamberg to Lady Willow of Ferdinand, and the discovery that Lady Asha of Lamberg - the soon-to-be Grand Duchess - is an Elementalist, as personally verified by Magic Grandmaster & Court Mage, Count Parmenius of Prospero.

When Rayleigh arrives at the Lamberg manor the next day, he wonders if his own people will ever achieve the same levels of competence and efficiency as the Snowfalls and Winterblades.

Wagons and carriages filled with gifts snake beyond the gates, all the way down the linden-lined street and around the corner. Mountains of presents and letters are piled precariously in the foyer as Rayleigh weaves his way around them, careful not to bump into any servants or knights dashing here and there, as he uses his aura to look for Asha.

Behind him, Conroy and Ethan have already been roped into assisting by Mage Monique and Dame Valora.

Well, they seem to be getting along, I suppose.

It’s clear Asha’s attendants still loathe him, but he’d already made his own aides promise not to reprimand them for it, since they have every reason to despise him for the way he’d treated their beloved lady previously.

Teacher is at the Ferdinands, according to his shadows, since an engagement requires the Count to formally visit with gifts and a contract, which is why Rayleigh had chosen this time to come to the Lambergs’ home in the capital.

Asha...

When he finds her, she’s curled up in her favorite spot in the library, leaning against the window as she reads a heavy tome on - he squints, trying to make out the faded words on a weathered cover - arcane magic.

I see. You’re trying to learn as much as you can about Elementalists.

He’d thought she’d be curious, so he’s brought her a book from the Imperial Vault on the subject.

Clearing his throat does nothing to distract her, and he smiles a little because she’s always been this way when reading, so he approaches, stopping when he’s less than an arm’s length from shining waves that tumble onto the carpet carelessly.

“Asha.” It takes a few tries, and he even has to use aura, before she blinks dazedly and then he’s fortunate he’d moved fast enough to prevent her from slamming her head against the glass pane.

In this position, though, he’s far too close to bright blue eyes, and something stirs within him with the feel of each puff of breath from those pink lips.

Asha.

Were there always this many stars in her eyes?

“Y...your highness?”

That brings him back to his senses like a splash of cold water.

What are you doing, Rayleigh Loredan?! You’re four years older and so much bigger!

Count Prospero had explained yesterday that Asha’s petite size is most likely caused by her Elementalism, since this type of mage is documented as requiring copious amounts of mana to function. Which means that despite consuming her birth mother’s considerable mana, Asha’s powers are probably on a scale where her body needs more and compensates by turning food into sustenance for her magic.

It’s no wonder she’s always been smaller than most, even accounting for her slower aging.

“I apologize for scaring you, Asha.” She blinks at him, cocking her head in that endearing way.

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’Endearing’?

“What are you doing here?”

Right.

“I thought you might find this useful.” He smiles as she lights up upon being presented with the book - the only one of its kind in the world, since it’d been handwritten by a famous Magic Grandmaster more than a millennia ago - then Rayleigh’s self-control is sorely tested when a fairy beams up at him.

“Thank you! This is amazing!”

I see now. Rather than jewels and dresses, what you really want is books.

“You’re welcome, Asha.” At the familiar light blush, he bites his tongue to distract himself.

What do I say now?

“How goes your preparation for the contest?”

She’s been far too busy lately to focus on her own research, and now she’s studying as much as she can about Elementalists.

When she blinks up at him adorably, he can’t help the smile. Then those eyes turn thoughtful - almost assessing - before she pulls her feet in closer and gestures for him to join her on the cushioned windowsill.

Taking a seat, he can’t help but notice her toes - peeking out from under the hem of her simple dress - and be reminded once more of just how very petite his bride-to-be is.

“I have a general idea of what I’m going to make.” Since there aren’t any servants available, she simply passes him her wine glass after refilling it. “Everyone’s a bit busy at the moment, so I’ll look around the warehouse later for the materials.”

Is she planning to build it herself with those hands?

“May I help?”

The wine bottle pauses inches from her lips as she stares at him, suspicion and wariness flooding brilliant blue.

“Why do you keep doing this?” Her mouth is set in a hard line, and he doesn’t like it. “I told you already - you don’t need to go so far.”

I don’t know why either, but I want to.

“Why?”

It seems her habit of blurting out thoughts is rubbing off on him.

“I...I just do, Asha. I can’t explain it for now, but I promise I will when I can.” She looks just like that kitten had when he and Griffin had first tried to feed it. “I swore an oath, remember? I have no ill intentions, so please rest assured.”

She’s quiet for awhile, eyes cold in a way that’s so unlike her Rayleigh feels unsettled, before she nods and he breathes a sigh of relief.

“Alright, but don’t complain if I work you too hard.” The slightest hint of mischief in her eyes and the tilt of full lips lifts his spirits in a way he hadn’t thought possible.

“I might run crying to teacher.” That makes her laugh, and Rayleigh wonders how long it’s been since he’d heard her laugh because of him.

“Dad will take my side.” Her face is smug, for good reason. Teacher might favor Rayleigh most out of all his students, but the Winter Count is notorious for being an absolute fool for his only child.

“Then I’ll cry to Griffin.” She laughs again at that, and the Grand Duke wonders if it’s possible to bottle up a sound so he can carry it around forever.

The rest of the afternoon is pleasant, and he deliberately whines about all the wood and metal she’s making him cut and meld when he realizes it amuses her.

By the time teacher returns - the smile on his face a clear explanation for the extended time he’d spent at the Ferdinand manor - they have a skeleton of her device ready, though Rayleigh has absolutely no idea what Asha’s planning to make despite her explanations, since he’d been a little too distracted by those sparkling sapphires and the way her mouth moves when she speaks.

Teacher insists on Rayleigh joining the family dinner, and he wonders when was the last time he’d sat with the Lambergs for a meal.

Years. All that time wasted because of my foolishness.

He doesn’t have time for regrets over dinner, not when Asha is having so much fun teasing her father, and all the attendants are laughing along.

When he has to leave - later than he’d planned, but teacher had kept insisting he’s welcome to stay as long as he wants - father and daughter walk him to his carriage.

“Sleep well, Ray.” Teacher has always liked ruffling his hair, saying it’s messy enough that this won’t make much difference, and Rayleigh won’t admit it aloud but he truly does enjoy these little shows of affection.

“You too, teacher. Good night, Asha.”

She blushes again, but mumbles a response while clinging to her father.

Cute.

The entire ride home, Rayleigh alternates between smiling to himself and badgering Conroy for ideas about rare books to gift Asha.

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ASHA’S POV

“What is it, dad?”

He’d wandered into her private sitting room after she’d changed, Truman wheeling a cart filled with wine bottles and snacks. The head butler bows before departing with the rest of the servants, and then the Count is settled in next to Asha.

“My baby, you know that daddy loves you most, don’t you?”

She blinks at that.

“Was it ever in doubt? Did I do something wrong, dad?”

His smile is radiant. “No, princess, but daddy wants to make sure you know that.” He blushes, and Asha giggles at the shy look that’s been appearing more often lately. “Since I’m getting married, and will need an heir for the House.”

“Dad, I know you love me. But you mustn’t think of my future siblings-“ she lays deliberate emphasis on the plural and giggles at his blush, “as merely heirs you need to have for our clan. I know you have all the love in the world to give.”

She gets a hug and plenty of kisses, before her father takes a drink straight from the bottle, Truman knowing them well enough not to bother with glasses.

“The thing is, darling, I don’t want you to think that one has to be married with children to be a person.”

All Asha can do is stare.

“What I mean, angel of mine, is that daddy would have been happy just seeing you live a good life.” Asha blinks and opens her mouth, but her father cuts her off. “I know I said Selena and I believe you and Rayleigh are meant to be, but I wouldn’t have forced you into anything. You have to be free to live your own life. I’m sorry you felt you had to do this for our sake.”

What’s going on?

“Dad...you’re confusing me.”

He sighs, taking several gulps from the bottle this time.

“Asha, I just don’t want you thinking that you need to force yourself - even if in future others pressure you into having children to continue Rayleigh’s line.” She blushes at that. “And if you choose to get pregnant, please remember that if having a child endangers your life, there’s always an option.”

What? But mom...

“From the very beginning,” his eyes have a fond but sad look. “Selena insisted it had to be you.”

Had to be me? But...

“Even if my aura gravitated to you the moment you were conceived, as though trying to tell me the light of my life was coming,” he’s never looked so guilty before, “I begged Selena to abort you many times initially.”

Oh.

She’d heard it’d been her mother who’d insisted on carrying her, even as the High Mage wasted away, too weak to even lift a finger to touch her newborn before naming her and passing on.

“Asha.” He’s crying silently now, but he refuses to look away. “I loved Selena with all my heart. And when you first began to drain her life, I chose her over you. I won’t apologize for it, but I will tell you that as time passed, no matter how much weaker Selena got, I began to love you more and more.”

But...

“I love you, Asha. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” It’s the one certainty in her life - the other one and this one.

He hugs her, and she clings to him for a while before pulling back and staring up at him.

“What else is weighing on your heart and mind, daddy?”

“My baby...” just for that, she gets showered with kisses as he sniffles. “I want you to know that whatever happens, you’ll always be my baby girl. You’ll always, always have a home here and in the north. And if the worst should happen,” his face is serious “I want you to go back to our territory and raise the Ice Wall, with or without me.”

WHAT?

“Dad, how could I...?”

“Asha.” The look in his eyes is one she’s never seen before. “I mean it. You must save yourself before me or anyone else. Promise me.”

“No.” There’s absolutely no way she’s making such an oath. “I won’t leave you behind.”

“My darling...” The Winter Count looks touched and despairing. “You must promise me this. Willow and I already discussed it.”

WHAT?!

“You mean...”

“Yes, angel. I told her that you’d returned from a bleak future.”

He must trust his fiancée a lot, though Asha doesn’t blame him. The Ferdinand’s second child had almost committed treason for Asha’s sake, just two days after meeting her.

“Willow, loves you more than she does me, did you know that?” She does? But... “She told me that under no circumstances must you be allowed to suffer for anyone else’s sake.”

Her chest feels warm and full.

“To be honest,” now he looks shy and happy again. “I love her more for that.”

These two are nuts.

“You love her for loving someone else more than you?”

That grin makes him look like a youth who’d fallen in love for the first time.

“Yes, my princess. And she loves the fact that I love you most in the world.”

These two are NUTS.

“Dad...I may not know much about love and relationships, but shouldn’t the people IN a relationship love each other more than anyone else?” He’s making her head spin.

Chuckling, the Winter Count ruffles her hair before giving her a peck on the temple. “Says who?”

To be fair, all Asha actually knows about romance is what she’s read in books or heard from others.

“Willow and I adore you, my baby. And she’s made it very clear that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

’Whatever it takes’...?

“Yes, Asha.” His tone is somber and determined.

I see.

Thank you, mom.

“Dad...” The thought strikes her suddenly. “Do you ever get the feeling...” How do I say this? “Like mom, I mean my birth mom, sent Lady Willow to us?”

He blinks, before bright blue eyes turn soft. “Selena has always been watching over you, my darling. From the moment you were conceived, she knew she’d give birth to the most special child in the world - she told me so many times.”

’Most special child in the world’?

It’s almost as though...but that can’t be. There’s no such magic, no such legend. I can’t even believe dad and Lady Willow haven’t locked me up in an asylum for saying I’ve come back from the future.

“My baby.” There’s something in his eyes, something in his tone that makes her pause. “Selena was a woman of many talents, as I’m sure you know.” Yes, her birth mother had been an unparalleled genius. “But haven’t you ever wondered why no one ever spoke of her family?”

Now that you mention it…I just thought it was because she was a commoner from a foreign land. Unless that’s not the case?

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MOONRISE BY LUNASEA: CHAPTER 20 END