Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV.

I gently wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead, my tired body bent over the task of scrubbing the floor. The weight of the brush in my hand felt heavier with each passing moment.

“Gosh, can you pick up the pace?” came the sharp voice of Vienna, the daughter of our Alpha, piercing the air from behind me.

“Certainly, miss,” I replied, my voice filled with respect, and I increased the speed of my scrubbing.

Vienna had conveniently spilled paint on the floor, which she claimed was accidental, but her malicious intent was evident. It was now my responsibility to rectify the mess she had created.

“Stupid girl,” Vienna muttered under her breath as she turned her back on me. With one final act of cruelty, she kicked the paint can that lay beside me before departing the kitchen.

I felt completely exhausted, and I let out a weary sigh as I observed the magnitude of the work still ahead. I had been scrubbing the floor for what felt like an endless time, but the paint stubbornly clung to the surface, resisting all my efforts to remove it.

Once I was certain that Vienna had left the room, I gingerly set down the brush and allowed myself a moment’s slumber.

Leaning against the cool wall, I could feel the ache radiating through my arm, the throbbing pain in my legs, and the strain in my back. The toll of physical struggle was evident.

“You do know that Vienna would strangle you if she caught you were resting,” Maria’s voice suddenly broke the silence, causing me to startle.

“God, you gave me quite a scare,” I gasped, my hand instinctively pressing against my chest to calm the racing beat of my heart.

Maria couldn’t help but chuckle as she sat down next to me, enjoying a short break from the demanding world we were stuck in.

Despite having recently started as one of the servants for the Crescents, Maria had quickly become my closest companion, even though I had worked longer than her. Perhaps it was because we were around the same age or shared the same fate, enduring the tyranny of Vienna Crescent.

My parents had dedicated their lives to serving the Alpha, Remus Crescent, my father as his butler, and my mother as his personal maid, they had never been shown an ounce of gratitude or respect by the man they served faithfully.

Resting my head on Maria’s shoulder, I couldn’t help but voice my frustration. “What do you think fuels Vienna’s adamant perseverance to make my life a living hell?”

“Jealousy,” Maria replied with a hint of amusement in her voice.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her response. “Yes, of course. Who wouldn’t envy my ragged clothing, extraordinary talent for scrubbing floors, and oh-so-fashionable vintage worn-out shoes?” I playfully wiggled my toes for emphasis.

A sudden shift in Maria’s tone caught me off guard, and I stopped laughing. It was a rare occasion when she spoke seriously. “Because you’re more beautiful than her,” she said, her voice sincere and without any hint of jest.

I paused, struck by the sincerity in her words. “Can we change the topic? I’d prefer some light teasing instead of being so serious, please. It’s much more comfortable,” I said, attempting to lighten the mood.

We both burst into laughter, knowing that Maria’s teasing came from pure fondness and not from any ill intent.

Unlike Vienna, who found joy in my misery, Maria used teasing as a means of expressing her fondness for me. Through these playful interactions, we found comfort and formed a unique bond.

“Scrub the floor, you silly girl,” Maria mockingly imitated Vienna’s voice, mimicking our tormentor’s gestures, which made us laugh even harder.

She even exaggeratedly flipped her hair in the same manner as Vienna, and the sight elicited genuine laughter from me.

“Shoo, off you go back to the garden,” I playfully retorted, dismissing Maria with a wave of my hand.

She made an exaggeratedly indignant face and dramatically flipped her hair once again, eliciting another giggle from me. The sight of my own reflection dancing on the wet, soapy floor only added to my joy, making the moment even more delightful.

Throughout my life, many have expressed their fondness for what they saw as my beauty. While their compliments were kind, they never truly resonated with me. I would usually respond with gratitude or return the sentiment with a compliment of my own. However, I never considered embracing their words wholeheartedly.

Nevertheless, Maria’s idea that Vienna was envious of my beauty struck me as completely absurd.

I couldn’t understand why Maria had let go of her rationality to entertain such an idea. Vienna and I were of the same height, but her figure exuded a mature elegance with graceful curves, while I had a petite frame. Our long brown hair differed, as mine cascaded in waves, while hers remained impeccably straight, giving her a sophisticated look. Her hazel eyes shimmered, contrasting with my inherited emerald green from my mother. Despite my fair complexion, Vienna’s skin was as pure and white as paper.

Apart from these distinctions, we shared many similar features, such as pointed noses, pouty lips, and freckles that emerged only under the sun’s gentle caress.

The uncanny resemblance between us may have fueled her disdain for me. At first glance, one might even mistake us for sisters. However, for Vienna, the sole daughter and heiress of the MoonStone pack, being compared to a servant, even briefly, must be the ultimate insult.

After what felt like an endless time of scrubbing, I found relief in the mansion’s garden, my sanctuary. Between the vibrant flowers and towering trees, I discovered a tranquility that surpassed any other part of the estate.

When I strolled in the middle of the huge garden, immersing myself in the fragrance of blossoms and the songs of chirping birds, a sight captured my attention. There was Maria, bravely fighting a battle against a flock of withered flowers with a broom. Despite finding amusement in her predicament, a twinge of sympathy tugged at my heart.

Upon learning about Maria’s sensitivity to flowers, Vienna didn’t hesitate to exploit it and assigned her the punishing task of tending the garden.

Maria, in a state of desperation, mustered the courage to humbly request mercy. However, Vienna’s wishes consistently prevailed.

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 offenses.

Apprehensive, I glanced around, my senses heightened with worry that someone might overhear the less-than-favorable 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 marveling 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 sympathized, 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 demeanor.

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.