Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV

The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the bustling port with a warm, golden hue. We’ve finally touched the ground. After weeks of sailing, stepping onto solid ground without the rocking waves felt different.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea breeze as the morning sun warmed my face. My hair fluttered in the breeze as a loud chopper overhead drowned out other sounds. Although our destination, the Moonstone mansion, was still hours away, we had arrived in the South.

A significant number of sentinels, dressed in black attire and armed with imposing guns, stood ready at the port. They respectfully bowed their heads as we passed by, displaying impressive loyalty and compliance.

I glanced at Vienna, who walked confidently ahead with her head held high. She was familiar with this world and groomed for it from a young age. In contrast, I felt like an outsider in this world of power and privilege. I averted my eyes from the sentinels as if I were too shy to meet their gazes.

“Welcome back, my lady,” an elderly gentleman greeted Vienna with a bow. His regal appearance, including a finely tailored suit and a conspicuous pocket watch, indicated his wealth and influence.

“Thank you, Lord Verosh,” Vienna replied graciously. His eyes then shifted to me, sending an uncomfortable shiver down my spine. I did my best to stand my ground, hiding my unease with feigned composure.

“My lady,” he addressed me in the same respectful manner, bowing once again. I exchanged a perplexed glance with Vienna. Her furrowed brows indicated her displeasure at the equal treatment I was receiving.

“Stop calling me ‘my lady.’ It doesn’t suit me,” I snapped instantly.

Lord Verosh raised an eyebrow. “You are Lord Remus’ eldest daughter; naturally, we must address you as our lady,” he explained with a genial smile, his eyes twinkling.

“He’s not my father,” I retorted through gritted teeth, expecting a taunt but only receiving an amused chuckle from him.

“I was informed that you may be in a state of denial,” he said, still amused.

I felt irritation tingling beneath my skin, my brows knitting together. I began to retort, but Vienna interjected, her voice a bit sharp.

“Will you be escorting us, my Lord?” Vienna inquired. Lord Verosh shook his head.

“No, my lady, I must make preparations. However, I will meet you at your father’s mansion,” he replied.

“Very well, then. Perhaps we shall see you there,” Vienna responded with a nod, the tension in the air dissipating.

“Please, this way, my lady,” Lord Verosh gestured courteously, showing us the direction. Vienna led the way, and I followed as we approached the waiting chopper.

Although Vienna concealed it well, I sensed her discomfort. She had always resented being compared to me during our upbringing, and the equal treatment I received from those who served her seemed to irk her.

She remained silent, and her silence bothered me for the first time in our journey. I wanted her to speak, even if her words weren’t kind.

We had been making progress together, getting along better than we ever had. But now, she reverted to the old Vienna I remembered, spoiled, bitchy, and difficult to handle.

In response to her grumpiness, I chose to remain silent, not wanting to worsen her mood. We followed the crew, who ushered us into the chopper and helped us settle into our seats. It was my first time on a chopper, but strangely, I felt no fear.

After all, I had endured much worse. What more could I possibly be afraid of?

Throughout the flight, Vienna’s behavior remained sour. She didn’t speak, and her face showed no emotion, not even her usual sharp expression.

The chopper landed on the rooftop helipad of the MoonStone mansion, where Monsieur was waiting for us. A group of sentinels and servants stood in formation nearby.

As we unfastened our safety belts and removed our headphones, Vienna rushed toward Monsieur with the enthusiasm of a child reuniting with a long-lost father. She hugged him tightly, and Monsieur returned the affection with a gentle rub on her back.

“Dad,” Vienna whispered, her voice filled with emotion. I couldn’t help but notice the intensity of their embrace, which spoke of a deep connection. Monsieur’s eyes twinkled with warmth as he gently caressed her cheeks.

“I was about to send my sentinels to the North territory,” he teased lightly. Vienna managed a small chuckle, though her eyes were reddened by what appeared to be suppressed tears.

Monsieur’s gaze shifted from Vienna to me. I had stayed a few paces behind her, watching their reunion with mixed feelings.

“You make me proud, Princess,” Monsieur said, cupping Vienna’s cheeks affectionately.

I approached them with a relentless stride. My head held high, each step resonating with firm courage. It took every ounce of bravery not to falter, for I was walking toward the person I had tried desperately to escape from many times. He was the one who had raped my mother and taken my father’s life, and the painful truth I could no longer deny was that he was my real father. The world, indeed, could be heartbreakingly cruel.

“Cercei,” he called my name, and if I were a fool, I might have mistaken the tone for something almost fatherly.

My breath caught as he suddenly hugged me tightly. I glanced at Vienna, whose smile had faded, replaced by a cutting glare.

His hug lasted for just a few moments before he released me and took my hand.

“I’m overjoyed that you’re back,” he declared, tears glistening in his eyes. I had to resist the urge to laugh at the sight of those tears.

The cold, unyielding expression remained engraved on my face. It didn’t disappear at all, not even in the front of this dramatic performance he was putting on.

His hands were warm and rough against mine.

“Thank you for bringing your sister back, Vienna,” he said, turning his stares towards her.

Vienna swiftly changed her sharp gaze into a forced smile.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“You know, I’d do anything for you, Dad,” she replied sweetly, though her words carried a veiled undertone.

“My family is whole once more,” he laughed heartily.

“Let us celebrate, everyone! My daughters have returned!” he declared, casting a warm smile at the members of his inner circle.

Applause filled the air, along with words of warm welcome directed at me.

Vienna’s smile remained forced while I continued to maintain my stoic and impassive façade. Too many people, too many lies. It would have been the perfect moment to drive a dagger into his heart if only a few people were around, but timing was everything.

I would play along for now, waiting for the perfect moment to end his life.