Claiming His Luna

Cercei’s POV

If there’s a single word that can describe the entire ordeal that followed our daring escape, it’s ‘torture.’

It’s fucking painful to sleep under the roof of a traitor and sail through the foul-smelling ocean, with the air filled with the scent of leaves.

The ship we used wasn’t the biggest or the most high-tech, so it took us weeks to arrive at our destination. We had to keep a low profile to avoid drawing attention. We can’t use a shiny ship to leave the North; we’d be caught and brought back in less than a minute.

The first day was pure hell, with each minute and hour filled with discomfort. However, as time passed, my body adapted, as it always does.

It wasn’t just the odour that made me sick, but the continuous rocking of the waves. Their severe force buffeted our ship, causing me a constant sense of nausea.

“Are you feeling better now?” inquired Vienna, her tone surprisingly tender.

I nodded, my response almost invisible.

Vienna, who has been a monster my whole life, had recently earned my begrudging appreciation. I couldn’t be sure if it was all an act, a scheme to trap me in some sinister plan, but the truth was, I no longer cared.

This aspect of her character, emerging during these challenging weeks, was entirely new to me. I never witnessed this attitude of her while living in the mansion or during our encounter in Dinan’s.

Who would’ve thought it would take a journey full of torture to get us to be close together as half-siblings?

“Thank you,” I murmured at last, breaking a long silence. I then quickly averted my eyes, fixing them on the vast expanse above and the radiant stars illuminating the night sky. I didn’t spare her a glance anymore.

Tomorrow, we’ll reach the South. Remus’ presence is near, just one night’s journey from the shore. The thought restored my determination, marking the end of this difficult journey.

Once this ordeal ended, my first priority would be a week-long rest. However, I doubted that even seven days of uninterrupted sleep could fully replenish my strength.

“For looking out for me,” I added when she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the same star canvas.

“I didn’t,” she replied briefly. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her response. She’s the same old Vienna I knew. Her reluctance to acknowledge any humane act she’d performed was persistent. Her ‘bitchy witch’ demeanour held such force that admitting to any kindness seemed to cause her genuine discomfort.

“You did,” I persisted.

“Don’t flatter yourself. Why would I bother taking care of you? I couldn’t care less if you were to jump off these railings,” she retorted, her hand gripping the railings in a dramatic manner.

I laughed at her blatant denial. “Lying is bad, you know,” I teased, my grin broadening.

She rolled her eyes, but a sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips, betraying her true emotions.

“We’ll be arriving tomorrow,” she stated as if she hadn’t repeated these words countless times in recent days. I nodded once more, the anticipation building within me.

“I miss my old life,” she confessed out of the blue.

“I don’t miss the old you, though,” I shot back, my strong courage allowing me to confront her those years of enduring her harsh attitude.

“Why were you such a bitch?” I added, finally pointing out another unkind aspect of her behavior.

“I didn’t like you,” she declared flatly.

“Didn’t?” I arched an eyebrow, emphasizing the past tense of her choice of words.

“I don’t like you,” she corrected, but her expression showed a hint of amusement.

“Why do you tolerate me now?” I insisted, casting a sidelong glance in her direction.

For the umpteenth time, she rolled her eyes. “I don’t.”

“Fine,” I acquiesced, not entirely convinced by her words. Whether she liked me or not, the fact that she didn’t despise me as brutally as before was a small victory.

“I miss home,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the endless expanse of sea.

Bitterness welled up in my heart as I swallowed the words I wanted to say. There wasn’t a single place on this planet I could truly call home.

“You don’t feel the same,” she observed, not inquiring but confirming, as my silence spoke louder.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” I replied, a mirthless laugh escaping my lips.

“Really?” She turned to face me, raising a doubtful brow.

“Vienna, why on earth would I miss the place I fought tooth and nail to escape?” I asked as if her notion were the product of sheer lunacy.

“Because that’s where you grew up,” she shrugged as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“My childhood isn’t worth remembering,” slipped from my mouth. ‘You made sure of that,’ I thought silently, keeping those words locked in my mind. Enough had been said, and I had no appetite for prolonging the confrontations or blaming the past, especially not in the middle of this endless ocean, not when we were finally starting to get along a bit.

“You spent your entire childhood with your Father there,” she suddenly remarked.

I was taken aback. Her words were undeniably true. In those harsh circumstances and environments, I had been raised by both my parents in that place. It was where I had felt complete. However, it’s the same place my monstrous real father owned. Fate can be cruel.

“Yes,” was all I could manage to say.

“So, do you miss home?” she repeated her earlier query.

“Home isn’t a location; it’s the people,” I replied firmly.

Wherever I might find myself, I would consider it home if I were in the company of those I held dear, like my mother, Aunt Melanie, and Lucian.

I missed him terribly. Not a single day passed by that I didn’t think about him. I bet he’s furious at me right now. I didn’t want to be found, but I hoped he’d find me. Did he finally give up? Did he realise I’m not worth his love and affection?

The idea of him being with another woman was a dagger in my heart. Someone with a name, a title, someone who would be loyal to him. The pain was intense just thinking about it. I never had a chance to explain why I took this path. Even if I had, I doubted he would truly understand my reasons. He wouldn’t let me do this plan, so I did what I believed had to be done.

After I resolved this mess I had gotten into, I would find my way back to him. I didn’t care if he had moved on, found someone new, or even a new mate. I am determined to take him back, no matter the obstacles.

“Just wait for me, my love,” I whispered to the night sky, making a firm promise that the winds carried across the endless ocean.