Rejected By The Luna
1368 Words
When Samantha left Rina’s chamber that evening, fury still simmered in her veins. But she knew better than to act on anger alone. If Rina’s heart would no longer bend easily to her tears, then she needed another route—one that secured her position close enough to watch, to strike when the time came.
The kitchen was still buzzing with noise when she slipped back in, but Samantha did not linger. Instead, she went straight to the small chest she kept beneath her bedding. With careful hands, she drew out a small, embroidered pouch. Its faded threads still shimmered faintly, the delicate flowers stitched by her mother’s patient fingers when she was a little girl.
It was the last thing she should part with—yet Samantha did not hesitate.
“This will buy me more than memories,” she whispered, her lips curling in determination.
Without delay, she hurried toward Merida’s quarters.
The older woman opened the door with her usual sharp expression, ready to scold whoever dared disturb her at this hour. But her eyes softened the instant she spotted the humble Samantha, bowing low with both hands extended.
“Merida,” Samantha said sweetly, her voice trembling with just the right touch of nervousness, “I have something for you. A little token, nothing compared to the kindness you’ve shown me.”
She pressed the pouch into Merida’s palm. The woman’s brows rose as her fingers brushed over the fine needlework, the weight of years hidden in the delicate stitching.
“This…” Merida breathed, turning it over. “Handmade?”
“Yes,” Samantha answered softly, lowering her gaze. “My mother made it for me when I was still a child. It is very precious, but… for someone like you, worthy of admiration, it would serve better than with me.”
Her words were honey, dripping with humility, yet her heart sneered in satisfaction.
Merida’s eyes gleamed with greed. She had accepted countless gifts in silence before, but never something so personal, so sentimental. Her lips curled into a thin smile.
“You are a thoughtful girl, Samantha,” Merida murmured, slipping the pouch into her sleeve as though it had always belonged there. “And since the Luna’s new personal maid has not yet been chosen… I think it only right that someone with your sincerity be considered.”
Samantha’s chest fluttered with triumph, though her expression remained demure.
“Merida, I will not forget your kindness,” she whispered, bowing again.
The woman waved her off with feigned nonchalance. “Return to your duties now. When the time comes, leave the rest to me.”
Samantha walked back toward the kitchen with light steps, her heart thrumming in victory. Tonight had not been wasted after all.
Once back among the other servants, she busied herself with dishes, her lips pressed into a meek smile, her head bowed as though nothing had transpired.
But behind that mask, her thoughts ran sharp and wild.
Soon, I’ll be by her side. Watching. Waiting. And when the moment comes, everything she treasures will be mine.
---
When Merida finally presented Samantha’s name to Rina the next morning, she expected at least a thoughtful pause. After all, Samantha had been humble, obedient, and eager to serve—or so it seemed.
But Rina, sitting gracefully at her desk, barely needed a moment to decide.
“No,” she said firmly, though her tone remained polite. “I am grateful for your effort, Merida, but Samantha will not be suitable.”
Merida blinked in surprise. “My Luna… may I ask why?”
Rina’s gentle eyes softened, yet there was an undercurrent of steel in her voice. “Some hearts are too heavy to serve closely. I have already decided—the maid who has been attending me these past few days will continue as my permanent one. Her presence brings no weight, only sincerity.”
She turned to where Priscilla was waiting nervously in the corner.
“Come here, child.”
Priscilla’s eyes widened, trembling with disbelief. She stumbled forward, then dropped to her knees, tears of joy streaming down her face.
“My Luna… I swear my loyalty to you from this day until my last breath!”
Rina reached down and gently lifted the girl up, a small smile touching her lips. “Rise, Priscilla. From today, you are no longer just a servant—you are my right hand. Serve faithfully, and you will be honored.”
Priscilla’s sobs broke free, her gratitude overflowing as she clutched Rina’s hand.
Merida, though stunned, knew better than to argue. Bowing low, she muttered a subdued, “As you wish, my Luna,” before excusing herself.
---
Back in the kitchen quarters, the news spread like wildfire. Priscilla’s fellow servants surrounded her, congratulating her with claps on the back, warm words, and even small trinkets pressed into her hands in sudden generosity. Some were genuine, others calculating—but all wanted to be in her good graces now.
Samantha, unaware of the decision, remained in her room, waiting for Merida to summon her with the good news. She had even practiced the humble smile she would wear, the modest words she would speak before Rina.
But when she finally stepped outside, she overheard the chatter of three maids by the water barrels.
“Can you believe it? Priscilla is the new Luna’s personal maid!”
“I thought for sure Samantha would get it. Didn’t you see how she’s been fluttering around?”
One of them snickered behind her hand. “Well, looks like all her tears and bows were for nothing.”
Samantha froze. The words hit like a blade to her chest.
She stepped closer, her face carefully calm. “Priscilla?” she asked softly. “She was chosen?”
The three maids turned to her, their smirks thinly veiled. One of them shrugged. “Yes. The Luna rejected everyone else. Including you.”
Another, bolder one, tilted her chin smugly. “I suppose you must be relieved, right? After all, who would truly want such a demanding position?”
Samantha’s smile came slow and controlled. Her voice was smooth, practiced. “Of course. You’re right—I never desired such a role. Serving quietly in the kitchens suits me just fine.”
The maids exchanged glances, slightly disappointed that their barb hadn’t pierced her.
But the moment Samantha turned away, her face twisted with venom. Her hands clenched until her nails bit into her palms. Rejected. By Rina herself.
Her blood boiled hotter with every step she took until she stormed into Merida’s quarters.
“You promised me,” she hissed, her eyes flashing. “Why was I not chosen?”
Merida, taken aback by her boldness, frowned. “Calm yourself, girl. It was not my decision. The Luna herself rejected your name immediately. She said no without hesitation.”
Samantha’s lips parted, her heart lurching at the confirmation. “Did she… did she say why?”
Merida narrowed her eyes, studying her with sudden suspicion. “She said some me strange words but in proverbs though, though. Have you known her before. Tell me, Samantha—have you?”
The question struck like lightning. For one heartbeat, panic flared across Samantha’s face. But just as quickly, she smoothed it away, forcing a light, puzzled laugh.
“Known her? No, of course not! How would a lowlife servant like me have the privilege of knowing the Luna, personally?”
Merida studied her a moment longer, then dismissed her with a wave. “Go then. Your shift awaits.”
Samantha bowed quickly and slipped out, her heart pounding.
But once she shut the door behind her, her expression twisted again, darker than before.
So… Rina is trying to be cautious. She sensed something. That’s why she rejected me.
Her eyes gleamed with hatred as she walked back toward her room, every step fueled by fresh resolve.
“If she won’t have me by her side,” Samantha whispered to herself, her voice low and dangerous, “then I’ll make sure she regrets it. One way or another… Theo will still be mine.”
- Writer
