[redith].
Two days later, after breakfast, Mada Beatrice found exactly where she said she would—waiting near the wide archway that opened into the inner compound.
The morning air was pleasant, the sun already climbing but not yet harsh. Two servants stood a few steps behind her, each holding a notebook and pen, ready to docunt every word I said.
"This way, Luna," Mada Beatrice said politely.
I nodded and followed.
She walked through the estate grounds, stopping at three different locations within the compound, one after the other.
At each spot, she explained its advantages—space, proximity to the main hall, ease of access for won and children.
I listened carefully, but my eyes were already assessing sothing else. Ti.
The event was fixed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And that ant the sun would be fully out.
When we reached the third spot, I slowed my steps.
Tall trees stood in a loose semicircle around the area, their branches stretching wide, leaves thick enough to scatter sunlight into gentle patterns on the ground. Even standing there now, the shade felt noticeably cooler.
"This one," I said without hesitation.
Mada Beatrice smiled faintly, as though she had expected that answer. "A wise choice. The trees will help, but we can also install additional shade canopies to ensure comfort."
I turned to her. "Yes. Do that."
One of the servants imdiately wrote it down. Then, we moved on to seating.
"I would prefer benches," I said after a mont.
Mada Beatrice raised an eyebrow slightly, inviting my reasoning.
"Benches make people sit together," I explained. "They encourage conversation. Single chairs create distance, especially for won who already feel isolated."
She nodded in approval. "Very well."
A few more details were discussed—the flow of movent, where children could sit closer to the front, and where older won might be more comfortable.
When everything outside was settled, we headed back indoors.
The private sitting area was already prepared.
The woman who had been assisting Mada Beatrice since the first day was present, along with two cooks, both standing respectfully. As soon as I entered, they bowed and greeted .
"Good morning, Luna."
"Good morning," I replied, taking my seat.
Once everyone had settled, the discussion moved to food and drinks.
One of the cooks slid a prepared nu across the table. I read through it carefully.
"I will choose three dishes," I said. "One at dish. Rice. And one soup."
The cooks nodded and made notes.
"For drinks," I added, "I want sothing fresh."
Several fruit juices were suggested—apple, citrus blends, and berry infusions. I listened, then shook my head lightly.
"Pogranate juice."
Mada Beatrice looked pleased. "Very fitting."
"And drinking water must be available as well," I added. "Plenty of it."
I paused, then continued, "Since the event lasts two hours, the food and juice should be shared afterwards as lunch. No one should leave hungry."
The cooks exchanged quick looks and nodded in agreent. With that settled, Mada Beatrice turned to the final matter.
"What date have you picked for the event, Luna?"
"Two weeks from today," I said.
She inclined her head. "Very well. The invitation cards will be ready in two days."
I let out a slow breath. Everything was moving smoothly.
Mada Beatrice closed her notebook, then looked up at again.
"For the special guest list, Luna," she said carefully, "do you have anyone in mind you would like us to invite personally?"
The question caught off guard, so I paused with my fingers resting lightly on the arm of the chair.
’Special guests. Noblewon.’
I searched my mind for a while and found nothing. I wasn’t close to anyone. I didn’t know anyone well enough. And the truth was, the idea of selectively inviting a few won while leaving the rest out made my chest tighten.
"I don’t think there should be a special guest list," I said at last.
Mada Beatrice studied , attentive.
"This event wasn’t ant to be about status," I continued. "My goal from the beginning was to reach the won and children—the common folk. Inviting a few noblewon and excluding others would only create offence. I don’t want that."
She nodded slowly, then smiled. "You’re right," she agreed. "Leaving room for comparison or resentnt would defeat the purpose."
Then, she turned slightly to the others. "We will proceed with standard invitation letters. They will be distributed to each household within the Mystic Furs Pack."
I inclined my head. The reason I had chosen to begin here was simple. Since marrying Draven, I hadn’t truly done anything for his people—not because I didn’t care, but because we had spent most of our ti in Duskmoor.
And now that I was here, I wanted to start where I belonged. With his pack.
Organizing sothing on a larger scale, such as inviting all the packs, would be difficult, if not impossible, for a first event. But in the future... I would find a way.
I let out a quiet sigh, then turned back to the cooks. "Please also consider all age groups when preparing the als," I said. "Older won, younger mothers—everyone."
They nodded imdiately.
"And one more thing," I added. "Prepare natural candies for the children."
The cooks exchanged surprised glances.
"During the main session, the children may grow restless," I explained. "Candies will help distract them and keep the space calm."
Their faces lit up at the suggestion. "A wonderful idea, Luna," one of them said.
Finally, I looked back at Mada Beatrice. "Once the invitation cards are ready, I would like to see them before they are distributed."
"Of course," she replied.
Satisfied, I rose to my feet. "I believe that will be all for now," I said gently.
Everyone stood as well, bowing respectfully as I left the room.
In the hallway, I released a deep breath. It was still morning, yet my body already felt heavy with fatigue.
Sadly, there was no room for rest today as too much had already been set in motion.
I headed straight for my workstation and pushed open the double doors. Once inside, I shut them behind , sealing myself away from the rest of the estate.
Stretching my arms, I massaged my fingers slowly, flexing them as I looked around the room. The sunlight poured in through the tall windows, warming the long worktable.
Where do I even begin?
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