Chapter 41 The Beaded Necklace

• Lost in her vivid daydreams about the banquet menu, Luna completely failed to realize she had taken a wrong turn down the labyrinthine halls. As she continued her brisk march, her velvet slipper caught on a raised stone step in front of her.
• “Aarkh—!” Luna’s body lurched violently forward, all balance instantly abandoning her. But just before she could crash onto the unforgiving stone floor, a powerful, muscular arm swiftly shot out. It clamped securely around her waist, hauling her backward with a firm, protective motion.
• With a solid, heavy thud, her forehead collided directly against a broad, solid chest. Luna winced, a groan of pain escaping her lips as her nose instantly caught a striking, masculine scent—crisp cedarwood sharply mingled with the cold tang of metal. It was the undeniable, distinct aroma of a soldier’s uniform. “I am so sorry, I—”