Hundreds of noble heirs straightened in their seats, their eyes fixed on the blue-haired girl who walked toward the platform with dignity. Her steps were measured, practiced, each one calculated to project confidence she didn't entirely feel.
For many in the audience, she represented something far more valuable than any ceremonial award.
At the year's end, when she finally turned fifteen, she would be the key to obtaining an absurd amount of wealth. The contribution of the key in opening the royal vault. The contribution of simple genetics for the next deeper vault that might someday be opened. And an enormous territory that now didn't have its "mute guard dog" protecting it.
Luna tried to ignore the stares that felt unpleasant and dirty from those nobles who wanted to use her, passing to the front with the dignified air she had practiced for weeks with Larissa.
But each gaze felt like hands grabbing at her, measuring her worth like livestock at a market.
