Luna was still in Lumora Magica. Prince Arin and Minister Tom had decided it was better this way—for now. If both the Prince and Luna returned to Brightvale at the same time, people might become suspicious. So they made a quiet plan.
That night, when the moon was high and the stars shone brightly, Luna quietly entered the prince's library inside the palace. The door shimmered for a moment and then closed behind her. Prince Arin and Minister Tom welcomed her warmly.
The three of them sat together and had dinner. The room was filled with laughter, gentle talk, and the soft clinking of glasses. Prince Arin smiled and said, "Your daughter is just like you, Minister Tom. Kind and quick to learn anything."
They all laughed again. It was a peaceful evening. After dinner, Minister Tom and Luna prepared to return to their home.
Before they left, Prince Arin asked, "How will you bring Luna back into the kingdom officially? What will you tell the people?"
Luna replied kindly, "Don't worry. We'll take care of everything. You've just returned to the kingdom after so long. You need some rest."
Prince Arin nodded. "Alright. Goodnight to both of you."
But outside the palace, hidden in the shadows, someone was watching. Grub, the greedy man, had seen everything. Earlier that day, he had seen Luna sitting with the Prince and the Minister. He remembered that long ago, when he had asked the Minister about his daughter, the Minister had told him that she had gone abroad for higher studies.
Now, Grub was confused. If she went abroad, how is she here now? he thought.
Something is strange. I should tell the people. Maybe they will believe me.
He quickly left the palace grounds. But as he was walking away, he heard Prince Arin's voice again. Grub stopped and hid in the shadows, listening.
The Prince was laughing and talking to the Minister. "Your daughter is just like you—kind and capable of learning anything quickly."
They continued chatting and laughing until the Minister and Luna left the palace. Grub stayed hidden, his mind racing. He still didn't understand what was going on.
The next morning, Minister Tom stood in the palace square. He was smiling and handing out sweets to the people.
He announced, "My daughter, Luna, has finished her studies abroad. She wrote to me and said she will return today."
The people were happy to hear the news. They had always liked Luna.
Just then, Grub pushed through the crowd and shouted, "He is lying! His daughter never went abroad and never studied anywhere! I saw her last night in the palace!"
The people looked at Grub. Some were confused. Others frowned.
Suddenly, from the kingdom gates, a cheerful voice rang out.
"Dad, I'm back!"
It was Luna. She entered the square, smiling brightly. She waved to everyone. Her timing was perfect, just as the Minister had said.
The people turned to look at Grub.
"You lied again," someone said.
"He always causes trouble," another person muttered.
From that day on, people stopped trusting Grub. Only a small group of people still believed him. The rest ignored his words.
Grub stood there, humiliated. But inside, he burned with jealousy and anger.
How did she arrive at the perfect moment? How did they plan this so well? he wondered.
He made up his mind. I must find out the truth.
So he started watching the Minister's house in secret. He stayed hidden behind trees and walls, hoping to catch something unusual.
Meanwhile, Luna quickly became popular in Brightvale. She was friendly, smart, and kind. People liked her at once.
She helped the elderly, played with children, and always had a kind word for everyone. Soon, people began to say, "She's just like her father."
Prince Arin often invited her to the palace. They would sit in the garden and talk for hours.
They talked about magic, the future of the kingdom, and everything they had seen in Lumora Magica.
Some people started whispering, "Will Luna become queen one day? She and the Prince look good together."
But not everyone was happy.
Grub's suspicion grew stronger. He remembered how Luna had entered the palace that night—through the Prince's private library.
*Maybe she never went abroad,he thought. Maybe there is a secret way they are using. I need to find it.
And so, Grub watched. And waited. His jealousy and curiosity only grew stronger.
But for now, the kingdom of Brightvale was at peace. Luna had returned, the people were joyful, and Prince Arin was home. Yet behind the smiles, secrets still waited to be uncovered.