Chapter 40: The Moonstone Necklace

“Jacques, I must tell you something,” Aeliana smiled brightly with a glow of mischief alight in her eyes. “There is an upcoming costume ball that my mother and I had been planning for ages. Given that she and I had planned for this for years before her passing, it is quite important to me. Since you know….” Aeliana’s voice trailed off as she hung her head guiltily.

“And what type of costume ball would that be, ...