The next morning, Elysia found herself standing in the grand hall of the palace, watching as the courtiers and nobles filed into their seats. The air was thick with anticipation, the murmur of voices rising and falling like the tide. The Queen's Banquet was a yearly tradition, an event that showcased the opulence of the palace and reminded everyone of the queen's eternal rule.
But for Elysia, it was another reminder of how little control she had over her own life.
As the courtiers sat, she made her way to the back of the room, her eyes scanning the sea of faces. Seraphine, the queen's trusted adviser, was already seated at the queen's side, her expression as serene and composed as ever. But Elysia noticed the faint tension in the lines of her face, the way her fingers clutched the edge of her glass, as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded.
Elysia's thoughts were interrupted when Dante appeared beside her, his presence as imposing as always. His dark eyes briefly flicked toward the queen before meeting hers.
"You should sit," he said, his voice low. "It's not wise to stay at the edges."
"I'm fine," Elysia replied, a little too quickly. "I just want to watch."
Dante's gaze lingered on her, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned and moved to stand with the rest of the guards, his eyes constantly scanning the room for any sign of trouble.
Elysia let out a quiet sigh. The banquet was never just a celebration—it was a performance. A way for the queen to remind everyone of her power and control. Every word, every glance, was calculated to keep them all in line.
But as the feast began and the guests grew comfortable, Elysia noticed something unsettling. Malcor, the dark sorcerer who had long been a shadow at the queen's side, seemed to be watching the proceedings with a calculating gaze. He exchanged quiet words with Seraphine, but their conversation was far too discreet for anyone else to overhear.
The queen's gaze swept across the room, her eyes lingering on Elysia for a moment. There was something in the queen's expression—something cold—that made Elysia shiver.
"I see you're still here, Princess," the queen's voice rang out, smooth and honeyed, pulling Elysia back into the present. "You don't often join us for these occasions."
Elysia met the queen's gaze, her heart skipping a beat. "I thought it was important to observe, Your Majesty."
The queen smiled, but it was a smile that never reached her eyes. "Ah, always the observer. I admire that in you, my dear. But remember, observation is a dangerous game. You may learn too much."
The threat was clear, though it was wrapped in kindness.
Before Elysia could respond, she felt a presence behind her. Dante stepped closer, his voice barely a whisper. "Watch Seraphine."
Elysia's brow furrowed, but she didn't turn around. She could feel the tension between the two advisers—Seraphine and Malcor. There was something off about their interactions, something that didn't sit right with her.
But then, as if sensing her gaze, Seraphine turned. Her eyes locked with Elysia's, and for a brief moment, there was something almost pleading in her look. Elysia could see the weight of something heavy in her expression, but before she could interpret it, the moment passed, and Seraphine was back to her serene mask.
"I don't trust them," Dante muttered, his voice low but full of conviction. "Both of them."
Elysia's gaze flicked between Seraphine and Malcor, her curiosity piqued. "Why?"
"They're playing a game," Dante replied, his eyes narrowing. "And you're not meant to know the rules."
As the evening continued, the tension in the room thickened, but there was another undercurrent Elysia couldn't ignore. The connection between Dante and Seraphine was palpable. Every time their eyes met, it was as if they shared a secret, a silent understanding. Elysia wasn't sure what it meant, but it only added to the growing sense of unease that gnawed at her.