The music of the banquet floated through the grand hall, the golden light from the chandeliers reflecting off polished marble floors.
Servants moved quietly between the long tables, filling goblets and refilling platters of roasted meats, fruits, and sweet pastries.
King Aden lifted his cup, his deep voice carrying over the laughter and chatter.
"Tonight, we celebrate the joining of the Celestial Realm and the Drakonis Realm. May this union bring peace and strength to both our worlds!"
The guests raised their cups, cheering. Rhynera walked back inside and sat beside Adam, her lips curved into a sweet smile that did not reach her eyes. Her maid Mia lingered behind her chair, ready for any quiet signal.
At the high table, Crown Prince Adam and Princess Rhynera sat side by side in their place of honor.
On the opposite side, close to the king’s end of the table, Ashen and beside him, is Lumina.
Lady Serena had been seated lower down the table, but her eyes had not left the royal pair. At last, she rose gracefully.
"Princess Rhynera," she called softly, her voice carrying enough to draw the attention of those nearby. Only then did Rhynera, still basking in the formalities of her new marriage, realize Serena was speaking across Adam’s side.
Serena stepped closer, her movements unhurried, and stopped beside Rhynera’s seat. With a courteous bow, she lifted the small porcelain cup she held.
"I would like to pour for you the tea of longevity and union," she said with a pleasant smile.
Rhynera’s brows lifted ever so slightly, her fingers curling against the armrest. Serena’s smile deepened, as though enjoying the unspoken challenge.
"You may not know," Serena added lightly, "but Crown Prince Adam has always been like an elder brother to me. It would please me greatly to bless this union with my own hands."
Adam’s jaw tightened, and though he kept his eyes forward, a faint stiffness betrayed him.
Rhynera had little choice. Though her smile was strained, she reached forward and accepted the cup.
"Thank you for your blessing," she said smoothly, her tone sweet though edged with steel. After a pause, she added, "I can see you have come all this way for tonight’s celebration. I shall make sure to have a space prepared for you in our chambers, so you will not be troubled by travel or weariness."
Her words dripped with courtesy, but beneath them lay a quiet warning, one that did not go unnoticed by those who were watching closely.
Serena only inclined her head with calm elegance, as though she had won the first move of a much larger game.
"Thanks a lot Princess Rhynera... it is such an honour to have you as the crown princess who cares about her people."
Across the table, Stella stood just behind Lumina’s seat. She leaned forward slightly, her voice low so only Lumina could hear.
"My lady... I followed Rhynera earlier. She is planning something for Serena tonight. She means to ruin her."
Lumina’s eyes shifted from her plate to Stella’s face. "How?" she asked in the same quiet tone.
"I heard her tell Mia to prepare a man in Adam’s chambers," Stella said. "They want Serena caught with him before morning."
Ashen’s arm, draped casually over the back of Lumina’s chair, tightened slightly. He had noticed the hushed tone between his wife and her maid, but he stayed silent, his gaze calmly sweeping the room.
Lumina’s voice softened as she spoke. "Then we will change her plan." She glanced at the goblet in front of Rhynera. "Switch her drink with the one meant for Serena."
Stella’s lips twitched into a quick smirk. "As you wish, my lady."
l Stella picked up a tray from a passing servant, using it as her excuse to weave through the tables. She stopped briefly behind Mia, pretending to check on the table settings.
"Pretty night for mischief," Stella said quietly. Mia barely glanced at her. "Mind your business, Stella."
But Stella’s hand moved fast; one quick lift of the goblet, she switched from the tray she carried.
The liquid shimmered in the golden light as she set it down in front of Rhynera without a single sound. Mia didn’t even notice, too focused on watching Rhynera’s hand signals toward Adam.
A few moments later, Stella returned to Lumina’s side. "It’s done," she whispered.
Lumina only reached for her own cup and raised it with the rest when King Aden proposed another toast. Ashen, watching her, could tell she was hiding something, but he let it be.
If she wanted him to know, she would tell him in her own time. He would stand by her regardless.
The feast continued with laughter and clinking glasses. After some time, Serena stood gracefully and bowed to the king.
"Your Majesties, I thank you for your hospitality. I will take my leave for the night."
King Aden looked thoughtful. "It is late, and the roads will be dark. Why not rest in the palace? Adam’s guest chambers are well prepared like the crown princess had offered."
Rhynera’s smile sharpened. "That is a wonderful idea, Father." She gave a small nod to Mia.
But before Mia could even move to carry out the next part of their plan, Rhynera shifted in her seat, fanning herself.
"It is... very warm in here," she murmured, her voice slightly uneven. She reached for her goblet again, draining it faster than before.
Adam’s brow furrowed. "Rhynera, are you.."
"I am fine," she interrupted, but her face had begun to flush, and a strange stiffness had entered her posture. She tried to rise from her chair, but her movement was clumsy, almost awkward.
Murmurs spread through the table. King Aden’s frown deepened. "I think the night has gone on long enough. We will end here."
The guests stood and Adam rose and caught Rhynera’s arm firmly, his expression polite but his voice low.
"Don’t you dare embarrass and ruin my reputation." He led her away from the table, her steps unsteady.
Ashen stood without a word and bent to lift Lumina easily into his arms. She allowed it, her lips curving in the faintest smirk as her gaze followed Rhynera’s stumbling retreat.
From the dais, King Aden leaned toward King Ryker, his voice low but carrying a note of approval. "Your daughter is changing him, bit by bit. I like what I see."
The queens, seated nearby, kept their smiles in place, but their eyes were cold.
At last, when the noise of the hall was far behind Ashen, Ashen asked in a low voice.
Lumina only tightened her arms around his neck, her cheek pressed to his chest. A mischievous laugh trembled against him.
"Hey... I am not that bad," she murmured. "You don’t expect me to act badly every single time."
Ashen’s brow furrowed. He did not believe her words for a moment.
"Lumina," he muttered, still walking toward their chambers, "you never let things go. Besides... We are husband and wife now. We share the same goal. Do not keep me in the dark."
Lumina turned her face against his chest, hiding her expression, her voice a muffled whisper.
"Switch the drink meant for Lady Serena with that of Rhynera."
Ashen stopped in his tracks, his boots striking the stone sharply. His eyes widened, his breath caught.
"What?" His voice echoed through the corridor, causing the guards and maids nearby to freeze in shock.
"Shh, don’t shout," Lumina mumbled, her fingers tugging lightly at his collar as though to quiet him.
Ashen blinked, still trying to understand the weight of what she had just confessed. His heart thundered, but before he could press her further, she tilted her head closer and whispered again, her tone playful yet sharp.
"Let’s wait for tomorrow... and enjoy the drama together."
Ashen stood speechless, staring down at her, torn between disbelief and the knowledge that his wife always meant her words.