Two days later, the summit concluded, and on the thirteenth evening, the Royal banquet, hosted by the Othinian Royal family for the foreign delegates, was underway. Drayce and Seren, adorned in their regal attire representing the Kingdom of Megaris, stood prepared for the event. Drayce, ever patient, awaited Seren's arrival at the foyer, affording her ample time to prepare.
Yorian approached Drayce, his expression one of concern. "King Drayce, your dear friend King Samer will be attending the banquet. His attention might be drawn to your wife."
Drayce's response was curt, his tone colder than usual. "I view it as the Kingdom of Thevailes embracing a blind king for the first time."
"Spectacle, indeed," Yorian remarked with a hint of amusement.
At that moment, Seren descended the staircase, capturing Drayce's unwavering attention. As she reached him, he wasted no time in offering his praise. "You look beautiful, my Queen."
"Thank you, Dray," she replied warmly, light blush covering her cheek under the veil. So many times he had said the same thing but every time it felt different and new to her.
Yorian, with a teasing smile, gestured towards a veiled woman standing a few steps behind Seren. "And who might this other enchanting lady be?"
Seren introduced her, "She is Oriana."
Yorian chuckled playfully as if acting like he didn't know that was Oriana, "No wonder she captivates, even with wearing a veil."
Drayce shot Yorian a warning look. "Perhaps you should redirect your gaze to more appropriate matters."
She even went ahead and introduced the two with Oriana given the fake name of lady Ria Burton and position of Seren's lady-in-waiting. Arlan continued to act as if he didn't recognise Oriana.
Just then, Cian arrived, having been abandoned by Arlan the moment he caught sight of Oriana in the room. "Prince Arlan, abandoning me without a word? To think you'd even patiently wait for your turn to greet these two," Cian said, his tone civil despite the playful glint in his eyes as his gaze swept past Oriana, "is there an urgent matter that requires your attention?"
Arlan met Cian's gaze squarely. "I believe it's Prince Cian who has pressing matters to address. Perhaps you should focus on your own affairs rather than meddling in mine."
As if on cue, Cian glanced in the direction of the people gathered near the far end of the hall, a vague smile hanging on his lips.
The presence of Princess Ayira Nefertiti of Othinia captivated Cian from the moment she entered the room. Clad in traditional Othinian princess attire, she exuded an unmatched beauty, a stark contrast to her bold and untamed demeanor outside in the wilderness. Here, she embodied the epitome of royal refinement, accompanied by one of her brothers, the second prince of Othinia.
As others gradually dispersed, leaving only King Drayce and Queen Seren of Megaris, with Arlan lingering by their side due to Oriana's presence, a silver-haired king approached them.
"Good evening, King Drayce," he greeted warmly, his gaze momentarily captivated by Seren's stunning purple eyes. "Your Majesty, Queen Seren."
Just as he had heard, this woman truly had the most beautiful eyes and even her presence felt pleasant. The way she looked at him, he could guess she was wary of him and it made her eyes appear even more beautiful like an innocent kitten. That portrait he had, could not capture the true beauty of her eyes. She must be a true beauty.
He felt like removing that veil from her face and taking a look at her beautiful face.
Drayce, ever vigilant, stepped forward, subtly obstructing Samer's view of Seren, and returned the greeting. "Good evening, King Samer."