Raphael

-----------

The banquet hall looked more lively today. Not all the guests have arrived yet, as the holiday will take place only tomorrow, but it was already quite crowded. I scanned the hall with my eyes, but I didn’t see a single representative of Adaman. It was curious, it was unlikely that such a powerful country was not sent an invitation. What does old Pegins do?

I noticed for myself that the entire royal family was already here, including this suspicious Crown Prince, who had not taken his gaze off me from the moment Madeleine and I entered. I gave him an even more contemptuous look, grinning. Arrogant little idiot, is he thinking of competing with me? The fool.

The day before, the King and Queen of Sardon arrived, as well as the Crown Prince of Easthev. The atmosphere at the table was restrained and it was understandable. In light of the latest news, everyone was taking a wait-and-see defensive position. Almost everyone who is going to attend the celebration will be probing the ground so that the war does not pass into his territory. Cowards are shameful, spineless weak people.

There was a ringing sound of a spoon hitting a glass, with which the king attracted the attention of those present.

- It’s been a long time since we gathered in such a composition. But this is the first time this is happening on our territory. Therefore, I am very glad that you have accepted our invitation. - The king replied in a light tone. – I hope you enjoy today’s treats.

The queen supported her husband with a raised glass and smiled dazzlingly, revealing even teeth. Everyone at the table was courteous to greet the hosts of the banquet.

I remained in the same comfortable position, crossing my legs and twirling a glass of red liquid in my hand. Giving a slight smile to the royal couple, I raised my glass slightly and nodded, showing my concern. Why was there a circus with all these exclamations? Hypocrisy.

I knew almost everyone present, even if not personally, then indirectly, thanks to my spies. But this woman in front of me was completely unfamiliar to me. She was the only one who never looked in my direction, as if deliberately avoiding me. On the contrary, it attracted my increased attention to her even more.

- Why all this rant, we are all glad to be here. It’s a great honor, brother! – I called him "brother" with emphasis, although he was not.

But it sounded so informal and insulting to him that his whole face twisted in displeasure for a second. Teasing him even more, I smiled radiantly, narrowing my eyes. We’re not going to play best friends here, are we? Let’s get this tedium over with already.

- I heard about your grief. It’s terrible, honestly. Losing your beloved daughter... Do you already have any leads on who might be involved in this? - I asked, rubbing my chin.

The voices at the table quieted down, everyone looked at the king and me in turn, running their eyes and listening to every rustle. How long will Riliya be able to make rumors out of this incident? This caused a wave of laughter and schadenfreude in me.

With a loud bang of a glass falling on the table, someone who was more than interested in getting the princess back intervened in the conversation.

- What do you mean? - "the word serpent" hissed the Marquis of Stonberg. The one who was supposed to take my Thea to wife. – Who even believes these stupid rumors? The princess is fine, she has now taken time to relax away from the palace, before the upcoming wedding.

I looked at this idiot with undisguised mockery.

The very thought that he could put his dirty hands on my innocent girl made me want to tear off his head along with his spine. Out of irritation, I squeezed the glass so hard in my hand that it cracked and broke, pouring wine on the plate and tablecloth. I jerked my hand, shaking the wine and blood from my hand from the embedded shard.

- What fragile glasses. I said, without taking my eyes off the Marquis. – Well, it’s great that she chose to rest. I will be happy if you do not refuse me an invitation to the wedding.

The Marquis gritted his teeth, playing with the muscles on his plump cheeks.

- Absolutely. – he muttered.

The servants were already hurrying to clean up the table and replace the new dishes, and Madeleine was fussing excitedly next to me, worrying about my hand. I jerked the napkin out from under the plate and wrapped her hand, hiding the wound, which instantly healed.

- It’s all right, milady. It’s just a small scratch, strong men don’t die from this. – I encouraged her with a slight smile, and she instantly blushed from embarrassment at the proximity of our faces.

- These crazy rumors have filled Riliya, but perhaps this is how the resistance is trying to undermine my power. In any case, everything is fine and not even worth talking about. - King Horel replied matter–of-factly.

This "caring" father was just the last garbage under feet and not worthy of me to return his daughter to him. Judging by the expression on the Crown Prince’s face, he was very unhappy with how his father was covering up this obvious problem, but today he was dumb as a fish.

- Well, since we are talking about such a pleasant topic as invitations, then... King Raphael, when will you honor us with an invitation to your kingdom? - Queen Lilian asked smugly, gently stroking her husband’s knee under the table. – Your country has been isolated for a long time, isn’t it time to become more open to the world?

- As soon as possible, so immediately. – I answered her without a shadow of a smile. – To do this, I must make sure that you are worthy of this invitation.

- Do you consider us unworthy? – she asked with offended curiosity. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

- I think that so far you do not inspire me with confidence. That’s why I’m here today to dispel all my doubts and accept you as my friends. I hope it will be mutual.

This queen is not as simple as it seems at first glance. She skillfully pulls the blanket to her side. But I’m not a fool to let a snake into my lair either.

- Of course, we accept you as a dear guest. These two days should fully show you our hospitability.

- So be it. – I bowed my head slightly, expressing my agreement with her words.

- Your Majesty, where is your advisor, Milord Burton? I haven’t seen him since last night. – asked the question of the second daughter of the Riliya`s king, who was already looking with all her eyes in search of her object of adoration.

- Sorry I didn’t inform you earlier, but there were some issues that he needs to resolve as soon as possible, so I sent him back. - Xana instantly looked haggard and the corners of her lips drooped sadly.

I felt like the main person of this meeting, considering that all the questions were addressed to me. What an honor. The heads of other countries must have felt like outsiders in this conversation.

So I hurried to retreat away from this attention and busied myself stuffing my stomach with food. The meat was dry and stood up in the middle of the throat, completely tasteless. They should execute this cook.

Finally, when the others joined in the active discussions, I managed to clear my mind about outsiders and think about Thea.

Some time ago, I clearly felt her presence again, it was like a balm for my soul. This girl will make me get gray hair ahead of time.

I desperately wanted to leave this place and go to her. And my hand itched to spank her for her recklessness. I told her to sit still. What does she do there?