The Banquet (Part 2)
As Orion and Elara entered the large banquet hall, their eyes opened in slight awe. The hall was a work of opulence, its expansive interior decorated with descending crystal chandeliers that filtered a warm, golden light. The arched, vaulted ceiling was frescoed with entrancing heavenly designs, the effect being like a star-filled night sky. Tapered pillars inlaid along the hall sides, each adorned with intricate golden embroidery, while the floors sparkled like fine obsidian, mirroring the blinding light.
Elegant servants glided effortlessly among guests, bearing silver trays laden with a variety of starters and refreshments. The scent of fine delicacies wafted through the air—roasted meats smothered in honey, buttered pastries, and sweet fruit wines. Guests dressed in luxurious finery were in animated conversations, their laughter and chatter creating a harmonious symphony. Noblewomen in flowing gowns clustered in small groups, exchanging pleasantries, while men dressed in regal suits debated politics, business, and cultivation.
As more visitors slowly made their way in, the hall grew even more colorful, a pageant of status and riches. Orion's keen eyes scanned the hall for his mothers, but they were not to be seen. His eyebrows furrowed in slight concern. They must be coming later. perhaps with Father?
Next to him, Elara pulled gently at his sleeve. "Let's have something to eat."
He nodded. "Right."
They proceeded to a huge buffet table laden with an assortment of starters beautifully arranged in artistic perfection. Plates of honey-glazed meat skewers, golden-crusted pastries, and spiced seafood were laid out in beautiful arrangements, their smell teasing. Orion grabbed a tiny platter, taking a sample of dishes, while Elara did the same. They proceeded to a quiet corner, standing side by side, enjoying the heavenly flavours.
As the hours went by, more and more guests came, their lavish clothes announcing their rank. The children of great houses mingled in groups, smiling with courteous words or sipping expensive wines. The mood was refined yet vibrant, a great presentation of aristocratic poise.
"I didn't think there'd be that many here," Elara whispered between mouthfuls, looking around at the increasingly large crowd.
Orion smirked. "A virtuous feast is simply a battlefield, but with silk gloves rather than swords."
Even before Elara could say anything, the room was filled with a slight change in ambiance. A party of young nobles had arrived, and their presence commanded attention.
After a while, a familiar presence appeared in the hall.
Edric and Arin Vale entered, their presence immediately commanding attention. Edric, the older one, was dressed in a black and gold embroidered tunic, his jet-black hair slicked back, his sharp features radiating confidence. Arin, younger but equally elegant, wore a deep navy outfit that highlighted his piercing blue eyes—eyes that were the same as those of their mother, Lady Sera.
Beside them were some of their peers, sons and daughters of high-ranking nobles. Their smartly pressed clothing and neatly honed smiles bespoke their ranks. But his eye falls upon woman standing in between their circle -- Lysandra Voss.
With golden-blonde locks falling about her back in flowing curls and emerald-green eyes glinting like cut gems, she was stunningly gorgeous. She had on a pale green dress that clung to her curves elegantly, the fine silver embroidery on the bodice highlighting her refined features. The off-shoulder style exposed her smooth collarbones, and the flowing material of her dress gave her an otherworldly quality. Each movement she made had a noble air of elegance, as if she was destined to draw attention.
As they walked in, Edric and Arin's eyes naturally fell on Orion and Elara, who were still savoring their appetizers at a corner table. Then both of them barely gave Orion and Elara a passing glance, laughing scornfully under his breath. In superior disdain, he took his group away, going out of his way to ignore them altogether.
Lysandra, though, lingered.
Her eyes collided with Orion's for an instant—brief, but revealing. A gentle, courteous nod in its wake was accompanied by a faint smile.
Orion, as ever in control, acknowledged the nod from politeness. Elara, who stood by his side, did the same, though the smile that flashed on her face was colder.
Lysandra turned and was lost in the crowd of nobles.
Orion breathed, prepared to bite into his pastry again—
Then, a familiar figure awakened behind him. A sweet perfume of flowers mixed with a playfully teasing heat sent a ripple up his backbone.
He swung around—only to be welcomed by a gleaming, naughty smile.
A woman faced him, her stature commanding but roguish. Her Black Hair was drawn into a stylish topknot, with some errant strands setting off her gentle face. Her Golden eyes twinkled with wicked glee, and her deep-red painted lips smiled in a tantalizing curve. She was clad in a breathtaking scarlet gown that highlighted every curve of her body, the material hugging in precisely the right areas. A slender gold chain lay on her dainty collarbone, giving her already dramatic look a touch of elegance.
Orion blinked. "Laura?"
She laughed, inclining her head. "Surprised?"
He breathed out, tilting his head in a slight shake. "Yes, as a matter of fact. By the way, why are you here?"
Before Laura could answer, Elara's piercing voice sliced in. "Yes. And how did you manage to get in?"
Laura shifted towards Elara, her smile growing wider. "Oh, dear Elara," she drawled, stressing the word. "I was invited by Aunt Sera, naturally."
Elara's eye flickered. The way Laura so casually spoke of her mother—it annoyed her more than it ought to.
Laura appeared to enjoy Elara's response, her golden eyes sparkling with mirth.
Orion let out a sigh, feeling the tension. "Okay, so Mother Sera invited you. But why?"
Laura set a hand on her hip, pouting theatrically. "What? Are you not glad to see me?"
Orion caught her response, but when he opens his mouth uttered something. But –
"Then it's okay," Laura cut in with a wink.
Orion didn't get a chance to answer, as she looked at his plate and grinned. "Oh, Honey and almond pastry! My favorite!" With no hesitation at all, she picked off a small bite from his plate and into her mouth it went, her face a picture of pure bliss.
Orion's eyes widened in surprise. "Hey—what are you doing?"
Laura cocked her head angelically. "You don't, see? I'm eating."
Elara's temper broke. "Hey! How could you steal food off Brother Orion's plate?! If you want something, take a servant's plate!"
Laura glanced at Elara with a flirtatious smile. "Oh? I just figured I would get to know your brother better. While dining from his plate.
Orion got his head a little woozy at Laura's flirtatious voice, while Elara was seething.
"You—! You don't have to go near my brother!" she bit out.
Laura cocked her head in pretended innocence. "Why not?"
Elara was about to strike back before a voice boomed through the hallway.
"Announcing the arrival of Lord Viscount Theo Vale, Lady Sera Vale, and Lady Celia Vale!"
Every head turned toward the formal entrance as the three individuals walked in.
Viscount Theo, wearing a rich golden robe with delicate black embroidery, strode with a commanding, powerful presence. His keen black eyes swept the room with indifference, his jet-black hair combed back neatly. While irresistibly handsome, there was an iciness in his eyes, an affectless detachment that rendered him inaccessible.
Lady Sera and Lady Celia walked with easy elegance beside him.
Lady Sera, wearing a sapphire-blue gown, was stunning. The silk material hugged her body beautifully, accentuating her elegance and regal presence. Her bluish-white hair fell in soft waves, and her deep blue eyes exuded an aura of intelligence and inner strength.
Lady Celia, however, had on a beautiful white gown with silver threads. The off-shoulders left her fair, unblemished skin on full display, and the way the gown fell over her body gave her an otherworldly look. She was soft but authoritative enough to be able to hold any man's heart in her palm.
In the kingdom of Eldora, where people who were highly cultured stayed young looking despite their years, age could barely be discerned. The women looked like they had not grown old ever, their radiance eternal and impenetrable.
All three arrived at the center of the hall and greeted by a unison of bowing nobles.
"Hello, Lord Viscount! Hello, My Ladies!"
Viscount Theo merely nodded, his face impassive, but Lady Sera and Lady Celia smiled and gave their greeting in turn.
And with that, the grand feast was formally start.