Chapter 28: The Royal Banquet (1) The Entrance

Chapter 28: The Royal Banquet (1) The Entrance The soft glow of moonlight bathed the royal chamber, casting gentle shadows across the room as Mikhailis and Elowen sat by the open window, the cool night breeze brushing against their skin. Elowen rested her head on Mikhailis's shoulder, and her beautiful silver hair spilling like moonlit water down her back. They had shared an evening of quiet, simple conversation, enjoying the peace that settled between them, but there was an unspoken tension in the air. Mikhailis noticed it, of course. He always did. He has a talent in sensing things like this in the first place. He wasn't just an eccentric fool who rambled about insects and robots; he could read the atmosphere better than most. Elowen had been quieter than usual tonight, her golden eyes distant, thoughtful. He had let her have her silence, knowing that whatever weighed on her mind, she'd speak up when ready. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she let out a long, soft sigh, lifting her head from his shoulder. "Mikhailis..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper, yet there was a heaviness to it. "Mm?" he hummed, his eyes still on the stars outside, though his attention was fully on her now. She hesitated for a moment before turning her gaze to him, her golden eyes filled with something that looked like guilt. "I need to ask something of you." Mikhailis chuckled softly, turning to meet her eyes. "That sounds serious. What is it, wifey? You know you can ask me anything." His voice was light, playful as usual, but there was an undertone of seriousness, the one he used when he knew something important was about to drop. Elowen smiled faintly, but it didn't reach her eyes. She shifted slightly, sitting up straighter, and Mikhailis could tell this wasn't going to be the carefree banter they usually shared. "Tomorrow... you'll have to attend the royal banquet." Mikhailis then raised an eyebrow, trying to read between the lines. "A banquet? That doesn't sound so bad. Free food, fancy drinks, probably some boring speeches. Why do you look like you're sending me off to war?" Elowen's gaze dropped to her hands, which were nervously fidgeting in her lap. "It's not just any banquet, Mikhailis. It's... because of the poisoning yesterday." Her voice grew quieter, more serious. "Word has already spread. People are wondering if the Prince Consort is... alive. If we don't show you, rumors will spread. They'll think you're weak, or worse—dead. We can't show any sign of weakness, not now. Not when we're already so vulnerable." Mikhailis let her words sink in inside his head, feeling the weight of what she was saying. Then he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, and gave a soft chuckle. "So I'm supposed to parade around like everything's fine, huh? Smile, shake some hands, drink the wine, and make sure no one tries to stab me in the back?" Elowen looked up, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Mikhailis. I know I promised you wouldn't have to get involved in all this, that you could live comfortably without being dragged into the politics. But this... it can't be helped." Mikhailis's gaze softened as he reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "Hey, don't apologize. You're doing what you have to do to protect the kingdom, to protect us. And besides," he grinned. "Who says I don't want to go? You know, I could use a little excitement now and then. Maybe I'll make a grand entrance, charm the pants off everyone, and leave them wondering how they ever doubted me." Elowen blinked in surprise, then gave a small, genuine laugh, though it was tinged with a hint of sadness. "You always find a way to make things lighter, don't you?" Mikhailis just shrugged while flashing her that playful grin of his. "It's my job. And hey, I've faced worse than a bunch of stiff-necked nobles. A little banquet won't kill me. Probably." "You seem in good spirits for someone who was nearly poisoned." I always have the feeling that this girl is a peculiar one. Mikhailis shrugged and his grin widening. "Ah, well, you know. Breakfast has always been a bit dangerous. Keeps life exciting." Aelthrin chuckled softly, though there was a glint in his eye that suggested he was still carefully assessing Mikhailis. "I see your humor remains intact, Prince Consort. That's good. You'll need it tonight." Mikhailis raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why's that?" Before Aelthrin could answer, a new figure approached—an older man with a thin, wiry frame and a well-maintained beard streaked with gray. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned Mikhailis with an air of barely concealed curiosity. "Count Darien Levos," Elowen whispered softly to Mikhailis, her tone polite but cautious which hints for him to be careful. "One of the more... traditional members of the court." Mikhailis gave the count a charming smile, though he could feel the weight of the man's gaze. "Ah, Count Levos. Pleasure to meet you. How's the party treating you?" Count Levos smiled thinly, his eyes flickering between Mikhailis and Elowen. "Ah, Your Highness, it's been a delightful evening, though I must admit, I've been most curious to meet you in person. The queen, of course, is always busy with matters of state, and it seems you've been... otherwise occupied." Mikhailis chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I've been laying low. You know, catching up on some much-needed rest. I don't really have the healthiest body in the first place," The count's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Which is always a common thing in the place like this. "Yes, of course. But now that you're here, I imagine you'll be looking to get more involved in court life. After all, the queen can't be everywhere at once. It would be wise for you to... expand your social circle, your highness," Mikhailis could hear the subtext clearly. The count wasn't just making polite conversation—he was laying the groundwork for something else. Something political. He was trying to feel out Mikhailis, perhaps looking for an opportunity to insert himself—or someone else—into Mikhailis's life. Rodion's voice warned in his ear. Yeah, right. I know that much. Mikhailis smiled, his eyes twinkling with a playful light. "Oh, I don't know. I'm pretty happy with my current company." He glanced at Elowen, squeezing her hand gently. "She keeps me busy enough, I'm afraid," Count Levos's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though his smile remained polite. "Ah, but surely the queen has many duties that keep her from... more personal matters. It wouldn't do for a prince consort to be left unattended, would it?" Here it comes. The battle of words.