36: 36 The Banquet

36 The Banquet

It was the first time I had seen the palace so lively. The palace, which was always silent and cold, was suddenly surrounded by flowers, wine, and candlelight. The waiters walked through the hall, serving the nobles in their fancy clothes. 2

I stood on the balcony on the second floor, looking down at the guests through the white veil. The women were graceful in their postures and the men were gentle in their manner. They gathered together in twos and threes, greeting each other politely and warmly. There were some old men in the simplest white robes. They may look like ordinary old people, but everyone knows they are the most powerful elders of all the nobles.

These people were born with noble blood and status. Their every move was elegant and standard. Who would be the betrayer? I thought to myself.

"Sis, the banquet is about to start. Susana says His Highness is waiting for you in Hall of Mirrors."

Vivian pushed the door open, and I calmed myself down and walked over to her. She held my hand. My high heels make my feet tense and I have to slow down every step I take.

The Hall of Mirrors is the most special part of the palace. It was an extremely large room, almost big enough to accommodate a small army. The Hall of Mirrors has a circular dome with a portrait of the Moon goddess. The walls are embossed with black columns, and countless irregular mirrors are set into the walls, ceiling, and floor with dark gold patterns. The crystal light on the roof is reflected by the lens, and the whole house is like a dream paradise.

The crowd gathered in the hall. Two high-backed leather seats sit on a raised platform, one in pure white and the other in pure black, with Kral seated. To Kral's right, the white-robed elders sat in their seats, while the rest of the group stood in silence in the hall.

"Delia is here!" The guard pulled open the heavy door, the brass one rattling. I meet everyone's eyes, step on the carpet on the ground, and then step by step towards the Kral.

Countless eyes on me, as if the light in my collection. I heard a lot of people whispering in each other's ears. They were small and clear.

“Is she our future queen? Her beauty is amazing.”

"She's the daughter of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack."

"I heard that on the day she returned to the city with the prince, the whole city went to admire her beauty. It seems that our future queen is very popular with the public."

"Oh, His Highness must like her very much. Did you see the Crown on her head? It was the crown of the last Queen."

........

I walked gracefully, looking out of the corner of my eye at the faces of the nobles reflected in the mirror. But I kept looking only at Kral, ignoring anyone's glances.

We are a team now. You give me what I want and I will give you what you want.

I keep thinking about what Kral said last night. His deep eyes looked into my heart and made me listen to him almost unconditionally.

Kral wore a scarlet velvet cloak. His snow-white shirt gleamed faintly in the light. His legs were crossed, the lines of his legs visible under his black trousers, and the gold pattern on his boots gave him a touch of dignity. He slouched back in his chair, his dark hair neatly combed to reveal his handsome, sharp face. His hands were on the armrests on either side, his knuckles tapping slowly, staring into my face.

The corners of his mouth curled up, and his eyes were full of smiles. Lycan has an acute sense of hearing, and I think the guests' reactions pleased him.

I slowly took my seat in the white leather chair with a high back. I could see the faces of all the people in the Hal. They looked up at me respectfully.

It's just that I'm sitting at the top, so I see a completely different face.

"Delia, you never cease to amaze me." Kral looks at me sideways. His deep, languid voice reached my ears.

I dare not look him in the eye. I could have pretended to be calm, but somehow Kral's simple words made my ears turn red. I bit my lip and looked at my shy face in the mirror.

A white-robed old man rang the bell on the table and the hall became quiet again.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said the old man, looking into the crowd. His old but powerful voice echoed around, "Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the return of our prince to the palace. More importantly, we are here to celebrate the fact that our prince has chosen his future wife! Let us raise a glass to celebrate His Highness!"

The old man picked up his crystal goblet and gestured to the crowd. All of them raised their glasses to salute Kral and me on the stage.

The smell of alcohol wafted through the air, and I kept smiling as the crowd began to greet us onstage in twos.

"The Duke of Cornwall and his wife send their regards to his Royal Highness and Delia."

“The Earl of Angus and his wife send their regards to his Royal Highness and Delia.”

“Lady Anna and her husband send their regards to her Royal Highness and Delia.”

.......

An elder recited the names of the nobles who had come to salute. The women all bowed gracefully, and the men bowed slightly with their hands on their chests. Kral watched the salutes with a proud look on his face, not saying a word, while I kept a smile on my face and kept a warm smile, as Susana had taught me.

The smile on my face was almost numb. At this time, a woman came forward alone. She has good facial features, her pure black eyes full of mystery. She wore a shoulder-length red dress with a long silver chain around her waist, and her long red wavy hair fell down in an arrogant manner.

I looked at what she was wearing and then at my own clothes, and I had a strange feeling.

She saluted alone, and the servant seemed troubled by her irregular salutations, but hesitantly said, “Catherine sends his regards to Her Highness and to Delia.”

She raised her long eyebrows and didn't step down after the salute. She looked at me defiantly and said, "Delia, I heard something. I was wondering if you could help me out."

"Stand down, Catherine!"

Willam, dressed in a white robe, stood up suddenly and shouted at Catherine.

But Catherine didn't listen to him. People's curious eyes gradually converged on me. I swallowed nervously and glanced at the silent Lord Kral, who merely squinted at Catherine.

"Go ahead, Catherine," I had to say.

There was an evil smile in her black eyes, and she lifted her proud chin. "Have you ever heard of a werewolf without a wolf?"

There was a buzz of discussion. My heart tight.

pqdm.com