During Dinner.
Rara remained seated beside the queen, but her gaze was firmly fixed on the king. Her posture was respectful, but her attention was unmistakably on him, her eyes darting occasionally to catch his reactions.
Her movements were delicate, like a devoted daughter eager to please. She had learned from the morning's encounter that the queen's temper was not something to be trifled with, and she was determined to avoid provoking another outburst.
Despite her focus on the king, she occasionally turned to the queen with a sweet smile, though her attentiveness was clearly directed elsewhere.
The queen, who had been in high spirits that morning, was now visibly displeased.
Her expression was a mix of frustration and resignation as she watched Rara's overt attempts to gain the king's favor. The air around her felt charged, as though her displeasure could manifest physically.
The meal itself seemed to lose its appeal for the queen. The once-delicious food now tasted bland and unappetizing. Each bite was a reminder of the tension at the table, and she struggled to suppress her irritation as she poked at her plate with a fork.
Her gaze, which would normally be soft and warm, was now a piercing glare directed at the king, who appeared blissfully unaware of the brewing storm.
The other guests at the table watched in a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. Consort Watelonu, sipping her wine with a calculating look, noted the queen's reaction and Rara's overtures.
She saw an opportunity in Rara's attempt to curry favor with the king and contemplated how she could use this situation to her advantage. If Rara were on her side, she mused, it could significantly alter the power dynamics in the court.
Consort Watelonu's eyes were sharp as she observed Rara's every move. The way Rara interacted with the king, her expressions of adoration, and her calculated charm were all carefully noted.
Watelonu's gaze occasionally shifted to the queen, savoring the discomfort and jealousy radiating from her. The queen's displeasure was evident, but so was Rara's determination. It was a silent battle of wills playing out before their eyes.
Prince Ariel watched with a mix of amazement and a tinge of envy. The king, usually so stern and unyielding with his own children, was now giving Rara an adoring gaze that was rarely seen.
Ariel couldn't help but compare the king's reaction to his own sons, feeling a pang of jealousy at the seemingly effortless charm Rara exuded.
Prince Ariel was struck by the disparity. The king's warm, indulgent look toward Rara contrasted sharply with his usual distant demeanor towards his own sons. The realization stung, and Ariel found himself grappling with emotions he hadn't fully acknowledged before.
Concubine Beanilda sat quietly, her mind racing as she took in the scene. She saw the queen's visible discomfort and the calculating look in Consort Watelonu's eyes.
Beanilda knew she needed to act quickly if she wanted to shift the balance of power in her favor. She understood the subtlety of court politics and realized that any delay could cost her dearly.
She could sense the queen's longing and frustration, as well as Watelonu's ambition. The dynamics of female rivalry and ambition were laid bare, and Beanilda knew she had to position herself strategically to avoid being sidelined. If she didn't act soon, she would find herself left behind.
On the Balcony.
Later that evening, Rara stood alone on the balcony, wrapped in a sense of melancholy as she gazed at the moon and stars. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the palace inside, and she found solace in the quiet expanse of the night sky.
The memories of her parents, their voices, and their comforting presence weighed heavily on her.
As she hugged herself for warmth, tears threatened to spill. Arabella had mentioned that the chosen one would stay for three days, but Rara knew the truth—that she would be in the palace until her true purpose was revealed.
Despite possessing Hara's body, her emotions and memories from her own life intertwined with Hara's, creating a poignant sense of loss.
Suddenly, she felt a warm, enveloping sensation as a thick coat was draped over her shoulders. Startled, she turned to see Prince Ariel standing behind her. The sight of him, with a concerned expression, momentarily pulled her from her thoughts.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise and gratitude.
"Wear this. I saw you standing out here in the cold without a coat. Don't you want to keep warm?" Prince Ariel said, his frown deepening with genuine concern.
Rara had been so absorbed in her own feelings that she hadn't realized how cold she had become. Grateful for the warmth, she accepted the coat and managed a thankful smile. "Thank you, Prince Ariel."
Prince Ariel's concern was palpable. He noticed her need for solitude and decided to give her space, retreating to the adjacent room. The balcony connecting their rooms allowed him to keep an eye on her while respecting her privacy.
While taking a stroll around the palace, Chief Lisun's voice was firm and unyielding. "Tomorrow, all guards will run 100 laps around the palace for a week," he declared, his tone brooking no argument.
This was decided after Assistant Panda reported that a few guards were late for their duty.
Assistant Panda's face went pale as he heard the order. The thought of enduring such a grueling punishment made him feel faint. "Chief, I... I'm not feeling well. I need to return to the dormitory and rest," he said, trying to sound as sincere as possible.
Chief Lisun's gaze remained cold and resolute. "200 laps, then."
Panda, his energy seemingly restored by the urgency of the situation, quickly made an excuse. "I'm fine! I'll patrol the palace gate first!" With that, he bolted out of there as if propelled by a sudden surge of adrenaline.
Assistant Bear, who had been observing, couldn't suppress a chuckle. His amusement was cut short when he noticed a dark figure descending from above. "Chief, be careful!" he shouted, pushing towards Chief Lisun.
But it was too late. The figure landed heavily on Chief Lisun, pinning him to the ground. Assistant Bear prepared to intervene but stopped short when he recognized the person's face. His entire body tensed with alarm, and he took several cautious steps back, his mind racing to assess the situation.