——————————
At the brazen banquet
after once again changing clothes to the same kind of out fit . Kinsley worked her magic upon my wind blown hair it looked presentable for the banquet. I let a deep breath as I entered the dining hall . Honestly not knowing what to expect beyond these doors. Everyone in the room stopped instantly what they were doing and silently stared. I should feel nervous under the weight of all these cold stares but not me ..I steeled my spine and confidently strolled in as the princess I am.
After Archibald my father's most trusted advisor and friend announced my arrival . Everyone around the wide curvy table step to their feet. I confidently made my way toward the right of my father at the center of the table. To his left Archibald took his seat next to my father .He whispering furiously my father about my " unacceptable princess" attire. I smiled sweetly at the princes as I made my way towards my seat. My fathers voice rang out within the dining hall. " tonight we're here to welcome out guests from outer land. We are honored to have The four princes of outer land be here for this festive occasion. "Every one in the hall erupted cheered as clapping as each prince step forth to speak to the crowd.The first had to be Xavier He spoke an regal speech about merging the kingdoms.
Percival as usual just waved and nodded . Rhys was not in attendance so Then Draven stood. the hall filled with whispers of prince Rhys were a-bouts? Before Draven gave an elegant speech the doors opened dramatically . This confidently strolled into the hall as if he owned the palace. His face was covered by a hood which gave him a heir of mystery. Up until this point only the commoners upon the street that day of arrival and his body guards seem his face. He stood on the right of Xavier.Rhys nodded to Draven and raised his cup to my father. Draven gave a speech about the Beauty of the pristine palace and my beauty. I inwardly groaned at his public compliment .once the crowd cheered my father introduced me the princes .
Percival warmly smiled and nodded. I happily smiled back at him as I heard a primal growl to my left . I ignored the masculine territorial display . Xavier bowed as kissed my knuckles" it's a pleasure to finally meet you princess."
" nice to meet you to prince Xavier" I said sweetly. Rhys threw off the hood as the crowd gasp in surprise . To my surprise he wore a iron mask shielding most of his face. "princess aurora " he said as he bowed . I had heard that voice from somewhere but where? Rhys winked at me as my father introduced Draven last. He stared at my attire as if he wear undressing me with his eyes.I felt my cheeks reddened as he boldly mouthed" hello again "my pulse spiked as he winked at me. I looked away before I embarrassed myself further. His low deep chuckle sent exciting chills over my skin. He loves to toy with my emotions.. He is dangerous. I thought as scurried away like a lovestruck young maiden.
" are you ok?" Xavier asked under his breath as We took our seats. I safely sat next to xavier he passed me a napkin" tonight is my night to court you I guess."
"Yes prince it is "I said nonchalantly as I stared in wonder at Rhys's head full of feathery dark brown locks. My attention went back to Xavier as The maid arrived . She placed a full plate of roasted pheasant in front of us. My ravenous hunger vanished as my father scolded me in public" we will talk about your attire later" my father commanded . Archibald's smith smirk faded into into disgust as I stared back him challengingly. I stabbed the succulent potatoes with my fork with more vigor than I like . " prince Rhys why do you choose to wear a mask tonight.?"
He was silent for a moment before answering my question." My princess my natural born powers are inappropriate for tonight festivities. So,I chose to shield others from my " incubus charm" .
"Why tonight hide your powers as you call them?"I asked innocently as Xavier whispered in my ear . "Tonight is The Kilko festival and the blood red moon of Jupiter. Rhys's powers are enhanced by Jupiter's moon. It will make him irresistible to the ladies of the court . Which may cause chaos for your father's court and we didn't want to take any chances. "
"Oh in that case thank you prince Rhys for taking everyone's feelings and actions into consideration" I praised his effort and willpower. He gripped his fork tightly and only nodded . he proceeded to stare at his plate intensively in silence. Changing the subject to the festivities at hand . The crowd cheered Ten scandalously clad Exotic Belly dancers entered the hall . Maid carried countless mead mugs filled my father's secret supply of honey mead. It was quickly and efficiently disbursed to the court . A mead mug was placed before me. I gripped the handle as the sinfully sweet mead touched my tongue . The euphoric taste tantalized my taste duds. This is as they say it truly made by the gods.i drank greedily not really caring who seen me . I licked the last reminisce of the sinful taste from my lips. I stoped in mid action to see julien and all the princes staring at my action. I quickly stopped licking my lips I diverted my eyes.
My cheeks reddened are the embarrassment I had just encountered. Thank the gods that Their attention was diverted. my father's personal concubines entered the hall . They headed towards their destined seats through out the hall whispering into the ears of court members and soldiers. I stood up as my fathers favorite concubine set her sultry eyes upon Rhys. She licked her overly painted lips as she swayed her hips to the harps and flute 's melody . I walked past her she whispered" even though you have a pretty face. once you marry watch your husband in this court .There are many women till try to steal his affection away from you ."
"Are you threatening me ? " I asked she smiled at the question " no princess I'm educating you to the ways of the royal court. Your father has sheilded you from the ways of royal court. Now that your eyes are open stay diligent because no one in attendance is your friend . They will stab you in the back if given the chance to" the concubine added as she also looked around the room.
I gazed around the room with a new mind set . I let the concubines words sink into my subconscious. she dismissed herself and sat brazenly sat upon Rhys's lap. Jealousy reared it ugly head at the sight. I barely know this prince and yet I would kill anyone who dares to touch him .
" enjoy the festivities " I muttered under my breath trying not to act like this was my first "brazen banquet". It was known my father's good intention to shelter me . from attending this kind of banquet .
tonight is an exception and introduction with the four princes's presence. I knew deep down in my soul everything would change in two days. I looked around the joyous festivities .In reality This may be my new norm . The lies , secrets , drama, and revenge of the royal court. when it came to my father's royal court night life. I had over heard maid's speak frequently of these festivities . Needless To see the brazen banquet first hand is a totally eye opening experience.
"