Lillian was escorted to the grand dining hall by Mary and Yalve, who had dressed her in a resplendent aquamarine gown adorned with delicate embroidery and a corset that accentuated her figure, lending an air of allure to her bosom.
With every step she took, her hair, cascading in loose curls, bounced in rhythm, adding a touch of lively elegance to her presence. As Lillian pondered the elaborate attire chosen for a simple dinner, the realization dawned that Dorian, being a lord, likely preferred the formality of noble gatherings.
Upon their arrival, Mary swung open the majestic doors, ushering Lillian into the grand dining hall. The opulent room boasted magnificent chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the expansive space, dominated by a colossal dining table capable of accommodating at least twenty guests.
At the head of the table, Dorian sat regally, and Selena occupied the seat to his right. A meticulously arranged setting, complete with gleaming cutlery and a plate, awaited Lillian on Dorian's left, indicating her designated place.
As Lillian approached her seat, Dorian found himself unable to avert his gaze. She appeared truly enchanting, a vision that left him spellbound. The play of light on her golden-brown hair made her seem to radiate with the richness of her coloring.
A servant courteously pulled out Lillian's chair, and she settled into it with a gracious smile, acknowledging the gesture. Attentive servants positioned themselves nearby, prepared to assist at the slightest beckoning.
"Good evening," Lillian greeted Dorian and Selena. "Apologies if I kept you waiting."
Selena responded warmly, dismissing any notion of impatience. "Nonsense. You didn't. I was even contemplating having your dinner sent to you."
Lillian's smile widened; Selena exuded warmth and kindness, not to mention her captivating beauty. Siren-like eyes gleamed in a mesmerizing sunset gold hue, complemented by her flowing dark brown hair. Sharp features rendered her simultaneously graceful and alluring, accentuated by the fierceness of her stunning red dress.
The servants seamlessly initiated the meal service, and the tantalizing aroma of the food permeated the air.
Amidst the quietude, Dorian, who had yet to utter a word since Lillian's entrance, sat in contemplative silence, attempting to focus on his meal and resist stealing glances at her.
Lillian savored her meal in a tranquil manner, relishing the delicious flavors that filled her senses. However, her attention inevitably drifted towards Dorian. She found herself captivated by the elegance with which he dined – every bite executed with finesse.
Strangely, she discovered more pleasure in observing him than indulging in her own delectable meal, and a dreamy trance enveloped her. In Dorian, she encountered a level of handsomeness unparalleled in her experience.
Sensing Lillian's gaze, Dorian gradually looked up, locking eyes with her. Lillian, momentarily taken aback, felt a flush of embarrassment, yet Dorian's gaze held her in a captivating spell. The room seemed to lose its humidity as Lillian unconsciously moistened her lower lip, unaware of the profound effect it had on Dorian.
Dorian, clearing his throat, shifted his attention back to his plate, attempting to regain composure.
Lillian, after a momentary lapse, blinked twice and composed herself with a sip of wine, though a subtle flush lingered on her face.
Selena, amused by the unfolding dynamics, decided to break the silence. "I must express my gratitude, Lillian," she said, drawing Lillian's attention.
Confusion painted Lillian's face as she inquired, "For what?"
"For saving my brother's life," Selena revealed, her eyes gleaming with sincerity.
Lillian's gaze drifted back to Dorian, who remained silent. "Oh," she responded, humbled. "Well, I had help from this wonderful family. They were just so kind and helpful," she added, deflecting credit, acknowledging the Weatherbees' pivotal role in the situation.
Selena playfully remarked, a touch of humor in her voice, "Still, if you weren't there, he probably would have met his end," conveniently ignoring the presence of her brother.
Lillian, quick to catch the jest, contributed with a grin, "I think he's too stubborn to die," her gaze playfully shifting towards Dorian.
Surprisingly, a genuine smile crept across Dorian's face.
"He is undeniably stubborn, not to mention occasionally annoying," Selena teased.
Lillian burst into laughter, and Dorian, intrigued by the sudden camaraderie, turned his attention to Selena, who nonchalantly shrugged. "What? I'm just stating the truth."
The atmosphere at the dinner table underwent a delightful transformation, now radiating a light and warm ambiance that transcended the formalities of the noble gathering.
"Oh, before I forget, you have to go see the King," Selena informed Dorian. "He's sent servants here every day inquiring about your return."
"I'll visit him tomorrow," Dorian assured.
A brief pause ensued as everyone resumed their meals. However, Lillian, burdened by a pressing thought, felt compelled to address it.
"Dorian," she began, capturing his attention. "Julian, what if he's not okay?" Her concern hung in the air.
"Did you just mention Julian?" Selena queried, a look of genuine concern on her face.
"Yes," Lillian confirmed, sensing a shared connection between Selena and Julian. Were they all somehow related? "We had to part so I could help Dorian. He mentioned catching up with us, but... he never did."
As Lillian spoke, she observed a swift change in Selena's demeanor.
"Julian can handle himself. I'm sure he's fine," Dorian grunted in reply.
"But you mentioned there was danger. What if Julian finds himself in another perilous situation, like the sorcerer's attack?" Lillian voiced her concern.
"Sorcerer attack?" Selena interjected, her expression shifting to one of distress as she shot her brother a confused and irritated look.
Lillian hesitated, realizing her assumption about Dorian sharing everything with Selena was incorrect. Selena was clearly in the dark.
"Julian is fine," Dorian asserted, still unfazed as he continued to eat.
"And what about the sorcerer's attack that Lillian mentioned? You didn't tell me about that," Selena pressed.
"Because you'd start jumping to conclusions," Dorian replied firmly.
"Jumping to conclusions?" Selena scoffed. "You know what it means if they're after her."
Her? Lillian wondered, sensing a hidden layer to the conversation.
"See? Just like I said, jumping to conclusions," Dorian grunted, maintaining his stance.
Lillian observed the tense exchange between the siblings, unable to decipher the intricacies of their conversation.
"Brother, we understand the implications. We know the significance of the ritual."
"The ritual is a fallacy."
"Well, they believe in it, and that's reason enough for them to come for her," Selena remarked, her gaze shifting toward Lillian.
Lillian furrowed her brow, utterly perplexed. Who was coming for her? What ritual were they discussing? The questions swirled in her mind, but before she could voice them, a servant entered the dining hall.
"Master," the servant addressed Dorian. "You have a guest."
"I'm aware. Let him in," Dorian replied with composed assurance.
The servant bowed and departed. Moments later, Julian made his entrance.