"I hope I'm not late," Thorin said merely out of politeness. He noticed two ladies on the dining table.
On King Valentin's right side sat his lover, Lady Maris, a woman of striking beauty despite her humble origins. On his left side was a younger, female version of himself. Thorin recognized her immediately as Princess Lisbeth, the king's only heir.
It was public knowledge that King Valentin never loved his rightful wife. To her dying breath, he never touched her.
He never remarried, claiming that with Princess Lisbeth set to inherit the throne, producing another heir was no longer necessary.
However, due to the backlash against Lady Maris's humble background, the two had not officiated their relationship and remained lovers to this day. The court was rife with whispers about their unconventional arrangement.
"You're certainly not late," Princess Lisbeth said, her voice smooth but carrying an undertone of command. "We made an effort to arrive early so our guest would feel comfortable with us around when you arrived in the dining hall."
Thorin nodded politely, taking his seat. "I appreciate the consideration, Princess."
Lady Maris offered a warm, albeit reserved, smile. "We hope you find our hospitality satisfactory, Alpha Klein."
"Oh, please, just call me Thorin. We don't do that in Wintertooth. Werewolves believe that the ultimate respect doesn't come from titles and such superficial conceit," he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
King Valentin, his eyes sharp and assessing, observed the exchange in silence. "Please, enjoy the meal. We have prepared a feast in your honor."
He was not pleased with Thorin's remarks; vampires held hierarchical titles in high regard, believing they signified one's position and status. However, he chose not to address it outright. Instead, he motioned to Riona to serve Thorin.
Riona approached with the tray. Her deliberate and controlled movements showed that she had experience in this. Thorin almost couldn't connect this composed girl with the explosive one he had witnessed in the palace garden.
He purposefully locked his gaze on her eyes, trying to communicate silently. When their eyes met, he attempted to convey his curiosity and intrigue. But Riona did not respond in kind. She ignored his silent query and returned to her station once she was done serving him.
Noting the unspoken exchange, King Valentin cleared his throat. "Thorin, how do you find the culinary delights of Eira? We pride ourselves on our refined tastes and exquisite preparations."
Thorin, still somewhat distracted by Riona, turned his attention back to the king. "The food is excellent, Your Majesty. I must commend your chefs on their skill."
Sensing the tension, Lady Maris chimed in. "We are pleased you are enjoying it. Perhaps, after dinner, you would be interested in a tour of the palace? I'm sure the night in the palace would fascinate you."
"That sounds delightful, Lady Maris. I look forward to it." Thorin nodded, but his brain was still working its way to get Riona's attention. Suddenly, he thought of something. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Why don't you take me around the palace? What's your name?"
With a wide grin spreading across his handsome face, Thorin gestured towards Riona with his fork, a gesture that betrayed his werewolf heritage through its coarseness. The unexpected request caught everyone off guard.
Riona remained silent, her eyes widening in surprise. She looked extremely displeased. Clenching her skirt, she stared at her feet to avoid eye contact.
Unwilling to be ignored again, Thorin rose from his seat and strode towards her, his imposing presence accentuated by his height. "You there, young lady. What's your name?"
"Forgive me, my lord, I am no one but–"
"Your name, Sweetheart," Thorin interrupted with a playful tone. "Is your name 'forgive me, my lord'? That's quite a lengthy name."
Riona let out a low growl. She lifted her head in defiance and declared loudly, "My name is Riona, and I am no lady."
It was the first time Thorin met a girl who spoke so crudely and didn't want to be called a lady. It amused him, and he burst into laughter. Everyone in the room couldn't follow his sense of humor and just looked at each other with deep confusion.
"Alright, then, Riona, you'll be my guide tonight," Thorin decided.
Lady Maris, clearly disconcerted, quickly interjected, "Thorin, surely you would prefer a member of the royal family to show you around. It would be more fitting."
Princess Lisbeth nodded. Her smile was polite but her eyes were sharp. "Indeed. As a guest of honor, you deserve a tour befitting your status. Riona is... not quite accustomed to such duties."
Thorin, still smiling, shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, Princess Lisbeth, Lady Maris. However, I have already made my choice. Riona will do just fine."
The person subjected to the task was flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. Riona clenched her fists but remained silent. But the three of them weren't the only ones who found Thorin's decision absurd.
King Valentin's face hardened. "Thorin, perhaps we should reconsider. I'm afraid such a task is not suitable for Riona. After all, it is not her place to be by your side."
Thorin's amber eyes flicked to King Valentin, then back to Riona. "I'm sure she can handle it. Besides, I enjoy learning from all perspectives, even those less conventional."
The tension in the room intensified. Lady Maris and Princess Lisbeth exchanged concerned glances, but neither dared to challenge Thorin further.
King Valentin finally spoke with a note of finality. "Very well, if that is your wish. Riona, you will give our guest a tour around the palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Riona responded through gritted teeth, her gaze burning with resentment as it met Thorin's amused eyes.
As the dinner progressed, Thorin couldn't help but find amusement in the tension that simmered beneath the surface. Though the conversation flowed smoothly, he sensed the undercurrent of disapproval from the other people present.
Once the plates were cleared and the servants dispersed, Thorin seized the opportunity to approach Riona. With a playful glint in his eye, he extended his arm towards her. "Shall we, Riona?"