The celebration began in earnest as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the capital city in a warm, golden glow.
The severed heads of the Chimera—lion and goat—were staked on tall poles for all to see, their fearsome visages illuminated by the flickering light of countless torches and the massive bonfire at the heart of the gathering.
Long rectangular tables were arranged in a near-circle around the bonfire, each laden with an abundance of food and drink. The high table, positioned at the head of the circle, was reserved for the king, the queen, and honored guests, including Adrian and Lilith.
The air buzzed with the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of tankards as the people of the capital reveled in the rare victory over the beast that had plagued their lands.
Adrian and Lilith sat at the high table, their plates piled high with roasted meats, fresh bread, and fruit. Though the food was excellent, Adrian's appetite was subdued, his thoughts still lingering on the task that lay ahead.
He glanced around the table, taking in the smiling faces of the king and his advisors, who were already deep into their cups, toasting their guests of honor with every swig of wine.
The queen, seated beside the king, rose gracefully from her seat, drawing the attention of everyone present. The chatter and laughter faded into a respectful silence as she addressed the crowd.
"Citizens of the capital," the queen began, her voice carrying with regal authority. "Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate our continued prosperity but to honor those who have ensured it." She gestured toward Adrian and Lilith, her eyes gleaming with approval.
"These brave warriors, Adrian and Lilith, have accomplished what many believed to be impossible. They have slain the Chimera and brought peace to our lands once more. Let us raise our glasses to these heroes, for they have earned our deepest gratitude."
The crowd erupted into cheers, lifting their tankards in a toast to the victors.
Adrian inclined his head, acknowledging the applause with a small, grateful smile, though his mind was not fully there. He couldn't afford to be complacent.
Lilith, on the other hand, was in her element. She basked in the adoration, raising her glass high and flashing a mischievous grin at the cheering throngs.
Not quite long after her speech, the queen excused herself from the table and left.
Lilith immediately leaned over to Adrian, her voice low and teasing. "Do we really have to sit here and play the part of well-behaved guests when all the fun is happening down there?"
Adrian glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's a celebration in our honor, Lilith. We should be grateful for the hospitality."
Lilith rolled her eyes, her smile widening. "Grateful, yes. But that doesn't mean we have to be bored out of our minds. Come on, Adrian," she coaxed, nudging him with her elbow. "Let's go join the fun."
Without even waiting for his approval or agreement, she grabbed Adrian's hand, pulling him toward the open space around the bonfire where the dancers had gathered.
The music was lively, a mix of flutes, drums, and lutes that set the rhythm for the swaying bodies around the fire. Adrian stood by the sidelines as he watched Lilith sway to the heart of the celebration.
She danced, the heat of the fire warming her faces as she moved to the beat. Lilith's laughter rang out, clear and bright, as she spun around him, her skirt twirling with each step. Adrian found himself grinning despite his earlier reservations.
Lilith's hands found their way to Adrian's shoulders, pulling him closer as they danced. Her touch was light, teasing, as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. "You're not such a stick in the mud after all," she teased, her voice sultry. "I knew there was a fun side to you somewhere."
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head as he spun her around. "Don't get used to it," he replied, though the warmth in his voice betrayed his amusement. "You know this isn't my usual scene."
"That's exactly why you need it," Lilith retorted, her eyes locking onto his with a playful challenge. "You spend too much time brooding. Loosen up, Adrian. Enjoy the moment."
And so he did.
At one point, Lilith leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. "You know," she whispered, her tone playful, "for someone who claims to be all business, you sure know how to let loose."
Adrian chuckled, his hand resting on her waist as they moved together. "Maybe you're just a bad influence," he teased back.
Lilith grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or maybe," she countered, "you just needed the right partner."
Adrian didn't have a chance to respond before Lilith pulled him into another twirl, her laughter infectious as they moved together in the firelight. For a moment, the world outside the circle of light and music ceased to exist, and it was just the two of them, lost in the rhythm of the dance.
But their reprieve was short-lived.
A guard approached, his expression serious as he came to a halt just outside the dancing throng. He hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, his voice low and respectful as he addressed Adrian.
"Lord Adrian, the queen requests your presence," the guard said, bowing slightly.
Adrian stiffened, his smile fading as he caught the subtle shift in the guard's tone. "Very well," he replied, his voice steady. He turned to Lilith, who had stopped dancing, her expression suddenly serious.
"Be careful," she warned in a low voice that only two of them could hear. "And remember, if she tries to seduce you, use her desire against her."
Adrian nodded, appreciating the advice even as a knot of unease formed in his stomach.
He followed the guard away from the festivities, his mind already anticipating the encounter to come.
The corridors of the palace were dimly lit, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the walls as Adrian was led deeper into the royal quarters. The noise of the celebration faded into the background, replaced by the soft echo of their footsteps on the stone floor.
The guard finally stopped in front of a heavy wooden door, turning to Adrian with a brief nod.
"The queen is inside," the guard said, bowing before he took his leave.