The grand banquet

As the night deepened and the moon hung high in the sky, I returned to the grand hall of the Montclair estate. The bustling energy of the banquet had not waned; if anything, it seemed to have intensified. Noble figures swirled in intricate dance patterns, their laughter and conversations creating an obnoxious symphony. The fragrant aroma of delicacies filled the air, and the chandeliers overhead cast a warm, golden glow upon the scene.

As I reentered the hall, I caught sight of my parents, both engaged in separate conversations with other nobles. My mother, elegant and composed, held herself with a grace that seemed almost regal. My father, his expression carefully schooled, was engrossed in discussion with a group of diplomats.

I hesitated for a moment, my gaze searching the crowd for a familiar face. Alistair's words echoed in my mind, and I felt a sense of anticipation that I couldn't quite explain. But despite my hopes, he was nowhere to be seen. I was disappointed, but it's not like I didn't expect it. After all, he was a noble attending the same event, and his social obligations likely pulled him in various directions.

Deciding to rejoin the festivities, I navigated through the crowd, engaging in polite conversations and trying my best to remember the etiquette lessons that my mother had painstakingly imparted. The more I interacted with the nobles, the more I realized how intricate and delicate their interactions were. Every word, every gesture carried layers of meaning, and I found myself constantly analyzing my own responses.

As the night progressed, I found myself in conversation with Lady Marlowe once again. Her tone was pleasant enough, but the thinly veiled condescension still lingered. She inquired about my interests and hobbies, her questions feeling more like probes than genuine curiosity.

"And what do you do in your free time, Lady Seraphina?" she asked, her eyes sharp.

None of your business... It's what I would like to say, but that would make the other snakes jump me in seconds. I thought back to the hours spent in the garden, climbing trees and exploring. But I also remembered Alistair and our conversation about the stars. "I enjoy spending time outdoors," I replied, my voice steady. "I find the garden a lovely place to expend my time at."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling in a knowing smile. "Ah, a true romantic, I see. Nature has a way of captivating young hearts."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, instead offering a polite smile. "Nature has a beauty that is unmatched by anything else."

Lady Marlowe's gaze sharpened, her curiosity piqued. "Speaking of romance, have you met Lord Everhart? He's an eligible bachelor, you know."

I felt my disgust raise at the mention of an "eligible bachelor." It was no secret that the banquet was also an opportunity for potential matches to be made. My parents' conversation with King Daigo came rushing back, and I felt a mixture of unease and resentment at the idea of being maneuvered like a chess piece.

"I haven't had the pleasure." I replied diplomatically, my tone carefully neutral.

Her smile widened, and I couldn't help but feel like I was being assessed. "He's a fine young man, comes from a respected lineage. You should consider yourself fortunate if he shows an interest."

I nodded, though inside, I was struggling to maintain my composure. Oh how I would like to slap this... this snake. I refuse to be a bargaining chip.

As the night wore on, the grand hall began to thin out. The nobles' voices grew softer, the music mellower. I found myself drifting towards a corner of the hall, seeking a moment of respite. It was there that I caught sight of Alistair once again. He was engaged in conversation with a small group, his easy laughter and animated gestures drawing the attention of those around him.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as if the rest of the room faded away. Alistair offered me a warm smile and i returned the gesture. Not all nobles are scumbags after all.

Before I could decide whether to approach him, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. It was my mother, her expression a mix of concern and relief.

"Seraphina, there you are," she said, her voice gentle. "I was worried when I couldn't find you."

I turned towards her, trying to suppress the twinge of guilt that surfaced. "I'm sorry, Mother. I needed a moment to catch my breath."

She smiled understandingly, her eyes softening. "It's quite overwhelming, I know. But I must say, you're handling yourself remarkably well."

I offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. I'm doing my best."

As my mother and I talked, I stole one last glance at Alistair. He was still engaged in conversation, seemingly engrossed in the moment. Our brief connection in the garden felt like a distant memory, a dream that had faded with the passing hours.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly to myself. It was a wry, self-aware chuckle—the kind that arises when you realize you're behaving in a way that's completely out of character. The events of the evening had certainly taken me out of my comfort zone, and I couldn't deny that I felt a tinge of frustration at my own hesitations and insecurities.

I decided to seize control of my evening. If the nobles were going to whisper about my unconventional behavior, then I might as well give them something to talk about. I approached a small group engaged in a conversation.

"Seraphina," one of them greeted, a saccharine smile plastered on her face. "How delightful to see you. I hear your latest venture has been quite the... spectacle."

I shrugged, feigning disinterest. "Oh, you know how it is. Life's a grand adventure, and I'm just along for the ride."

Their gazes flitted between themselves, a mixture of surprise and frustration dancing in their eyes. They had expected a blush, a stutter, perhaps even a tear. But my indifference seemed to catch them off guard.

Another noble, a man with a well-practiced charm, chimed in. "It must be so thrilling, dear Seraphina, to have your every move scrutinized. A true honor."

I leaned against a nearby pillar, the conversation hardly held my attention now that I decided these trashy nobles weren't worth fretting over. "Absolutely," I replied, my voice light. "It's like living in a storybook, complete with a cast of colorful characters."

They exchanged glances again, clearly baffled by my nonchalant demeanor. I fought to suppress a smile. As their attempts to provoke me continued, I sipped from a glass of Strawberry juice. I was a master at the art of detachment, at turning their taunts into background noise.

One noblewoman, her tone dripping with sarcasm, quipped, "Oh, Seraphina, do you even comprehend the gravity of your circumstances?"

I met her gaze, my own eyes gleaming with a quiet fire. "My dear, I do believe the gravity of any circumstance lies in the eye of the beholder."

Their once-confident façades began to waver. I could sense their frustration, their disbelief that their efforts were falling flat. I took a step back, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

"It's been such a pleasure, my dear friends," I said with a graceful flourish of my hand. "But I'm afraid I must be off to continue my 'spectacular' ventures." And find more idiots to annoy along the way.

Jumping between groups of nobles, I found myself intentionally steering conversations in unexpected directions. I discussed the merits of gardening over traditional courtly pursuits, shared stories of my outdoor adventures, and even dared to make light-hearted jokes about the absurdity of some noble traditions. The reactions ranged from raised eyebrows to bitter smiles, and I relished in their misery.

They soon enough learned to ignore me like a pest, so I decided to spare them for now, and with nothing else to do I decided to take a breather in the balcony. My eyes wandered to a nearby balcony, a sanctuary of moonlit serenity. Without a second thought, I slipped away from the crowd, unnoticed by the busy adults preoccupied with their own agendas.

I relished the tranquility it offered. But my peaceful moment was short-lived as the sound of approaching footsteps drew my attention. My heart sank as I recognized the figure that stepped into the moonlit space—it was none other than the crown prince himself.

Prince Reginald, resplendent in his royal attire, exuded an air of entitlement that seemed to fill the very air around him. His demeanor was as flamboyant as ever, his every movement a deliberate display of his station. My annoyance started bubbling beneath the surface.

"Ah, Lady Seraphina," he announced dramatically, as if the balcony were his stage. "I heard rumors that a wild dog had escaped the clutches of the banquet and decided to make his own nest in the balcony."

I mustered a polite smile, and deliberately rested my gaze on him. "So it seems, your highness."

His laughter was rich and self-indulgent, as if he had just delivered the most brilliant joke. "My, my, you do have a sense of humor. Or is it that you're simply unaware of proper decorum?"

I raised an eyebrow, my amusement mingling with exasperation. "Decorum, your highness? I do believe that's a word you're quite fond of."

He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he observed me. "Ah, a feisty one, aren't you? How refreshing."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, opting instead for a composed response. "I find it's best to be true to oneself, rather than putting on a façade for the world."

Reginald's lips curled into a condescending smile. "Ah, a philosophy that suits you, I'm sure. But you must understand, Lady Seraphina, that in our world, facades are as essential as air."

I leaned against the balcony railing, my tone calm yet firm. "And yet, I see no need to pretend to be something I'm not."

His gaze intensified, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You have quite the spirit, I'll give you that. But mark my words, my dear, the world you're entering is not as forgiving as the one you're used to."

I tilted my head slightly, studying him. "Is that a threat, your highness?"

He chuckled, his arrogance never wavering. "Consider it a warning. The court can be a treacherous place, especially for those who refuse to play by its rules."

My irritation bubbled to the surface, and I met his gaze head-on. "And what if I have no interest in playing by those rules?"

Reginald's smile turned sinister, a glint of something darker flickering in his eyes. "Then you'll find yourself crushed beneath the weight of your own foolishness."

For a moment, a tense silence hung between us, the moonlight casting long shadows on the balcony floor. I refused to back down, but I couldn't just act overly agressive, not now of all times. Not like I would let his royal highness just walk all over me.

"Is that a threat, your highness?" I repeated, my voice steady.

He chuckled once more, his amusement seemingly genuine this time. "Oh, Lady Seraphina, you truly are a breath of fresh air in this stifling world."

Before I could respond, his attention was drawn to something behind me. I turned to find Alistair approaching, his expression curious yet composed.

"Ah, Alistair," Reginald greeted with a nod, his tone casual. "Joining the festivities, I see."

Alistair's gaze shifted between Reginald and me, his presence injecting a sense of balance into the tense atmosphere. "Indeed, your highness. The evening has proven to be quite eventful."

Reginald's smile was charming, yet the underlying edge remained. "Ah, I can only imagine. Well, do enjoy your evening, both of you."

With a flourish, he turned and made his exit, his steps echoing on the balcony's marble floor. I watched him leave, a mixture of annoyance and relief washing over me.

Alistair stepped closer, his eyes fixed on mine. "Is everything alright?"

I let out a sigh, my frustration dissipating in his presence. "Oh, just another encounter with the charming crown prince."

He chuckled softly, a sound that was both comforting and infectious. "Ah, Reginald. He does have a way of making his presence known."

I leaned against the balcony railing, my gaze drifting to the starlit sky. "It's as if he revels in being the embodiment of everything I find exasperating about this world."

Alistair's voice was thoughtful as he spoke. "Perhaps he's merely a product of his circumstances. The expectations placed upon him as the crown prince must be suffocating."

I turned to him, studying his expression. "Are you defending him?"

He chuckled again, a warmth in his eyes that I found oddly reassuring. "Not defending, per se. Just... offering a different perspective."

"Eh, so what? That guy is annoying." I shook my head. "Whatever, I'm not going to kneel down to that guy just because he has it rough or something. I'm gonna beat his ass if he tries anything."

Alistair neither affirmed nor denied it, and simply looked at the stars. I found myself tapping my fingers on the balcony. "So? What do you want? A meeting in the garden? I'm not that sheltered. You deliberately approached me. What is it?"

Alistair's gaze remained fixed on the stars for a moment longer before he turned his attention back to me, his expression thoughtful. "You're quite perceptive, Lady Seraphina. I won't deny that I approached you intentionally."

I raised an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and skepticism bubbling within me. "And why is that?"

He leaned against the balcony railing, his eyes holding a glint of amusement. "Let's just say I saw a kindred spirit in you—a spark of defiance against the suffocating norms of our world."

I crossed my arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "So, you're recruiting rebels for a noble revolution, are you?"

Alistair chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Not quite. But I do believe that change is possible, even within the confines of tradition."

I studied him for a moment, my skepticism giving way to genuine interest. "And how do you propose to do that?"

He glanced at me, his gaze unwavering. "By forming connections with those who share our perspective, who believe that there's more to life than appearances and expectations."

I tilted my head, a spark of curiosity igniting within me. "Connections? You mean like a secret society?"

Alistair's smile was enigmatic, his eyes holding a hint of mischief. "More like a circle of individuals who yearn for a change."

I considered his words, it sounded so sketchy, it reminded me of the times Liam tried to convince me he was being honest. "Change? that's a dangerous way of thinking, it almost sounds like a rebellion to me."

Alistair smiled, this time with a smile filled with malice. "Perhaps it is a rebellion, but think about everyone who has to suffer under the tyrant Daigo, don't you see it? a banquet when people are suffering in the borders, what a joke."

I crossed my arms. "And that coming from somebody from another kingdom really is reassuring." So it has come to this in the end. just another noble trying to manipulate me. I can only rely on Liam it seems.

His eyes gleamed with fervor, his gestures grand and sweeping as he painted a vision of a brighter future. "Seraphina," he proclaimed, "we have the power to change the course of history. To rise against those who have held us down, to seize control and create a kingdom where justice prevails."

The more he spoke, the more the pieces fell into place. His passion was not for the people, for justice, or for a better world. It was for power, for control, for a chance to seize the throne under the guise of liberation. His words twisted and turned, creating a narrative that painted him as a savior, but I saw through the cracks, through the veneer of benevolence.

So, as his words echoed in the air, I stepped forward, my voice steady and resolute. "Alistair," I interrupted, "your words may sound like a call to arms, but your intentions are clear. You seek not to "free" our kingdom, but to exploit it in the aftermath of the rebellion. Leave before I make you."

He dropped the act and started glaring at me. I cracked my knuckles while matching his gaze, and after a few moments he turned around and left. I shaked my head, feeling utterly disappointed. "Heh, if you knew about me before hand then at least you know i'm stronger than a petty noble like you."

Alistair's departure left a trail of tension in the air, and I watched him go with a mixture of relief and lingering unease. His grand plans for change had been exposed for what they truly were—a calculated bid for power under the guise of reform.

The sounds of the banquet gradually faded, replaced by a serene stillness that was almost comforting. As I gazed at the moon, its gentle glow casting silvery light over the estate, I couldn't help but think about the world I had been thrust into. The world of nobility and politics was filled with backstabbing traitors and manipulators.

With a sigh, I turned away from the balcony and made my way back inside. The festivities had come to an end, and the estate was gradually returning to a state of quietude. As I walked through the dimly lit hallways, all I wanted to do was throw myself on a bed and sleep.