Samer, as if had expected this from Drayce, had a playful smirk on his lips. His snow blue eyes not giving away his thoughts, masking them behind that pleasant looking handsome face of his.
However, Drayce was not the one to be deceived by those fake pleasant expressions on Samer's face.
If Arlan and Samer could compete in pretending, both could be a tough competitor of each other.
"Seems like King Drayce prefers to keep his wife from mingling with royalty from other kingdoms," Samer remarked, his smile unwavering.
Drayce locked eyes with Samer, his gaze unwavering. "My wife doesn't appreciate unwelcome scrutiny from strangers. As her husband, it's my duty to ensure nothing distressing befalls her." Though his tone remained composed, there was a subtle edge to his words, a hint of underlying threat.
"As a queen, Her Majesty may need to acclimate to such attention. After all—"
"She doesn't need to if she doesn't wish to," Drayce interjected firmly. "No one can coerce or presume to instruct the Queen of Megaris. She is free to engage in what pleases her and disregard what does not."
Glancing back at Seren over his shoulder, Drayce addressed her directly. "My Queen, you may wish to indulge in the delightful treats arranged for the guests."
Seren, standing quietly behind her husband, using his protective presence as a shield against as if being protected from the enemy, responded graciously. "Thank you, Dray," and turned to Oriana. "Ria, shall we?"
As the two women departed, Arlan voiced his concurrence. "I agree with my friend's sentiments. As rulers of our kingdoms, our wives should not be constrained by forced pleasantries."
Samer and Arlan had exchanged pleasantries upon their arrival at the banquet, negating the need for further formalities. Samer offered a smile to Arlan. "From the way you speak, Prince Arlan, it sounds as though you're ready to take a wife and have her stand beside you at last."
Arlan matched Samer's slyness with a genial smile of his own. "Perhaps you're right, King Samer. But for now, I'll refrain from concerning myself with another man's wife and the obligations she carries."
"In Thevailes, we believe in extending our attention to all our esteemed guests," Samer replied smoothly, attempting to diffuse any tension.
"That being said, I wonder why King Samer is alone and has not brought his wife with him to her own maternal kingdom?" Arlan asked.
Before Samer could respond, Drayce interjected with a pointed remark. "Perhaps so King Samer can divert his attention to someone else's wife."
Maintaining his composure, Samer swirled the wine in his glass before offering an explanation. "My wife visited here just last month and preferred not to endure another journey so soon," he then straight looked at Drayce, "After all, we are only human and fatigue from long travels is quite natural. Besides, my wife is of delicate constitution for a simple human."
Drayce and Arlan exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the subtle jabs beneath Samer's words. Samer was subtly mocking Drayce's supernatural abilities, insinuating that Drayce's strength stemmed from something beyond mere human capabilities and that's why he was powerful King. That Zaria Lynx must have sure spilled the beans.
Keeping calm, Arlan responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Then, king Samer can only blame the universe for being unfair for making someone stronger over others."
Samer chuckled, acknowledging the underlying meaning. "King Drayce, perhaps you should reward Prince Arlan for being such a devoted friend."
Drayce arched a brow, glancing at Arlan. "This isn't the first time I've heard such a suggestion today. Someone else mentioned you should reward me for being a loyal friend to you."
Arlan mirrored Drayce's expression. "Was there such an insinuation?"
"You can probably guess the reason," Drayce replied cryptically.
Arlan easily deduced that Yorian must have been the one behind the suggestion, and it involved Oriana.
"Well, that's what the true friend shall do," Arlan added.
Both conversed with each other as if Samer didn't exist there.
Someone else approached to talk with King Samer and he busied themselves in talk, not minding the show off from the two friends. Soon he might end up snatching away this peace and comfort these two friend shared.
Just as the music shifted, signaling the commencement of the much-anticipated dance, all eyes turned towards the center of the ballroom. Given that the royal ball was hosted by the Nefertitis, it was only fitting that the first dance belonged to the King and Queen of Othinia.
"Where are they?" Arlan and Drayce wondered aloud, scanning the room to locate Seren and Oriana. They observed the two women enjoying the delicacies, but as the announcement for the royal dance echoed through the hall, Seren and Oriana sensed the attention on them. Without delay, they returned to Drayce and Arlan's side, preempting any potential invitations to dance.
True to plan, Arlan extended his hand to Oriana for the dance. Though initially hesitant, Seren's encouragement spurred Oriana to accept his invitation. They took to the dance floor as the first dance concluded, inviting the guests to join in the festivities.
"My Queen, may I have this dance?" Drayce asked, his voice gentle as they ensured Arlan and Oriana were occupied, free from any concerns.
As they moved in sync on the dance floor, Seren couldn't shake the feeling of a lingering gaze among the crowd. Sensing her unease, Drayce drew her closer, his touch offering reassurance. "Pay no mind to it. Keep your focus on me," he murmured softly.
Seren nodded, finding solace in the crimson depths of his eyes. They conveyed a silent promise of protection, reminding her that she was safe in his embrace.
Samer standing on side with his trusted knight next to him, heard him, "Your Majesty, are you sure about it?"
Samer nodded, "She is worth having next to me."
"It would bring another war?" the knight spoke.
"Aren't we preparing for it already?" Samer commented, his eyes following Seren who was dancing with Drayce.
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