The Banquet
1209 Words
Queen Ellaria
The solar was dimly lit by faelight lanterns, casting pools of warm gold across the silken cushions and crystal-paneled walls. The scent of jasmine nectar lingered in the air, mingling with hints of forest dew and rosevine perfume. My daughters sat around me, their dresses slightly wrinkled from the evening’s events, their cheeks still flushed with excitement and indignation.
"If I ever have to dance with the Frostmere Lord again, I’ll sprout thorns just to keep him away," Liora muttered, sipping her jasmine nectar, the warm steam curling up from the carved teacup.
"Agreed," Myrelle said. "He kept pulling you too close. And the Elven heir? He insulted you while preening like a peacock."
Irisel rolled her eyes. "He talked more about himself than about Liora. I swear, he looked in love with his own reflection. I think I caught him trying to admire himself in Liora's eyes at one point."
I nodded. "I’ve heard enough from you and from the servants. These two are no longer viable suitors."
"Mother," Liora said softly, her voice threaded with restrained frustration. "Please, just stop. You know as well as I do, my heart is already spoken for."
Queen Ellaria offered a measured smile, the glint in her eyes equal parts affection and cunning. "I know, little blossom. But there’s a method to my madness, I promise you that. No suffering goes to waste. Now then... let’s be done with those two unsavory nuisances."
Their eyes widened.
"You’re really going to disqualify them?" Liora asked.
"Publicly," I replied, rising from my seat. "Let the court know we value honor, not arrogance."
Later, in the banquet hall, the announcement echoed like thunder against the high glass ceilings.
A hush fell over the crowd as I stood from my crystal throne, the hem of my gown shimmering with enchanted thread that caught the ambient light.
"After careful consideration," I said, my voice clear and resonant, "and after consulting not only my daughter but also those who serve in our court, who often observe more than we nobles ever will, I have made a decision."
Gasps followed.
"The Frostmere Grove Lord Aelric Frostborne and the Elven Heir Auren Sylvaren are hereby disqualified. Their behavior toward Princess Liora has been deemed inappropriate and unworthy of her hand."
The Elven Lord turned red, then white, his jaw clenched. His voice trembled with fury.
"You choose him over us? A vampire? A creature from a blood-drenched realm?" He stepped forward, pointing a shaking hand at Noctis. "You think you're worthy? You filthy leech."
Noctis’s eyes darkened, his stillness more dangerous than movement. The torchlight glinted off his tailored attire, but he said nothing. He knew what was at stake and wouldn't lose Liora due to pride.
Then the Elven Lord turned to Liora. "And you, what does that make you? A royal w***e? I bet he’s already had you. You’re nothing but spoiled goods. You should be grateful I even considered the likes of you. At best, you're good for one thing and I think we both know what that is. On your knees, with my c**k in your mouth."
Gasps of horror rang out. Noctis stepped forward, power crackling around him like a thunderstorm about to break. Shadows curled at his feet like smoke, drawn by his fury.
But I raised my hand.
Vines glowing with golden light burst from the marble floor, coiling around the elven lord with precise fury. Thorns emerged, holding him still. His mouth was sealed by a blossom of silence, his body bound.
A portal shimmered into existence. His attendants, ashen and shaken, bowed deeply. "We apologize for the disgrace he has caused. His family will see to his punishment."
They dragged him through the portal, kicking and shrieking, and it sealed shut behind them with a hiss of magic.
But the chaos wasn’t over.
The Frostmere Lord’s fury exploded.
"You dishonor me! I won’t accept this!" he bellowed, drawing his blade. His boots scraped against the polished floor as he charged.
Before he could reach Noctis, a blur of heat and gleaming metal cut between them, Prince Vermior. Their swords clashed, a clang of steel ringing through the hall.
Then the Grove Lord of Blossomreach stepped forward, his fingers weaving through the air. Vines burst from beneath the tiles, wrapping around the Frostmere Lord and lifting him into the air.
His mother, Grovewarden Glacira of Frostmere, stepped forward, her cloak of silver ice trailing behind her. The air turned crisp.
"Aelric Frostborne! You dare disrespect the Queen’s court? Vaeluna? Frostmere? All the Fae realm?"
He paled, stammering, but she cut him off, her voice like breaking ice.
"You are no son of mine. You are unfit to inherit Frostmere or bear our name."
Frost gathered around her hands and the air shimmered. The room fell silent.
Bound and humiliated, Aelric broke free and stormed out, vowing revenge. His footsteps echoed like a bitter promise.
The hall held its breath.
I exhaled slowly. "Let this be a lesson. Nobility is not granted. It is earned."
Then, turning to the court, "The three remaining suitors have shown more respect, bravery, and restraint. Until tomorrow, gentlemen."
Liora’s eyes sparkled with tears, but I made no announcement beyond that. I needed to test the vampire further.
I lifted my chin and left without another word, fury still simmering beneath my regal mask.
Noctis
The banquet ended prematurely. The air, once rich with music and wine, now vibrated with tension and awe. The scent of scorched vines, crushed rose petals, and faint remnants of spiced nectar lingered faintly.
Across the room, I caught Liora’s gaze. Her expression was unreadable, part disbelief, part wonder.
Before I could approach, Myrelle appeared.
"That was… impressive," she said, eyes gleaming like polished amethyst. "I think you’ve won more than just my sister’s heart tonight. You carried yourself with grace, tempered yourself in the heat of a tense situation, and comported yourself in a most dignified manner."
Then she turned to the Dragon Prince, cheeks faintly pink.
"Prince Vermior, as thanks for your bravery, I invite you for a tour of the Fae Realm. I would be pleased to show you our kingdom myself."
He bowed with a smile that softened the steel of his demeanor. "It would be my honor."
Not to be outdone, Irisel approached the Grove Lord of Blossomreach.
"And you, Lord Petalshade, showed great restraint and wisdom. You are welcome to remain in Vaeluna as a guest of the crown."
He dipped into a graceful bow, pressing a kiss to her hand. "It would be my pleasure. Sage, at your service, Princess."
Then it was just Liora and me.
She approached slowly, as though the moment might dissolve if we moved too fast.
"Walk with me?" she asked.
I offered my arm. "Anywhere."
We slipped into the glowing gardens, the chaos behind us and moonlight guiding our way. Her hand trembled ever so slightly against mine.
The night was cool, scented with star jasmine, dew-drenched moss, and the faint sweetness of nectar drifting from enchanted blooms. Magic shimmered in the air like quiet static, as if the realm itself held its breath.
It was our first real moment alone in what felt like a lifetime.
- Writer
