Third Person's POV
Five days later, the banquet commenced. Unlike before, Ojun Kingdom wasn't late. The group was larger this time around with Rya and Amara joining them in the palace. The atmosphere wasn't as tense as it was the last time but there was some lingering hatred.
"That's the woman you spoke about the last time?" Palin asked Palari as he watched Opal sit down next to his parents. They sat on the other side of the hall. "She's quite beautiful." A woman chimed in from beside Palin. His fiancé, Noria, the second princess of the Feri Kingdom. "She's beautiful but she looks different from before." Palari said as she looked at Opal.
"You can only see her eyes, how is she different?" Palin asked. "If you saw her before you would understand what I'm saying." Lanin grabbed her arm. "Palari." He gently pulled her closer to him. "Don't do anything. Last time I couldn't stop you, but this time is different."
"Are you being serious right now?" She looked at him in shock. "Yes. If you do any foolishness like you did the last time, then we're done." Lanin didn't say anything more and released her. Palari clenched her jaw in anger, looked around the room and picked up her cup. She felt like he was choosing another woman over her. He was, but not for the reason she thought.
"Madam Jade." Kai walked over to her table and bowed. "It's been a while. I hope you're in good health." He smiled at her. "I am. Thank you for your concern, Crown Prince." She replied, nodding at him. "I would like you to meet my younger brother, Haelion." Lion stepped forward and bowed.
"Madam Jade, it's my pleasure to meet you." Opal looked up at him. Their eyes connected and his hands trembled in shock despite the warm smile on his face. "Prince Lion." The smile on his face dropped. "Yes, Mo- Madam Jade."
"Is there a reason you wanted to meet me up close?" Lion didn't have an answer. "The last time your granddaughters were here, we came to the conclusion that they were high-level martial artist. This time around, we'd like to spar with them." Kai injected himself smoothly.
"No." Opal stated. Kai hadn't expected that answer. "You can spar against my sons instead. They are more on your level." Kai glanced at the two men sitting nearby. "Then we can meet tomorrow morning." Opal nodded. "Before dawn." She added. The two bowed to her and Kai had to pull Lion away.
"Madam Jade." Opal sighed softly. She was beginning to think that this banquet was for her instead of the renewal of the peace treaty. Palari and Lyria stood in front of her table. "Palari..." Malari called out to her daughter but was ignored.
Their relationship went bad after they dragged her to the mansion and watched her get beaten. Not that there was much of a relationship previously.
"Is there something you need?" Opal asked. Almost everyone came up to her in less than an hour. "How have you been? My brother-in-law has been anxious about your actions since you left." Opal sighed. "Aren't you tired? Because I am."
"Palari!" Lanin called out sharply. Melire didn't speak, he just watched his wife. "Aunt Lyria. You're embarrassing yourself." Gena spoke up. Lyria grabbed Palari's arm. "You said we were coming over to apologize. Do you realize what you're ruining for me?" Palari pulled away from her.
"What? Everyone is afraid of her but I'm not. My sister is dead! All of you are thinking that this woman is here when my sister is actually dead!" She grabbed Lyria's arm. "You personally pulled her body out of the fire. You personally identified her body! Now, because someone looks similar to her, you all are falling at her feet!" Lyria pulled away from her.
She turned to Opal and bowed. "I truly came over to apologize for my behavior previously. Up until we got here, I still didn't know what to think of you." Opal didn't respond but Lyria turned and left without looking in Palari's direction once again.
Melire stood up and helped Lyria sit down. He kissed her temple in relief. "My aunt's right." Kaelia slowly stood from her seat. "Lia. Sit down and shut up." Lion grabbed her hand. "Last time I didn't say anything. This time I will." She ignored her brother and pulled away from him.
"You didn't say much but you did a lot." Opal said as she slowly stood up. "Your aunt got the beating on your behalf but that was nothing compared to what you did." She walked around her table, and everyone's eyes were on her.
"If I were a regular woman, I'm afraid I would've been dead after the first meeting. Thankfully I'm not a regular woman. But we should have a proper conversation." Lia scoffed. "I don't wish to waste words with a woman who is shamelessly clinging to my father. I already lost my mother; I don't need to lose my father."
Opal chuckled. "With all the things you did, I thought you'd have more guts." She shook her head. "When I first came here, I didn't speak to your father on my own accord. I was silent. I didn't deliberately put myself in his way, didn't seduce him. I just existed. If you had a problem with the way your father looked at me then you should've spoken to him instead of attacking me."
Opal took a step forward. "Your mother is dead. That's been the truth for many years. When your father forcibly kidnapped me by threatening my children and grandchildren's lives, why didn't you say anything? You have no high ground to stand on and yet you're acting as though I pushed you off. As a mother, your behavior disgusts me deeply."
Opal looked at Kasian, who seemed amused. "You aren't any better as a father. It's a pity she left them in your care. You're letting them run around like they have no upbringing." Kasian smiled. "What right do you have to say such things to me?" Lia glared. "As the victim of your schemes, I have every right. In the remaining months I am staying in this Kingdom, you'll have one more chance."
Opal took another step forward and Lia felt as though someone was squeezing her throat. "I dare you to try to mess with me or my family again. Regila's nickname will change from Assassin Kingdom to Annihilated Kingdom." Opal turned and left the hall.
"We'll be waiting, Princess." Gena said with a smirk as she stood and followed Opal. The others stood and followed her out as well. Elira didn't waste time and left a few seconds later. Lyria and Melire also left.
"What other lie will you make up this time?" Kasian as he stood from his chair. He looked down at his daughter and then looked at Palari. "You two still haven't learnt your lessons."