The banquet hall was a breathtaking display of opulence, adorned with shimmering decorations that caught the light of a thousand candles. The head table groaned under the weight of exotic delicacies, their aromas mingling in the air. The royalty took their seats, while the grim-faced guards of both kingdoms stood like statues along the walls, their hands never far from their hilts.
Ezekiel leaned forward, his presence commanding the room. "We should begin our negotiations," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "The Supreme Kingdom desires that after this union, our realms act as one. We shall support each other in all things—armaments, advanced weaponry, medicine, rare minerals, and ornaments. Total unity."
King Arthur nodded, his expression hopeful. "That is our wish as well—a united South and North. But, Prince Ezekiel, one question haunts me. Why did the Crown Prince, Orzedstar, not grace us with his presence?"
Ezekiel didn't flinch. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the two princesses. "Before I answer that, Your Majesty, I must ask a question of the Highmesses, if I may?"
"By all means, proceed," Arthur replied.
Ezekiel directed a charming, radiant smile toward Amelia and June. "Tell me... do you both find me to your liking?"
The two princesses felt their faces flush a deep crimson. Under the weight of his magnetic gaze, they stammered in unison, "Yes... we find you very much to our liking."
Ezekiel turned back to the King, his expression turning solemn. "My elder brother has fought in countless wars. The brutality of the battlefield has hollowed him out; he is a man whose emotions have withered away. If Orzedstar were to marry into this family, I fear your daughters would never know a moment of true happiness. He is cold, a man of stone."
He then looked back at the sisters, his voice dropping to an intimate, persuasive whisper. "I leave the choice to you. Will you agree to marry me? The fate of this entire alliance rests upon your hearts. If you have even the slightest doubt, tell me now, and I shall not take offense. But I promise you this: as the Queens of the Supreme Kingdom, the entire realm will move at your command. I myself shall be at your beck and call. I will give you every joy you deserve and teach you secrets of the world you have never dreamed of."
The promise of being the supreme rulers of the North was too intoxicating. Swept away by the vision of absolute power, Amelia and June cried out together, "We have no objection! we will marry you!"
King Arthur and Queen Elizabeth exchanged a wary glance. "We must speak with our daughters in private for a moment," the King declared.
"Of course," Ezekiel replied smoothly, rising from his chair. "I shall take this moment to use the washroom."
As Ezekiel climbed the grand staircase, he waved off the guard the King had assigned to him. "Just point the way; I can find it myself."
He walked down the silent corridor of the upper floor. Suddenly, a familiar scent hit him. It was sharp, wild, and unmistakably her. He stopped in front of a heavy door, the fragrance of Zen lingering in the air.
He pushed the door open. The room was filled with mountains of books and a massive royal bed, but underneath the floral perfumes, there was a faint, metallic scent of rot. Ezekiel followed the smell to the window, where a bundle of cloth lay stained with drying blood.
He unwrapped it. Inside lay the severed head of a massive snake.
Ezekiel stared at it, a dark smirk tugging at his lips. Shy? Cowardly? he thought. The girl is a demon, and her family are all liars. He heard the faint echo of footsteps and quickly re-wrapped the gruesome trophy. Just as he turned, Kaien appeared in the doorway, his eyes sharp and suspicious.
"Your Highness," Kaien said, his voice low and firm. "It seems you have lost your way. Allow me to escort you to the washroom."
"I am not lost," Ezekiel countered, his eyes scanning Kaien. "This room has a washroom. I shall use it."
"Forgive me," Kaien stepped forward, blocking the path. "But you cannot use this one. The Little Princess is quite particular; she despises it when anyone enters her chambers without her knowledge."
Ezekiel stepped closer to the guard, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kaien's face. "Are you a member of this family? Because for some reason... you look hauntingly familiar to me."