The Banquet: Part 2

Alora was very aware of how to capture a man's attention, her mother was not shy in teaching the ways. She knew how to get into a man's mind. She turned her walk into a more sultry saunter, hips swaying and one foot in front of another. She had her chin up, shoulders back, and arms relaxed. She carried herself this way all the way to the refreshment table. As soon as she placed the glass to her lips a man with blonde hair, skinny but toned, and was tall came up to Alora.

"You look very beautiful this evening, would you like to dance?." he confidently asked.

Alora couldn't help but smile, men are too easy. Without replying verbally, she placed her hand into his, and followed as he led the way to the dance floor. They danced for some time. They shared a few words with one another, catching his name as Tyrell Hunston, son of a minister here in the castle. Alora feigned interest in the man, kept a smile on her face as they danced so he believed that she enjoyed this company. As the man twirled her she caught sight of Lydus. He was watching her. She smiled broadly at him, and finished her dance with Tyrell. They said their goodbyes and Alora headed over to Lydus. He was handsome in his suit, his hair was slicked back in a way she rarely ever gets to see. Not the messy haired man she normally is with. She took note that Ethel was nowhere in view.

"Lydus, you look striking this evening. You clean up nicely. Ethel must be pleased to have you escort her to the banquet." Alora teased him.

He rolled his eyes at her. "You were dancing with Tyrell Hunston. Be careful, that man does not have a good reputation."

"It was simply to please my mother, she is pushing for my marriage this year. She thinks this is the best place to find a husband since there are only noble families." Alora nonchalantly mentions stealing a glance at Lydus to see if there were any reactions to her words. She saw none.

Lydus looks at Alora. Her words make something stir inside of him. He knew her mom had been wanting Alora to get married. But, Alora has never mentioned it herself. Alora is a rare gem. Her looks are unlike any other womens. She can steal the room's attention if that's what she wished. She knew that, and that is why she often dressed down. She was confident, witty, and strong unlike most women he had met. Alora has had many suitors visit her home only to be turned down. Even then Alora never mentioned it.

Alora tried to fill the silence as Lydus did not respond to what she had said. "Well you shall have no problem settling down. I know Lady Ethel comes from a great background, your families are very close, and she is beautiful."

Before Lydus could say anything, a loud chime blared throughout the room. It was the dinner bell. Lydus took Alora's arm and escorted her to her seat where her mother and sister waited for her. He said his greetings and bowed to them before heading to his assigned table.

"Momma, do you think the king will come?" Ayla asked her mother.

"I am unsure sweetheart, the rest of the royal family is in attendance at the high table. I am sure he will make his presence shown soon." Mrs. Tavelin commented while scanning the room.

They have never actually seen the king. Except heard of all the heroic feats he has accomplished. Alora's interest had peaked at Ayla's question because she wished to see another person who had powers. She had never met anyone else.

The dinner continued as normal. People chatted, there were toasts to the royal family. Sir Savren never returned to the family much to Mrs. Tavelins dismay. Often Alora would steal a glance in Lydus's direction. Until one time she looked back to him but he was not there.

"I will go to the restroom, Ayla do you need to go?" Mrs. Tavelin whispers to the girls. Ayla shook her head and continued to chow down on the bread infront of her. Mrs. Tavelin stands and bows to the other family we share the table with and excuses herself.

"Now Alora, your mother tells us you are well versed in history. What a lovely talent to possess. Not many women are able to pursue such education." an older man tries to make idle talk with the girls after their mother left.

As small talk continues on throughout the room. Alora feels a knot begin to form in her stomach. Due to her hypersensitivity right now, she was able to feel all the energy of the castle and something seemed off. She looked around the room, almost panicked, her heart began to race, and her breathing became quick. WHat she felt was instinctual. She quickly grabbed Ayla's hand. It didn't take long for her to know what her magic was telling her. She was sensing danger, and it was coming fast.