Chapter 18: First Touch

The long-awaited banquet day has finally arrived, with the main place adorned with all sorts of decorations along the main streets of the capital. All nobles have arrived at the palace fully prepared to finally see their long-lost King and the return of their Empress.

There are nobles from the Lockser Kingdom and the Baroom Kingdom that have been invited by the Empress herself, that have arrived three days before the celebration.

Different rumors have already spread wide and far, as to what kind of interactions, the King and the Empress are having. Although all the servants of the main palace have their lips shut tight regarding the situation inside the palace, that wasn't the case regarding some of the nobles or officials that have visited the palace.

They once saw the Empress and the King met one another in a hallway, with the Empress coldly ignored him before the King had a chance to try to talk to her.

"What do you all think is going to happen now? Will we survive this banquet?"- a noble lady whispers to her friends as they observed the atmosphere of the banquet.

The sweet melody fills the dreadful air of the banquet as the delicious aroma of food distracts the stressful minds of everyone... until, "Announcing the arrival of his majesty the King! King Atlas Caswell! ".

The double door opens revealing the King wearing his crown on top of his long, silky black hair. His clear emerald eyes focus on the two golden thrones. Despite being made from gold, the other throne is much more magnificent than his throne.

With a small golden crown embedded with glistening jewels designed on the throne, even the arms of the throne has jewels embedded on them.

His eyebrow knits, as a small frown formed on his lips as he continues to gaze at the throne assigned for the Empress.

"His majesty, the King is still as handsome as ever~! My goodness looks at his face~! He got the youthful look of the previous King~!"- a noble lady whispers as all the other noble lady nods their head in agreement, as they eye the King with hearts on their eyes.

The rumors about his curse have been long forgotten ever since the royal wedding. no matter which noble lady faces and manages to have a small talk with the King before, they no longer felt ill. It seems like his curse was cured by marrying the current Empress.

"Announcing the arrival of her majesty, the Empress! Empress Shaelyn Lockser-Caswell!"-

Atlas's eyes widen in surprise the moment he heard her name...

This is the first time Shaleyn uses both the surname Lockser and Caswell and made it announced in an event.

The double golden doors once again open to reveal the Empress, wearing a navy blue mix with a white-colored ball gown. With the same color of cape made with pure velvet, her crown is embedded with different colored jewels. Her hair has been curled and decorated with hair jewelry.

Her cold gaze observes the whole room before it landed on the King who's eyes widen in surprise. A cold smile form on her red lips, as she slowly made her way to her throne.

Everyone she walks past by has lowered their head in respect and I fear meeting her cold gaze. Countess Norie is walking behind her, wearing a similar gown with the Empress, as per her order much to the Countess' protests.

Time seems to slow down the more Shaelyn walks closer to him, his heart has been frantically beating inside his ribcage. He took a big gulp of the wine that Jasper offered to him, the moment he notices the slight trembling of his fingers.

He whispers to him good luck before greeting the Empress who only glances at him with a meaningful gaze, which Jasper understood quickly. Countess Norie greets Atlas who only glances at her for a second before his gaze quickly returned to Shaelyn who is staring at him with an unfamiliar cold gaze.

A frown formed on his face from the unfamiliar gaze he is receiving, he was about to open his lips to speak to her but she trued around to face their people.

"We are not only here to celebrate the return of our long-lost King but to also celebrate the expansion of our glorious Empire! Long Live our Empire!"- She announces as she raises the wine glass that Norie handed to her.

All the nobles began raising their wine glass, as they all cheered in unison, "Long Live our Empire! Long live her majesty the Empress!"-.

Atlas only stared wordlessly as they all continued to cheer until Shaelyn turn around to face him once again still wearing the cold smile on her lips.

--

Duke Jasper and Countess Norie kept on glancing with one another before they turn to watch both the Empress and the King, who are both wordlessly sitting on her golden throne.

Earlier, they have a private talk with the captain of the royal guard regarding the safety of the banquet. Though there are no foolish ones that will try to openly attack the banquet, especially since the Empress is attending it. The ones that they are worried about ruining the banquet are not outside enemies but rather their Empress.

Her mood can be unpredictable, thus for the safety of the nobles attending the event... they have assigned the royal guard to be on standby if ever something happens. Especially since they have no idea how the Empress would react in facing their King.

But thankfully right now, the Empress is busy listening to random talks of the nobles about the vents that have happened at the capital during her absence.

Their King on the other hand is talking to the captain of the Royal guard along with Duke Vesper, who have been sneaking a glance at the Countess.

"Norie."- her familiar cold tone made their back straighten, as the Countess quickly move toward her before doing a simple curtsy.

"Is there something wrong your majesty?"- she asks calmly while sneaking a glance at the nobleman that was talking to the Empress.

It was a Count who is trying to please and gain favor from the Empress, to gain more influence.

"I'm getting bored... try and remove this piece of garbage in front of me before I grab my sword to cut off his tongue."- the Empress coldly stated not even bothering to glance at the Count who is now shivering in fear while covering his mouth.

"As you wish your majesty. If you would like to keep your tongue intact, then you can remove yourself in front of her majesty."- the Countess said as she turns to face the Count with a stern glare.

The Count's face paled, as beads of sweats formed on his forehead before he completely lowers his head and mumbles a clumsy apology to the Empress as he runs away in fear.

The Countess quietly sighs in relief that the Count's blood won't be the first one to bleed tonight before she felt the intense cold gaze of the Empress.

"Is there something wrong your majesty?"- she asks mentally preparing herself in case she decided to pursue to spill the Count's blood.

But the Empress only stares at her before clicking her tongue. She watches as the Empress stands up from her throne, as everyone's eyes follow her every move.

The Count feared that the Empress has changed her mind and might try to end his life, quietly exit the banquet hall. Like a mouse trying to escape from the predator who's hunting him down.

A gasp was heard in the crowd as she stops just two feet away from the King's throne.

"..."- the King blink in surprise as he stands up from his seat, while Duke Vesper and the Royal guard Captain both bow their head.

"Come and entertain me."- her words made his eyes widen in surprise as she offered her hand to him. His heart keeps on beating fast inside his ribcage.

He raises his hand hesitantly at first, clearing his throat he holds her soft hands. She flinches at the sudden contact with him, it's been ten long years since she touches his hands.

An uncomfortable feeling crept on her heart, as she tried o mask her disgusts just to fulfill the traditional first dance of the royal.

If the tradition did not exists, then she would not even touch the disgusting hands of his, just to let Norie have a chance to talk to Vesper.

"How annoying..."- she quietly mutters under her breath as they walk towards the dance floor, holding each other's hand.