Honey : The Empire's Treasure 426 Winter Solstice 4

Thallan glared at Kamryn, who in return shrugged her shoulders, "What? It was funny…"

Rychell stared at Mika before allowing her and Ailwin to take their seats.

Ailwin immediately grasp her hand under the table once they were seated. They had a long night to go, he only hoped she could remember her promise to him on the way over here.

The feel of Ailwin's thumb rubbing over her knuckles, gradually bought down her temper. When she realized she had confronted the King face to face, she felt a little light headed.

Sh*t! I am a loose cannon!

"Let the banquet begin." Rychell ignore Ailwin for the time being as music played and food was served. One by one people made their way over to greet the King and offer some gifts.

As expensive item after expensive item was given to the King and other royal members, Mika noticed that not everyone was lining up to offer their well wishes.

"...not everyone is happy with the King's rule and wants his support…" Ailwin said, also watching who was giving and who wasn't. 

"The King is probably monitoring them as well…"

"En…"

When everything was done, an official made the comment that Prince Ailwin didn't present his father with a gift.

Several pairs of eyes looked over towards them again. Prince Thallan hear this, choses to publicly reprimand his younger brother.

"Brother, although you haven't accepted the invite to the winter banquet for a long time, you should at least show some manners."

"Thallan, I did bring a gift but just not for the King...I thought I was invited here for your wedding, am I wrong?" Ailwin countered, which threw many of the officials for a loop.

"Wedding!?"

"I didn't hear about a wedding."

"He getting another wife! So soon after getting two sisters…?"

"Who is it this time?"

Numerous people began to talk about the surprising news.

Lula, who was happy that Prince Ailwin brought the attention back to her, was about to stand up to tell everyone the good news but this time the King beat her to it.

"Everyone….what Prince Ailwin says is true. I have invited you all here tonight to not only to celebrate the winter solstice, but to also celebrate my son's marriage to…" Lula stood up after straightening her clothes and fixing her hair, "...Miss Lensa DarkBee Narbeth."

It didn't register that the King hadn't said her name until Kamryn tapped her on her arm.

"What are you doing!?"

Lula came out of her fantasy, to see everyone looking towards the back of the hall. Princess Tiriana was escorting a female in a beautiful golden gown towards Prince Thallan. Together they walked to stand in front of the King.

"Who the fuck is she…?" Lula fell into her seat stunned and embarrassed. What is going on!? This is supposed to be my wedding!

Kamryn wasn't too happy either, she already has her sister to contend with, and now another female shows up.

The King personally oversaw the ceremony and placed a tiara on Lensa head. Letting it be known that she will be the crown princess.

Many young misses sat envious of such a luxurious wedding, including Lula, who watched on in despair as someone else took stood next to Prince Thallan.

With the ceremony over and congratulations were said and done, Thallan escorted Princess Lensa towards her seat by his side. Unfortunately, Kamryn was sitting in it.

"Move." He simply said, driving Kamryn from her seat, who in return pushed Lula out of her seat.

 Having her spotlight stolen and now push to the furthest seat away from Thallan, Lula shed tears of grief. Kamryn didn't like this any better, she couldn't contain her anger any longer and broke the glass that was in her hand.

Mikaela thought this was the perfect time to give Prince Thallan their gift, and Ailwin couldn't agree more.

"Thallan, please accept this gift as congratulations on your marriage."

Ailwin had a servant bring Thallan a box. Inside lays two bracelets made from gold and the highest quality jewels, which Mikaela had designed.

"Hmm, I would have expected more from you. Well, thanks anyway." Thallan tossed the gift to his servants, not even bothering to take the bracelets out of the box.

Both Ailwin and Mika were disappointed that he didn't put them on, but they couldn't force it or it would make them look suspicious.

Regrettably, they weren't the only ones waiting to give out gifts. The King called for one of the stewards to place a box on Ailwin' and Mika's table.

"Son, I hadn't thanked you for your assistance with one of my problems. Please, accept this gift. I didn't know you were engaged, so I don't have one for your fiancee….yet." 

Ailwin and Mika both look down at the small box in front of them.

"You are a General, but also my son. I wanted to give you a potion the imperial healers have been working. It will strengthen your body and mind. Please, try it…" Rychell informed everyone in the hall.

Ailwin lifted the lid and pulled out the small bottle in his hands. Seeing the dark fluid made him feel slightly sick, his mind was conjuring up all the sights from the basement in Rowood city.

"Brother, father is personally giving you a gift, why aren't you drinking it?"

When Ailwin continued to hesitant the officials started whispering amongst themselves.

"A potion from the imperial healers!"

"The King still cares about Prince Ailwin…."

"Is there really something going on between the King and Prince Ailwin?"

"They have never been on good terms before…"

"That's true, but it is necessary for Prince Ailwin to be this caution…?"

Numerous voices expressed their opinions as they all are waiting to see what he will do next.

If he didn't drink it, his refusal will play into the King's hands; and if he does drink it, he was sure the potion in this bottle wasn't for healing.

Chapter end