Chapter 886 - 886: The test of loyalty - extended

The King lifted his cup once more. The small gesture seemed to signal the end of the more uncomfortable part of the conversation. Around the table, tension gradually eased, and the servants resumed their movements with renewed confidence.

"But we have spent enough of the evening discussing matters that can wait until morning," he said. "Tonight, I would rather enjoy the company of an old friend without turning every course into a council meeting."

A few restrained smiles passed around the table.

"Of course, Your Majesty," the Duke replied, lifting his own cup.

The conversation drifted toward safer subjects. There were questions about the journey from the capital, remarks about the banquet, and polite inquiries about the duchy's affairs. The warmth returned to the room, though Julian could not help noticing how carefully everyone chose their words.

At court, even a pleasant conversation could serve a purpose. Sometimes, it was simply a more comfortable way of approaching the same question.

It was the Queen Mother who eventually brought the discussion to Vanessa.

"Speaking of the future," she began, setting her cup beside her plate, "there is one matter we have not discussed tonight."

Her gaze settled on Vanessa before moving to the Crown Prince.

"The engagement."

The conversation around the table silenced once more. Even those who had been speaking in low voices turned their attention toward the royal side.

This time, Olivia answered her.

"House Astran has never forgotten the honor His Majesty has shown us. We have begun making the necessary preparations, though we thought it best to wait for the crown's guidance before making anything public."

"That was sensible," the King said. "Too many houses confuse eagerness with loyalty and end up announcing what has not yet been fully secured."

"Although waiting has its own disadvantages," the Queen Mother added. "People notice when an engagement is announced and then hear nothing more about it. Before long, they begin wondering whether the crown has second thoughts or whether the other family has become reluctant."

"Then we shall have to give them something else to talk about," Olivia replied with a faint smile. "Preferably something of our choosing."

The Queen Mother regarded her for a moment before returning the smile.

"Much better. A woman who enters the palace must learn to recognize a rumor before it reaches her ears. Otherwise, she will spend her entire life answering questions other people have invented for her."

The Crown Prince chuckled.

"You make palace life sound rather unpleasant, Grandmother."

"Only to those who arrive unprepared."

"Then I shall do my best to ensure Lady Vanessa has nothing to fear."

He turned toward Vanessa, his expression warm and composed.

"I hope you will find the capital welcoming when the time comes. There is much you have yet to see, and I would be glad to show you around myself."

Vanessa lowered her head politely.

"That is very kind of you, Your Highness."

"And how do you feel about the arrangements?" the Queen Mother asked her. "I imagine everyone has been so busy discussing what should to be done that few have asked what you think."

For the first time that evening, Vanessa's fingers tightened around her cup.

Only slightly. It was a small movement that was gone almost as soon as it appeared.

"I understand the importance of the engagement, Your Highness," she answered. "I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities."

It was a careful answer, one that offered neither objection nor enthusiasm. Vanessa had given the court exactly what it expected from her, and nothing more.

The Queen Mother studied her briefly.

"Responsibility is a good beginning. Still, you do not need to spend the whole evening speaking as though you are already standing before the throne to take your vows."

A few quiet laughs followed. Even Vanessa managed a small smile.

"I shall try to remember that, Your Highness."

"Good. There is plenty of time for formalities. For now, you should at least have the opportunity to know the man you are expected to marry."

The Crown Prince inclined his head.

"I would welcome that opportunity as well."

His attention remained on Vanessa.

Julian, however, felt the black flame stir within him.

The reaction was faint, but unmistakable. It stirred beneath his consciousness, as though something deep inside him had recognized a presence it had no reason to know.

He kept his expression unchanged and reached for his cup.

The sensation subsided after a few moment, leaving behind the same unanswered question that had troubled him earlier.

What was it about the Crown Prince that provoked that response?

He had no explanation. He could not even be certain whether the flame was reacting to the man himself or to something he carried.

Is he the crown prince that is being controlled or the servant of death himself?

For now, all Julian could do was observe.

"Tomorrow would be a suitable opportunity," the Queen Mother continued. "The gardens should be pleasant in the morning. A walk would give them some time together without half the court listening to every word."

"If Lady Vanessa agrees, I would be happy to accompany her," the Crown Prince said.

Vanessa answered after a brief pause.

"I would be pleased to join you, Your Highness."

"Then it is settled," the Queen Mother said. "There is no need to make a spectacle of it. Let people see the two of you together, and they will draw their own conclusions."

The King nodded in agreement.

"That should be enough for now. We should not rush an announcement simply to satisfy the noble's curiosity."

The Duke remained quiet throughout the discussion, allowing Olivia and the royal family to settle the matter between themselves. He had little reason to interfere. The engagement had already been agreed upon.

Liam, too, offered nothing.

That was what caught Julian's attention.

His uncle had barely spoken since the King raised the matter of the southern territories. He did not try to demonstrate his usefulness, nor did he take the opportunity to draw attention to his own branch of the family. Even now, while the royal family discussed a marriage that would bring House Astran closer to the throne, Liam remained silent.