Dinner (1)

When Ryker returned to his room, Lord Myster had already begun preparing a suit for him to wear, having heard about the dinner from some servants. Thankfully, Lord Myster also seemed to have a sixth sense and found some purple jewels to go with the suit.

After bathing the long day away, Ryker quickly put on the white dress skirt, a black waistcoat and pants. He then put on a black cloak on, this time it being lighter with only a few small jewels on it.

A few important things in his pants pocket and a hand through his hair, much to the dismay of Lord Myster, and Ryker was ready for dinner with the empire’s royal family.

He was quite sure what prompted the sudden dinner party but he suspected that Lady Diana was up to something. Ryker knew she was feeling him out, clearly wanting to know how much he knew about her identity.

Of course, that was the worst case scenario. It was more likely she wanted more information on Westerwyn, seeing as it had the only people capable of stopping whatever she planned to do.

Ryker wasn’t sure if she wanted vengeance or to take over the continent, like she had first attempted forty years old. Still, he had to keep his guard up, just enough so she wouldn’t suspect him knowing.

But he also needed to get her to put her guard down. Somehow…

“Your grace, I think you should get going.” Lord Myster interrupted his train of thought. “I don’t know what you’re scheming in that mind of yours but it seems to have made you forget about the time.”

“Oh right…” Ryker muttered, straightening his cloak. “I’ll get going now. Don’t wait up for me. I have some things I want to do after dinner.”

“Alright, your grace. Just please make sure you get some rest.” Lord Myster said.

“Of course.” Ryker smiled. “You don’t have to worry about me overworking myself.”

“I know…” Lord Myster said. “I just don’t want you doing everything by yourself. It’ll make my job seem useless.”

“You’re far from useless, Lord Myster.” Ryker stated. “Rather you’ve been of great help. Anyway, I’ll be heading out now.”

“Yes, your grace.” Lord Myster nodded in understanding.

With that Ryker left his quarters and headed toward Raquel’s, the crown princess already standing outside her quarters, waiting for Ryker.

She was wearing a sleeveless, purple gown with black trimming. Jewelry decorated her neck and ears and she wore black gloves reaching her elbows.

“Apologies for my delay, your highness.” Ryker said, sheepishly as he bowed his head.

There were servants around making Ryker cautious. The two had decided not to reveal how close they had gotten, deciding to act formally around each other. It made it easier for them to plan things if no one suspected them working together.

“It’s fine, Duke Ryker.” Raquel replied, extending an arm. “Let’s get moving.”

Ryker took her hand, placing it on his right arm. He then escorted Raquel to a dining hall in the emperor’s personal quarters.

When they got there almost everyone, except for the emperor and Lady Diana, were there. Ryker also noticed a few concubines and Raquel’s siblings missing too. He figured they were either on Lady Diana’s bad side or had little influence in the palace to be joining.

Raquel and Ryker were seated near the emperor’s seat at the head of the table, Raquel taking the seat to the right while Ryker sat next to her.

Lady Diana’s two children, Prince Anthony and Princess Fiana sat across from them, a seat left open by the emperor clearly for their mother. Next to Ryker sat one of the emperor’s concubines, Lady Grace, he believed.

Raquel had explained to him that she was basically Lady Diana’s servant, doing most of her dirty work for her and making the other concubines obey Lady Diana. She didn’t have any children, suspected to be infertile.

Soon, the emperor entered the room, Lady Diana on his arm. Everyone quickly stood up as he entered. A servant pulled a seat out for him, Lady Diana moving to stand by hers.

“Be seated everyone.” The emperor declared loudly.

Once he spoke, everyone began taking their seats, waiting a moment for the higher ranking noble to sit down. When the last person sat down, servants moved swiftly to start serving dinner.

When everyone had been served their first course, the emperor smiled. “Please enjoy this fabulous dinner hosted by my dearest love.”

He looked over to Lady Diana, clutching her hand tightly and winking at her. Ryker felt slightly disgusted by the gesture, not trying to imagine how Raquel was feeling to the emperor being openly loving to another woman.

He eyed her as he took a bite of his starter, seeing that Raquel had a blank look on her face, showing no sign that the move had offended her.

Ryker watched the room in silence, the table only having some small talk go around the family. The table was mostly silent otherwise, tension in the air as no one wanted to offend the emperor.

“So, Duke Ryker, how are the preparations going?” The emperor asked suddenly, turning to stare at him.

Ryker quickly swallowed the food in his mouth, knowing instantly that the emperor was talking about the bridal dowry. It was all he seemed to be interested in whenever he saw Ryker.

But Ryker understood why. The magical items he was giving the empire was what they used in a year for the palace. He also had to give them lower prices for future contracts but the quantity he would be selling would make up for that.

And the deal with Prince Aki. But the emperor didn’t need to know about that seeing as it was strictly Westerwyn business.

“It’s going well, your majesty. The first wagon should be arriving in two days.” Ryker answered.

“That quickly?” The emperor raised an eyebrow. “You work quite well.”

“It’s nothing, your majesty.” Ryker murmured. “Besides, the dowry was prepared in advance. It was just a matter of where and when.”

The emperor laughed. “You will make a great son-in-law.”

“You are right, your majesty.” Lady Diana murmured. “It’s just sad to hear your mother won’t be attending.”

Ryker smiled, the serpent finally striking.