Chapter 20

Later, the two made their way to the grand dining hall for breakfast. The king, miraculously recovered after drinking the solution, beamed with gratitude, offering lavish gifts in thanks.

"It is our duty, Your Highness," Rhaine responded warmly. Her voice was steady, but her thoughts were anything but.

Her gaze flickered to Kaelion, who sat quietly at the far end of the table. The sight of him sent warmth fluttering through her chest—a strange, unsettling feeling she hadn't felt in years. She fought to suppress it, knowing the little lunarest essence she had taken wasn't enough to dull her emotions completely.

"And thank you, General, for all the help." Her voice wavered slightly as she offered an awkward smile, her gaze faltering.

Kaelion's lips quirked, a subtle upward turn that wasn't quite a smile but enough to astonish the royals, who had never seen even a hint of warmth from him.

The princess, seated near the king, stiffened with barely concealed jealousy. Her lips pressed into a thin line, eyes narrowing at the quiet exchange between Rhaine and the general.

Rhaine's heart raced, confusion swirling within her. What was happening to her? Why did his presence affect her so much?

Kaelion's gaze lingered on her, sharp yet enigmatic.

The king's voice rang out with warmth and genuine joy, startling everyone. "Don't be so modest, Saintess. If there's anything you want, speak it, and I shall grant it." His smile was rare, a sight that even surprised Rhaine.

Rhaine met his gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. Before she could respond, the serene atmosphere shattered.

"Are we seriously ignoring the fact that the Saintess tried to kill you with her soup last night?" the princess spat venomously, throwing her utensils onto the table with a loud clatter.

Gasps rippled across the room.

"Father, don't forget! You wouldn't have been in that condition if it weren't for her." She stood abruptly, pointing an accusatory finger at Rhaine.

Rhaine, composed as ever, looked up calmly. "I did not cause you harm, Your Highness. I think a thorough investigation is in order."

The princess's face twisted in fury. "Why should there be an investigation? You're the culprit, aren't you?"

Before Rhaine could respond, a sudden sound filled the room—a dark laugh, cold and sharp as a blade.

It came from the general.

"The culprit?" Kaelion's voice dripped with icy mockery. His expression was as chilling as a winter night. "Is it not you, Princess?"

The princess blinked, stunned, her mouth opening to retort. But the words never came. Her voice caught in her throat as a shudder ran down her spine under the weight of Kaelion's terrifying gaze.

"Bring her in," his voice commanded, low but thunderous.

The grand doors creaked open, and guards dragged in a struggling servant, her cries echoing through the room.

The tension thickened like a storm cloud.

"Speak," Kaelion demanded, his voice sharp and merciless.

The servant trembled violently. "I— I—" she stammered before crawling desperately toward the princess. "Please help me! Spare me, I beg of you!"

The princess recoiled, panic flashing across her face. "What do you mean? I don't even know you!" she screamed, kicking the servant away.

Desperate, the servant scrambled toward Rhaine, her voice breaking into hysterical sobs. "Please! Saintess, spare me! I was threatened! It was all her plan!" She pointed a trembling finger at the princess.

The room fell into stunned silence.

"She told me to put something in the soup. I refused! I swear I did, but— but she threatened to kill my family! I had no choice! I didn't mean to kill anyone! She said it was harmless, just a drug— I didn't know! I swear I didn't know!"

Her wails pierced the heavy atmosphere.

The king's expression twisted with fury. Without a second thought, his hand lashed out, slapping the princess so hard she stumbled to the ground.

"Father!" she gasped, tears welling in her eyes.

"Do not start with me!" he thundered. "How could I have raised such an ungrateful, insolent child?" He kicked a chair violently, his rage boiling over.

The queen, desperate to calm the situation, tried to intervene. "Perhaps there's been a mistake, Your Majesty. We should—"

The king rounded on her, his face contorted with fury. "It's your fault too! You failed to teach her properly! How could you give me such a wild daughter?" His voice grew darker, more venomous. "I should have beaten you when you failed to give me a son!"

The slap echoed through the room as he struck the queen across the face.

"Mother!" the princess sobbed, clinging to the queen on the floor.

"Get out of my sight, both of you!" the king roared.

The guards moved swiftly, dragging the queen and princess away as they wept.

"I do not want to see the princess for the next week. Lock her up," the king ordered, his voice cold and unyielding. "She is forbidden from speaking to the servants, and no food shall be given to her without my express permission."

The room was suffocating with tension.

The courtiers sat frozen in shock, while Kaelion remained eerily calm, as though the storm that had just swept through the hall hadn't touched him at all. His gaze flicked briefly to Rhaine, unreadable but calculating.

The king, breathless with rage, sank back into his chair. "Let this be a warning to anyone who dares defy me."

The silence that followed was deafening.

 Rhaine's voice was soft but earnest. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

The king waved off her apology, his mood clearly sour. "It's not your fault."

Selara, ever bold despite the tension, cleared her throat. "Uh... don't mind me asking, but is it possible for us to request that favor now?"

Rhaine's eyes widened in shock as she discreetly bumped Selara's shoulder, silently reprimanding her. The atmosphere was far from appropriate for such a request.

Undeterred, Selara pressed on with a respectful bow. "I know it's not the right time, but we only wish for Your Majesty's happiness. After all, you are a mighty king. Such things should not weigh on your royal duties." Her voice softened with careful diplomacy. "We would like to present a show for you and everyone in the castle—perhaps it will help lift your spirits."

The king, who had been lost in brooding thought, seemed to stir. His expression shifted to contemplation. "Hmm... This is a good idea." He nodded curtly. "Thank you for the consideration. You may proceed."

With that, he rose, heading to the throne room to attend to official matters.

Selara sighed in relief. "That went better than expected," she whispered.

Rhaine's gaze lingered thoughtfully before turning to the general, who remained nearby. Her breath caught unexpectedly as their eyes met. Why hadn't she noticed before how strikingly beautiful his eyes were? They held a quiet strength, a storm barely contained.

The corners of his lips lifted in a faint smile. "Am I that fascinating to look at?" he asked, voice teasing yet composed.

Rhaine flushed, snapping herself back to reality. "I—sorry." She lowered her gaze, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your help earlier."

His amusement was evident. "You're welcome, Rhaine. But next time, I don't accept verbal gratitude."

With that cryptic remark, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Rhaine standing in a daze.

Her brows furrowed. Wait... How did he know my name? Selara had never mentioned it in front of anyone.

Selara's playful voice broke through her thoughts. "I see the general is taking an interest in you." Her tone was teasing.

Rhaine's head snapped toward her. "What?"

Selara shrugged casually. "I met him this morning at the palace grounds. He seems suspicious of us."

Rhaine's expression grew serious. "Then we must tread carefully. What are your plans?"

Selara's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Oh, I always have something up my sleeve."