Tea Party

Sebastine and James stepped out of the royal carriage and arrived at the grand estate where the tea party was being held. Sebastine's eyes widened as he took in the sight—it was massive, elegant, and unmistakably regal.

James glanced at him and quietly took Sebastine's hand."Don't wander off, not even for a second," he said.

Sebastine frowned. "I can take care of myself, you know."

James smirked. "Not today. Just stay with me."

They entered the party hall, where nobles, royals, and dignitaries from various kingdoms were already mingling. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of porcelain teacups. As they made their way in, a few nobles came to greet James.

"Prince James," one man said, bowing slightly. His gaze shifted to Sebastine. "And who might this be?"

James smiled lightly and replied, "He is Lord Sebastine, son of Duke Oliver."

Sebastine's eyes widened in shock. Duke Oliver? He had never heard anyone call Oliver that before.

The man approached Sebastine and offered his hand. "Ah, yes. We'd heard rumors the Duke had a son, but never got to meet you."

Sebastine hesitated but then shook his hand politely. "It's nice to meet you, sir."

James leaned in. "Excuse us," he said with a polite nod and gently pulled Sebastine away. Once they were out of earshot and near a quiet corner, Sebastine yanked James's arm.

"What did you just say?" he hissed. "Duke Oliver?"

James tilted his head slightly and answered calmly, "Yes, your master Oliver is the hidden Duke of Lunaris. It's not public knowledge, but among the right circles, it's understood."

"I… I didn't know," Sebastine murmured, eyes wide with disbelief.

James placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't need to worry. Everyone here believes you're his adoptive son. No one will question it."

Sebastine stared at him, still processing the truth. Just then, guests from Lunaris began entering the hall.

James gently took Sebastine's hand and led him toward the entrance hall where a large crowd of royals had begun to gather. The atmosphere buzzed with elegance and power, every corner of the hall glowing with nobility from various kingdoms.

James leaned closer and whispered, "See the one with silver hair and light purple eyes? That's Prince Kaereth of Lunaris. His magic is Wind combined with Illusion. Clever, unpredictable, and sharp-tongued."

Sebastine followed his gaze, nodding silently.

"And that one next to him—black hair and golden eyes," James continued. "That's Crown Prince Noah. Military Commander of Lunaris. He's strong—uses Blood Magic, one of the Royal Magics."

Sebastine blinked, absorbing the information. "What about the one behind him?"

James glanced over. "That's K. He's Noah's personal knight. Platinum blond hair, light grey eyes. His magic is Barrier and Blade Magic. Cold but loyal."

Sebastine looked at James, confused. "Why are you telling me all of this?"

James simply smiled. Because you're going to meet them soon.

Before Sebastine could respond, James pointed subtly across the hall. "Now, look up there," he said. "At the top of the stairs."

Sebastine's eyes landed on a tall man standing with calm authority. His hair was a shade of icy white, and his sharp, glacial eyes scanned the room below. His presence was commanding—cold, composed, and unreadable.

"That's Crown Prince Ignareth," James said. "My older brother. The Ice Heir of Dravencia. His magic is Ice."

Sebastine stared, stunned. He… looks so familiar. For a second, his heart skipped a beat. He looks like Leo… But this man's aura was colder, more distant, and his expression unreadable—nothing like the warmth Leo once had.

Ignareth descended the stairs, now greeting the Lunaris guests personally.

James took Sebastine's hand and led him toward the group of Lunaris guests. As they approached, James offered a polite smile and greeted them one by one.

He first shook hands with Kaereth, the silver-haired prince. "Prince Kaereth. It's been a while."

Kaereth returned the gesture with a smirk. "Prince James, as charming as ever."

Noah, standing nearby, glanced at the boy behind James. "And who's that?" he asked, his golden eyes narrowing with curiosity.

James let out a soft laugh and stepped slightly to the side. "This is Lord Sebastine, son of Duke Oliver."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "Ah… so Duke Oliver had a son after all."

He stepped closer to Sebastine and smiled. "Nice to meet you. You look quite young."

Sebastine nodded politely. "It's nice to meet you too, Your Highness."

Kaereth then moved toward Sebastine and offered his hand. "Welcome to the circle, Lord Sebastine. I hope Dravencia treats you well."

Sebastine took his hand and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Prince Kaereth. I'll do my best to adjust."

Kaereth smiled back with a kind glint in his eyes, then stepped aside.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Ignareth had been silently observing from a distance, his icy gaze fixed on Sebastine.

Suddenly, he turned away and said curtly, "Excuse me." Without another word, he walked off.

Kaereth's expression flickered. He looked at James and Sebastine. "Please excuse me as well." He bowed slightly and then followed after Ignareth.

In a quiet hallway just beyond the main ballroom, Kaereth found Ignareth standing alone, his back to the crowd, posture stiff and cold.

"Ignareth," Kaereth called softly.

Ignareth didn't turn around. His voice was low but laced with irritation. "Why is that boy here?"

Kaereth narrowed his eyes, walking closer. "What's wrong with him?"