Princess Vivianne & Juniper the Guard

Chapter 14: Forever Hold Your Peace (3)

In the end, the meeting took all day.

Two dukes were having a dispute regarding some land and artefacts, and others were complaining about personal grudges or rivalries with each other that had spilt over into the political realm.

One of these grudges was that Grand Duke Alexander's eldest son was the one that had been promised a princess. Every single one of them believed that their sons were more capable.

The sun fell with nothing much being said or done, and Mio grimly thought about the court banquet being held in honour of the visiting duke. He hoped it wouldn't go on for too long.

As guests arrive at the courtyard, they are greeted by the sight of a long table adorned with elegant tablecloths, exquisite floral arrangements, and flickering candlelight. Soft music played in the background, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The menu was filled with delectable spring dishes, such as grilled asparagus, fresh salads with strawberries and cheese, and succulent lamb chops. Desserts included a variety of fruit tarts and delicate pastries, all made with the freshest ingredients by their chefs. 

The dukes mingled and conversed with one another as they sampled the delicious food and drinks.

Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. Soon, maids escorted a row of scantily dressed concubines into the garden. The cuffs on the ladies' ankles clicked soundly on top of the orchestra playing their symphonies.

Under the starry night, the dancers became even more enchanting, with the warm glow of colourful lanterns and twinkling fairy lights reflecting onto their jewellery and oiled hair.

As the concubines start their dance, they gracefully move around the room, the sound of their bells jingling in tune with their movements. All eyes are fixed on them, and the guests watching with rapt attention.

Suddenly, one of the concubines misstepped, and her ankle twisted painfully, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground. Gasps and murmurs of concern filled the garden as the other concubines rushed to help her up.

Senior maid Nancy quickly comes forward to take the injured concubine away for treatment. The music started again, but the mood in the room had shifted. The guests were no longer as focused on the dance as they were before, and the king had a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Mio and Juno were standing further away from the event in silence. Mio had the option to mingle with the advisors, but he didn't feel like it. 

"You know, there is an old man with many daughters that used to sell us dairy at my orphanage," Juno started, eyes following Vivianne attentively. Mio hummed, wondering where Juno was going with this, but Juno never finished his sentence.

"Do you trust that Vivianne will stop her brother," Mio asked, gauging his reaction; Juno slightly nodded, turning to the blond boy next to him with a complicated expression. 

Mio stared back with a blank look on his face. 

"You have people you care for, right?" Mio asked quietly, trying to figure out Juno's motivation.

"I do. Everyone back home," Juno muttered slightly. Every one of the children he had watched over and grown up among, Mrs Reeves and the villagers. His entire life, up until this week, his very universe. He cared for them all because they were him, and he was them.

All those words he couldn't say to them as he suddenly left. He held onto them until he could speak them into existence. He hoped he could see them one day.

Mio remained silent, not commenting on Juno's misty eyes; he watched as Vivianne danced with Cesar, her gown flowing at her feet. His question was answered.