RIGHTFUL VENGEANCE

WITH HIS PERMISSION

The dining hall of the palace was a grand display of warm candlelight from the chandeliers bathed the room in a soft golden glow. It illuminated the white stone walls which were adorned with tapestries woven with brightly coloured threads showing the four gods Arcadia worshiped; Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and Athena.

The gentle drizzle outside rhythmically tapped against the tall windows but it was but a mere whisper against the lively hum of conversations and the soft clinking of cutlery on fine china. Servants moved gracefully between the tables as they refilled goblets with wine and cleared away the remains of the feast.

Everyone was dressed in what they deemed their finest, after all it's not everyday they get to dine with the royal family. The women's gowns glittered with bright colors and the men's tailored garments displayed their nobility. Laughter flowed easily as the guests enjoyed their dinner with warm conversations.

Yet, amidst this scene of luxurious ease, Princess Selene felt anxiety twisting tighter in her stomach. Although her golden hair gleamed under the chandeliers her deep blue eyes casted furtive glances across the table. She tried to keep her expression serene, but her thoughts were a storm.

She knew of what was to come. When would Prince Kang Dae make the announcement? The question circled in her mind relentlessly and unforgiving.

Across at the head of the table, King Lycaon was his usual stern self. His gaze was sharp and watchful even as he engaged in light conversations. He seemed relaxed to others but Selene could see the way his eyes flickered now and then, it was a subtle sign of his ever present distrust.

He had never been one to let his guard down easily, especially not after so many years of betrayal and deceit at the hands of those he once called friends. He was friends with no one, not even his children.

A few seats from him, Thanos wore a faint scowl with his brow furrowed in mild irritation. He stabbed at his food with a little more force than necessary. Selene could tell he was annoyed, it was likely caused by Iris's incessant chatter.

Iris was sat next to him, she seemed blissfully unaware of her brother's mood. Her blue eyes sparkled with her usual cheer and her laughter rang out like a bell every so often. Her bubbly demeanor was a contrast to Thanos's dark cloud despite their uncanny resemblance.

In the midst of her own turmoil, Iris's lightness was a reminder that not everyone was weighed down by burdens. Some people are lucky like that.

And then there was Prince Kang Dae. He sat a few seats down from across Selene, his posture was relaxed yet commanding. Tonight, his attention was focused on a conversation with a nobleman seated beside him. She vaguely recognized him as one of his companions from Mu, the man whom Iris had mentioned.

His tone was low and measured while he spoke of trade agreements and the mineral resources that Arcadia and Mu might exchange, a conversation of mere political strategy. But to Selene, every word felt like a delay, each moment dragged on and pushed her patience to its limit. She could feel her frustration rising like a tide.

Selene barely registered the nobleman, her focus was solely on Prince Kang Dae. Internally, she begged the gods to prompt him him to announce their intentions before her father finished his meal and excused himself. The longer the night stretched on, the tighter the coil of anxiety wound within her. She needed this over and done with.

The air seemed to thicken around her and the sounds of laughter and conversation faded into a dull hum. She could feel her pulse quickening, a flush creeped up her neck but she fought to keep her composure. She could not afford to misbehave, not here and not now.

As if sensing the shift in her mood, King Lycaon glanced at her, his eyes narrowed slightly. Selene forced herself to smile, a small gesture that she hoped would mask her inner turmoil. She couldn't let him see her worry. He would ask questions, questions she wouldn't even answer.