Tamed by the Lycan Prince

30- THE DINNER

CHAPTER FOUR

-ANTONIO-

Antonio woke to the sound of his chamber door opening and the faint rustle of a servant's robe. "Prince Anontio," a soft voice stirred him from a dreamless slumber. "It is time for dinner. Count Gaius and his family have arrived."

The memory of his conversation with his parents flashed in his mind, pulling him immediately into wakefulness.

"Already?" He groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The servant bowed and retreated, leaving Antonio to pull himself out of his bed. He glanced at the book on his bedside table, the echo of the librarian's words still resonating in his mind.

He dressed quickly in a tunic of royal blue. He smoothed his icy blonde buzz cut to make it appear more groomed. Not sparring a glance at his reflection in the mirror by the door, he strode out of his chambers and made his way towards the palace's grand dining hall. His mind was filled with thoughts about Count Gaius, his family, Basia Gaius. Antonio knew this dinner would not be enjoyable.

Still, he had to brave through it, for duty called. The grand dining hall was aglow with hundreds of hanging lanterns and the table was laden with an exquisite feast. His parents were already seated, engaging in light chatter with Count Gaius and his family. Kinnsion and Alina were nowhere to be seen. The two likely had other business to attend to.

Count Gaius rose the moment Antonio entered the room, bowing graciously. "Prince Antonio," he greeted, his voice resonating through the room. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Antonio returned the bow, smiling politely though his heart wasn't in it. "The pleasure is all mine, Count Gaius," he replied smoothly. Before he could take his seat, a movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. Basia Gaius, Count Gaius's middle daughter, was making her way towards him. Her ocean blue eyes were sparkling in the dim light and her chestnut hair flowed down her shoulders, accentuating her sapphire dress.

"Prince Antonio," she greeted him with a curtsy, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I hope you're doing well."

Maybe the rumors were incorrect. Lady Basia didn't seem as cold and frosty as the gossip had claimed she was, Antonio thought. He offered her a polite bow. "Lady Basia," he replied courteously. "I am doing quite well, thank you."

Before he could say more, Queen Camilla, rose from her seat, her green eyes sparkling. "Antonio, sweetheart," she called out in a voice that echoed softly around the room. "Why don't you escort Lady Basia to her seat?"

Antonio spared a glance at the queen's sly smile before turning to Basia who was looking at him expectantly. "Of course," he replied, offering his arm to her. Basia's smile widened as she delicately slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. The walk to the table was short. Basia seated herself gracefully on the chair beside him, casting him a sidelong glance.

"Thank you, Prince Antonio," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It is my pleasure, Lady Basia," he replied with a polite smile. He could feel Basia's gaze on him but didn't meet it, feeling strangely disconnected from the glittering room, the laughter and conversation, even the enticing aroma of the feast spread before them. His mind was filled with thoughts of the she-wolf and her condition. How was she doing? Was she injured, or perhaps sick? His fingertips brushed against the cool metal of his fork, grounding him back to present.

"I must say, Count Gaius," King Rasso became, "When I heard that you had established relations with the werewolves nearby, I was impressed."

Count Gaius chuckled, a rich sound that seemed to fill the room before he took a sip from his goblet. "Well, King Rasso, maintaining good relations with the werewolves has always been a priority for my family for generations," he declared, his eyes glittering under the faint lantern light. The rest of the table nodded in agreement and polite appreciation, but Antonio couldn't help noticing the smug undertones of pride in Gaius's voice.

"If I remember correctly, wasn't someone in your family fated to a werewolf not too long ago?" Queen Camilla asked curiously.

Antonio's attention was captured by the question, causing him to sharply turn his head towards his mother and then Count Gaius.

Count Gaius laughed, the sound echoing through the grand dining hall. "Indeed, Queen Camilla. My great-grandmother was fated to one," he admitted, his gaze shifting towards Antonio as if sensing the prince's curiosity. "It's a tale rarely told outside our family, but one of great importance to us."

Count Gaius paused, his glance lingering on Antonio. He seemed to measure the prince's interest before continuing, "It was back in a time when Lycan and werewolf relations were worse than they are now..." His voice trailed off as he delved into the family history.

The room fell into a hushed silence as Count Gaius recounted the tale. "Elina Gaius, my great-grandmother, was known for her beauty and kindness. It was said that her enchanting voice could tame even the wildest of beasts." He paused, his gaze dropping to the polished table surface. "And so it happened when she was out in the forest one day, gathering herbs."

Antonio recalled the fact that the Count's family had seen an increase in their fortune in recent times. The Gaius descendants had once been known as the Salutarys, serving the Imperial family with distinction.

"A sudden storm forced her to take shelter in the Dark Woods. And it was there that she encountered a wounded werewolf. From there it was history as their mate bond was so strong that Elina was compelled to be with the werewolf."

"The werewolf's name was Maximus. He had unfortunately been attacked by Lycans and left to die in the forest. Elina nursed him back to health, unknowingly igniting a flame of love that would burn for decades," Count Gaius' voice softened, the hint of a smile on his lips. "And that, Queen Camilla, was how the alliance between the Gaius family and the werewolves began." Count Gaius concluded.

Queen Camilla nodded, her eyes shining with fascination and respect. "A tale as beautiful as it is profound. It's a testament to the power of love and the unpredictability of fate."