Between Realms of Love

Banquet

The days leading up to the banquet passed in a haze for Leila. She moved through the palace like a shadow, the whispers of the nobility and the unspoken judgment of Cyrithiel’s elite weighing heavily on her. Lucian was often by her side, but even his presence couldn’t shield her from the feeling that she was out of place—a foreigner in a world that would never truly be hers.

On the day of the banquet, the palace was alive with bustling servants and preparations. Gold-trimmed banners adorned the grand hall, and chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow that felt almost suffocating. Lady Eryndra had ensured that every detail of the event was flawless, and she supervised with an air of authority, her gaze flickering to Leila now and then with a mixture of disdain and curiosity.

Leila’s heart raced as she stood in front of a gilded mirror in her quarters, adjusting the delicate dress she had been given to wear. The silk felt cool against her skin, a reminder of the luxury surrounding her. But despite the beauty of the gown, she felt out of place, like a child dressed in someone else’s finery.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts, and Lucian entered, his gaze softening as it fell on her. He looked regal in his dark attire, the embroidery on his jacket shimmering with a subtle power that spoke of his dominance in this world.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his voice warm, though his eyes held a possessive gleam that left her feeling both cherished and controlled.

Leila offered him a faint smile. “Thank you.”

He reached for her hand, drawing her close as he gazed into her eyes. “Tonight, everyone will see you as I do—a queen, worthy of every respect.”

His words were meant to comfort, but a part of her felt a pang of unease. “I don’t know if they’ll ever see me that way, Lucian,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

He lifted her chin gently, his gaze unwavering. “Then let them fear you, if they can’t respect you.” There was a hint of a challenge in his tone, a promise that he would ensure no one dared cross her.

As they made their way to the banquet hall, Leila felt the eyes of every guest turn toward her. The nobles, dressed in finery and adorned with jewels, regarded her with thinly veiled curiosity. Lady Eryndra stood at the center of a group of noblewomen, her gaze lingering on Leila with a look of cold appraisal.

Lucian’s grip tightened around her arm, guiding her through the hall as though daring anyone to question her presence. But even his protectiveness couldn’t ease the tension that settled in her chest as they approached Lady Eryndra.

“Your Majesty,” Lady Eryndra greeted Lucian with a graceful bow before turning her gaze to Leila. “And Miss Leila,” she added, her tone carefully polite, though her eyes held a glint of challenge.

Leila forced a smile, nodding. “Lady Eryndra.”

The noblewoman’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I trust you’re adjusting well to our customs. Cyrithiel can be… a challenging place for outsiders.”

Lucian’s gaze hardened, but Leila placed a hand on his arm, hoping to defuse the tension. “I’m learning,” she replied calmly, though her voice trembled slightly.

Lady Eryndra raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Learning, yes. But there are some things that can only be understood by those born to it. I’m sure it’s quite different from… wherever you come from.”

Leila felt a spark of anger, but before she could respond, Lucian stepped forward, his presence like a shadow cast over the noblewoman. “Leila is as much a part of Cyrithiel as anyone here,” he said, his tone icy. “And anyone who questions her place will answer to me.”

Lady Eryndra inclined her head, though a hint of defiance lingered in her gaze. “Of course, Your Majesty. I meant no disrespect.” But as she stepped back, her eyes met Leila’s with a look that promised this was far from over.

As the evening continued, Leila felt like a bird trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by luxury but bound by invisible chains. She moved through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings and strained smiles, but every interaction left her feeling more like an outsider.

At one point, she caught sight of Lucian deep in conversation with a noblewoman. They stood close, laughing softly, and the familiarity in their manner made Leila’s heart ache with a jealousy she didn’t want to acknowledge. She tried to brush it off, but the feeling lingered, a reminder of the walls that seemed to stand between her and this world.

After hours of polite smiles and whispered conversations, Leila slipped away from the banquet hall, her heart heavy with the weight of her isolation. She wandered the palace halls until she reached the balcony overlooking the kingdom. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the warmth inside, and she closed her eyes, letting the breeze wash over her.

“Are you alright?”

Leila opened her eyes to find Lucian standing beside her, his gaze soft but searching.

She managed a small smile. “I just needed a moment. It’s… a lot to take in.”

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You belong here, Leila. I need you to believe that.”

But the doubt in her heart only grew, the uncertainty clouding her thoughts. She wanted to believe him, to trust that she could find a place in his world. But as she looked out over the kingdom, the whispers of the nobility echoed in her mind, a constant reminder that she was still an outsider, no matter how hard she tried to belong.

And for the first time, the thought of returning to Earth crossed her mind—not as a passing regret, but as a real possibility.