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The royal dining hall was bathed in the soft light from the chandelier above. A large table, adorned with pristine white linens and gold-plated cutlery, was filled with dishes of freshly baked bread, fruits, and meats. The air was thick with the aroma of herbal teas.
The King sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet calm. Beside him was the Queen, graceful and poised as she sipped her tea.
Around the table were their children—Crown Prince Cassiel, the eldest and heir to the throne; the princesses and the princes.
Seated quietly at the far end was the Archduke, his usual cold demeanor intact. His siblings knew better than to disturb him during meals. His sharp gaze rarely left his plate, making it clear that he was here to eat, not to chat.
Everyone was settling into their meals when Cassiel broke the silence.
“Mother,” Cassiel began, his deep voice steady but curious, “where are the Andersons? I thought they were staying here for a while longer.”
The Queen set her teacup down gently, a small smile gracing her lips. “They left early this evening,” she said, her tone warm. “The rain has stopped, and they needed to return to their estate to ensure everything is in order. They stayed for a day, but they could not afford to linger longer.”
Cassiel nodded thoughtfully, cutting into his steak. “I see. I didn’t even hear about their departure.”
“It was a quiet exit,” the Queen replied. “They didn’t want to disturb anyone, especially since everyone is busy with their own businesses.”
One of the princesses—Princess Althea, who had been quietly observing the exchange, raised an eyebrow. “Quiet exits seem to be their specialty. They were barely noticeable the entire time they were here.”
“Perhaps that’s their way of keeping out of trouble,” one of the princes—Ethan—quipped, earning a glare from Althea.
“Ethan, mind your manners,” the King said, his voice firm but not harsh. The young prince grumbled an apology and returned to his plate.
The room fell into a comfortable silence once more, the clinking of utensils and soft murmurs of the servants the only sounds filling the space.
Then, the King turned his attention to the Archduke.
“Archduke,” the King began, his deep voice resonating through the hall. All eyes turned toward the Archduke, who paused mid-bite.
“Yes, Your Majesty?” he replied, his tone polite but distant.
“Now that the rain has stopped, do you plan to return to your estate soon? I understand you have pressing matters to attend to there.”
The Archduke set his fork down carefully, his expression unreadable. He calmly dabbed at his mouth with a napkin before answering. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he said simply. “I will leave by tomorrow morning.”
The King nodded approvingly. “Good. Your estate must also need tending after such heavy rains. Ensure your people are well cared for.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” the Archduke replied, bowing his head slightly.
“You could stay longer if you wish,” the Queen interjected kindly. “The palace is always open to you.”
“I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but my presence is required elsewhere,” the Archduke replied, bowing his head slightly. Hindi siya maaaring magtagal dito gayong kailangan pa niyang bisitahin ang kaniyang ina.
YOU ARE READING
Awakening in White Locks
Fantasy"I love you," he whispered, their foreheads gently touching. A tear escaped her eye, for she understood that "I love you" was once a beautiful melody, but now it threatened to transform into a tragic symphony. "I will soon have to leave you," she co...
