The Dark Prince

The Banquet

Standing in front of the whole kingdom while King Roman gave his speech was overwhelmingly nerve-racking.

I could feel everyone's eyes burning into my skin but I convinced myself it was only my anxiety. They should all be looking at the King.

His voice carried throughout the room effortlessly. I knew he had an enchantment on to make his voice louder and to boom over the walls, but he wanted his subjects to think his voice was naturally fit for a king.

I drowned out as King Roman gave his usual speech. He talked about how he was delighted to have everyone here and he was greatly sorry for the wait, giving me a sideways glance.

I did what I was always told to do. Fold my hands in front of me and put on a smile. Ingrid taught me how to make a forced smile look natural, which I feel like I am a pro at by now.

As I plastered on my mask, I felt my hand start to twitch. I mentally cursed and turned to look at him.

Dominic stood beside me, almost within arm's length. He kept his gaze down, a good cover so the audience wouldn't see it. But from where I was standing, his eyes had gone pitch black.

I could see him smirk and I felt my thumb crack. I held in a scream amd shut my eyes briefly. Don't make a sound, don't make a sound.

Then my pointer finger snapped. A small whimper came out of my mouth, thankfully too quiet for anyone to here but Dominic.

Of course he wasn't done humiliating me, it never stopped. I looked in the crowd and saw Elliot and Will both whispering and chuckling in my direction. The were waitng for me to break.

Then my middle finger cracked. I bit down on my lip hard, the pain almost unbearable. Fortunately, King Roman was finishing his speech.

"Now without further delay, let the banquet begin-"

"Ahhhh" I howled as Dominic crushed my ring finger. The crowd went dead silent and stared up at me.

I then realised what I had just done. I whipped my head over to King Roman. He was glaring at me in pure anger.

"Is there something you would like to say Natalia?" he asked, a growl under his voice.

"Uh- no no. I am very sorry Your Majesty. I was just um..." I was at a lost for words. How was I going to cover up this one.

I heard Dominic snicker from beside me. He was having all the fun in seeing me be humiliated in front of the whole Kingdom.

Telling them that Dominic had done this would do me no good. King Roman wouldn't punish his son, especially not for something he did to a disgraceful daughter like me.

"I was just shouting because I am so excited for the banquet to start" I said sheepishly.

King Roman looked like he didn't buy it for a second. But thankfully he regarded me with a glower and turned back to the crowd.

"May the banquet commence!" he bellowed. The people cheered and the music started to play again.

Everyone on the dais started to descend the stairs to make their way to the Great table.

I walked over to the steps, trying to catch up with Ally so she could heal my hand.

I was about to go descend the stairs when A firm hand clutched my arm, pulling me back. I was met with the face of an angry King.

"You will meet me in the dungeons after the feast" he ordered. I expected him to punish me so this wasn't a surprise.

He let go of my arm and walked past me, going to greet the Lord's and ladies that came tonight.