NOVEL NEXT Chapter 263. The Grand Feast III
Dragon King's Harem Chapter 263. The Grand Feast III
Glasha's dance was nothing short of breathtaking. With each step and twirl, she commanded the attention of everyone in the hall, myself included. I found myself captivated by her movements, the way she moved with such grace and precision. It was as if she were telling a story through her dance, a story of strength and resilience.
I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of it all. The way Glasha moved, it was evident that she had trained extensively, honing her skills as both a warrior and a dancer. It was a unique combination that showcased her multifaceted nature.
Amidst the music and dancing, Prince Burz's gaze bore me with an unspoken expectation. He took the goblet he held in his hand and offered for a toast. "To the celebration," he said. The thought crossed my mind that he needed me to consume the poisoned drink before he could proceed with his plan.
At that moment, I made a deliberate decision. I picked up my own goblet, meeting Burz's gaze with a subtle nod. "To the celebration," I said, my voice steady as I echoed his words.
With measured composure, I raised the goblet to my lips and took a small sip, letting the liquid touch my tongue before I set it back down on the table, following his plan. The taste was sweet and bitter, a reminder of the lurking danger that surrounded us.
Immediately, an announcement about the drink effect appeared.
[Warning! The poison is starting to affect you!]
I simply used my skill.
'Dispel!'
[Poison has been neutralized!]
I could see a satisfied smile on his lips.
My attention swiftly shifted back to Glasha, who continued her enchanting dance. It was as if she embodied the untamed spirit of the orc tribe, her movements reflecting her warrior lineage. But then, my peripheral vision caught the movement of Eir and Guillotine. The clan leaders seated on either side of them had extended their goblets, mirroring Burz's gesture, inviting them to partake in a toast as well.
I noticed that Eir and Guillotine had followed a different course of action than I had. Instead of imbibing the wine as I had, they had chosen a more cautious approach. With a skillful sleight of hand, they feigned raising the goblets to their lips, mimicking the act of drinking, but avoiding the actual consumption of the poisoned wine.
The last notes of music faded into the air, and Glasha gracefully bowed her head in acknowledgment of the audience's applause. It seemed she was ready to retreat from the grand hall and return to the comfort of her own quarters. However, my hand instinctively rose, gesturing for her to pause.
"Princess Glasha," I called out to her, my voice carrying across the room. "Why leave so soon? Won't you join me in continuing this celebration?" A mischievous glint sparkled in my eyes, and a faint smile played upon my lips.
A wave of murmurs spread through the hall, like ripples on a tranquil pond disturbed by a sudden gust of wind. The guests exchanged hushed whispers, their curiosity piqued by this unexpected turn of events. The air grew charged with anticipation, and all eyes turned toward Glasha and me.
Among the crowd, I noticed Prince Burz's face contort with a mixture of pale concern and worry. His eyes darted back and forth between Glasha and me as if trying to gauge the implications of my request. It was evident that my invitation had caught him off guard, unsettling his carefully laid plans.
Glasha's reaction was equally apparent in her visage. A disapproving furrow etched its way onto her brow, revealing her skepticism and wariness. Her eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting a flicker of suspicion.
Burz's concerned voice resonated in my ear as he leaned closer. "Your Majesty, isn't this a bit inappropriate for Lady Evelina?" he whispered, attempting to negotiate with me under his breath.
I tilted my head slightly, considering his words. Without diverting my attention from Glasha, who still stood in the center of the hall, I posed the question to Evelina. "Evelina, what are your thoughts on this?" My voice was calm, masking the complexity of the situation.
Evelina's response came without a flicker of hesitation, her gaze fixed elsewhere. "I don't mind, Your Majesty," she replied in a nonchalant tone. There was an air of indifference in her voice as if she were unfazed by the unconventional turn of events.
A brief smile touched my lips as Evelina's words echoed in the air. I turned my attention back to Burz, meeting his gaze directly. "You've heard her, Prince Burz," I stated matter-of-factly, emphasizing Evelina's agreement.
Prince Burz slightly bowed his head, acknowledging the authority of my words. His gaze shifted momentarily towards Glasha, his sister as if seeking her approval. "It's up to you, sis," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and concern.
Glasha, with a heavy heart, offered a respectful bow in my direction. "If the dragon king has made his request, I shall oblige," she declared, her words laden with an underlying sense of reluctance. It was evident that her agreement came at a personal cost, yet she understood the importance of our interaction within the realm of diplomacy.
Her irritation was palpable, she approached me with measured steps. As she took her seat beside me, a flicker of annoyance danced across her features, yet she made a conscious effort to conceal it. This was, after all, a celebration, and maintaining a façade of composure was expected.
With a commanding wave of my hand, I urged the celebration to continue. The music resumed its lively melody, filling the hall with its infectious rhythm. Another group of dancers gracefully entered, their movements synchronized and mesmerizing. Yet, amidst the captivating performance, my keen observation detected something peculiar.
It dawned on me that these dancers’ levels surpassed the average, matching those of seasoned warriors. They were warriors in disguise, their true identities concealed beneath the guise of dancers.
A quick survey of my surroundings revealed a similar transformation among the maids and servants who had adorned the hall. Their levels had significantly escalated, indicating that they were not mere attendants but skilled soldiers, ready for the impending confrontation.
A faint smirk played upon my lips as the realization settled in. 'I see... they will soon ambush us,' I thought. Little did they know, I was prepared for their deceitful act, and instead of succumbing to their scheme, I was about to give them an unexpected push.
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