Chapter 20: The celebratory feast
The day of the long-awaited feast had finally arrived. Thanks to Anthanasia's insistence, Hael had treated himself to a nice formal tunic, one befitting the occasion. His hair was neatly braided back, and the earrings she had purchased for him sparkled in the light, adding a touch of elegance to his appearance.
The dining room was a sight to behold. A massive table stretched across the space, laden with a variety of Trojasian delicacies that would tempt even the pickiest eater. Hael stood for a moment, stunned by the sheer abundance of food and the warmth of the gathering. Guests laughed and conversed merrily, sipping wine and exchanging gossip with their neighbors. He felt somewhat overwhelmed by the display, grateful that Anthanasia had insisted he bring Loki along for the evening.
The white bird quickly became the center of attention. Servants and nobles alike were enamored with him, doting on Loki throughout the night, admiring his unusual appearance.
Meanwhile, the festivities carried on around Hael. Performers encircled the table, music filled the air, and dancers weaved through the crowd, swaying their hips and offering attention to Hael. While he appreciated the hospitality, it was clear that all the attention made him uneasy.
King Ceremus, observing his guest closely, noticed Hael's discomfort. He had already been considering reprimanding the dancer near Hael, who seemed to be overdoing it. But before he could speak, Hael stopped him with a simple explanation.
"I'm just not used to all of this," Hael said, his voice calm but with an edge of reluctance.
This response seemed to quell Ceremus's irritation. Rather than pressing the matter further, Ceremus stood and motioned for Hael to follow him. The two retreated to the balcony that overlooked the vast expanse of Trojas.
Outside, Hael immediately felt a sense of relief. The space was open, and the absence of the crowded room provided a welcome sense of peace. He leaned against the railing, breathing in the cool air, and found himself reflecting on the past. Back in the forest, before he ever learned to yearn for the company of others, he had been content—surrounded only by nature, animals, and his own thoughts. Now, as he longed to be around people like himself, he realized that while he didn't mind the company of a few, he preferred solitude to the bustle of crowds.
It was strange, he thought. He hadn't known Ceremus for long, but there was a certain ease in his presence, a level of comfort similar to the quiet peace he had known in the forest. Standing there, the fresh air surrounding him, Hael felt a tranquility he hadn't anticipated. Despite the grandeur of the evening, this moment, just the two of them on the balcony, felt like the most at home he had felt in a long time.
As he turned to look at the King of Trojas who was known to be ruthless and tyrannical, he couldn't help wondering how his image became this way. The man he was looking at now was different from the rumours. He still held a certain amount of rigidity, but his face was more relaxed now that he was alone as opposed to when he was with others.
"What is on your mind?" Ceremus asked, breaking the man from his thoughts. "You've been staring at me for quite some time now. Don't tell me you've also taken to my charms?" He said in a serious tone, but his eyes held a playful gleam to them.