Chapter 69: The sphinx and the riddle II
The princess, seated at Aeson's left, had watched them closely from the moment they entered.
Her light blonde hair cascaded past her tailbone, half gathered into an intricate braided bun while the rest flowed freely down her back. A few thin braids framed her face, their delicate weave contrasting with the strong presence she exuded.
She was stunning—her espresso-hued skin a striking contrast against the black and gold tunic that clung to her lithe frame, subtly accentuating her curves. There was no mistaking her lineage; she bore an uncanny resemblance to her father.
Her stormy gray eyes swept over Ceremus, taking his measure in a single glance, before shifting to Hael. Unlike before, her gaze lingered. A faint, indecipherable smile tugged at her lips before she finally looked away.
Aeson continued with a few more formalities before summoning his most trusted knight to deliver a report on the creature that plagued their gates.
"As you may already know, the beast—the Sphinx—has laid siege to our city's entrance, allowing passage only to those who solve its riddle. Any who fail are struck down instantly. No one has been able to answer it." The knight's voice grew tight. "We summoned our wisest scholars, our brightest minds... but none succeeded. None lived long enough to do so."
Ceremus, outwardly unimpressed, listened with sharp intent. A discrepancy in the knight's explanation made him narrow his eyes.
"How did you determine that answering the riddle was the key to survival?"
The knight flinched, flicking a nervous glance toward the king. Aeson gave a brief nod, granting permission to speak.
"We sent men out with communication stones," the knight admitted. "Through them, we were able to hear everything that transpired."
"I see." Ceremus exhaled slowly, tilting his head. "So I'm here because you've abandoned all attempts to solve the riddle and now seek brute force as your solution." His golden eyes gleamed with quiet menace. "Not once did it occur to you that I might be capable of answering it myself."