Chapter 354 - 353. Peace And War (1)
As Damon’s substitute aide, I stood behind him alongside his original aide while he greeted King Augustine. The grand hall gleamed under the golden light of countless chandeliers, their radiance casting elongated shadows across the polished marble floors. The murmuring of nobles and officials faded into a subdued hum as the King’s sharp gaze settled on Damon first, his expression unreadable.
Then, his eyes flickered toward me.
A spark of recognition ignited within his gaze, the corner of his lips curving—not with warmth, but with something closer to intrigue.
"Aren’t you the water mage?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of authority, though beneath it, curiosity lingered.
I met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes, Your Majesty," I replied, placing a hand over my chest in formal acknowledgment. My words bore the appropriate respect, but my eyes remained steady—unyielding, offering no hint of submission.
A quiet pause.
Augustine tilted his head slightly, his scrutiny unrelenting. "It has been quite some time since you last appeared. Where have you been?"
"I had been occupied with work at my father’s territory, Your Majesty," I answered smoothly. "Please forgive me for not being..."—I allowed a deliberate pause, weighing my words—"present at court as often as I should have."
Though my tone remained polite, I knew he would recognize the underlying defiance.
For a moment, he observed me in silence, his expression giving away nothing. Then, he turned his attention back to Damon.
"Are the preparations for the ball complete, Duke Lancaster?" he inquired.