Chapter 102:Dining
Lilith was still for a moment before a smirk graced her face.
"Don’t ever forget that," she calmly said.
Atheline smiled and nodded. The moment lingered too long as she stared out at the rolling waves while absentmindedly running her hand through his hair.
It felt like something fragile had been created between them, then...
KNOCK
It was sharp and loud enough to break through the sounds of the water.
Her hand stilled while his irritated gaze shifted towards the door.
It felt as though reality had returned. He lifted his head.
"Enter," she said, her cold voice returning.
The door opened just enough for the servant to slip through, head lowered.
"My lady," he said carefully, " the evening meal has been prepared. "
The servant shifted slightly his nervousness coming out in waves.
"Would you prefer it brought to your private quarters... or would you attend the main dining hall?"
A brief silence followed.
She slowly stepped back from him. Atheline noticed that even though it was only a short distance.
"The hall," he said quietly before she could answer.
Both the servants and her gaze shifted to him.
Her expression darkened.
"I want us to enjoy this voyage," he softly said trying to convince her," it’s suffocating to stay in the room the whole time... just this once."
She was silent for a moment. Atheline could see the thoughts going through her mind.
She clearly didn’t want him to leave the cabin.
"I don’t want you to strain yourself, " she said, low enough that only he could hear.
His lips curved slightly.
"I’m sitting, not dueling."
Her expression didn’t change.
"That can change quickly."
His smile widened. He leaned just slightly closer, his voice quieter.
"Then stay close."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, then a small nod.
’Yes!’
The servant shifted slightly, uncertain whether to remain or leave.
"Prepare the hall," she said at last.
The decision was made. The servants’ gaze widened in shock.
"We will attend."
"Yes, my lady."
The servant bowed and withdrew, the door closing softly behind them.
Lilith fully stepped away from him and walked to the bed. She reached for the dark outer layer of her attire.
She also helps him with his. As she adjusted it, her voice came again, quieter.
"If you even stumbled... "
"I won’t," he answered immediately, cutting her off.
She briefly paused, then continued to fasten the clasp.
"If you do," she corrected smoothly, "I will end the dinner early."
He almost smiled.
"Noted."
There wasn’t a change in her expression. She tightened the clasp then stepped closer until there was almost no space between them.
Her hand lifted and adjusted the collar of his robe. She cupped his cheek right after.
"Don’t leave my side."
Atheline nodded. He planted a small kiss on her lips.
"I wasn’t planning to."
She stepped back her mask falling into place.
"Come."
Atheline glanced behind him before shutting the door and went after her. Her walk slowed to match his.
"Before we get there, I wanted to ask..." he said," how long until we reach land?"
Atheline had been too tired to ask. She slipped her hand into his and pulled him forward.
"By tomorrow dusk, if the currents remain favorable. At most early the following morning. "
He nodded but his curiosity wasn’t satisfied.
"How many times have you travelled using this route?"
She didn’t look back at him.
"More times than you can imagine. "
Atheline widened his step until he was a step before her. She hurriedly covered the distance.
"That’s impressive, " he said," you’re basically my guide."
A small huff escaped her. Atheline noticed her rolling her eyes.
"Come on, you wanted to go to the hall."
Her steps quickened slightly but slowed right after when she remembered he was not well.
The corridor leading to the dining hall was quieter than usual.
It was softly lit and lined with polished wood that reflected against the crystal lamps.
Every step forward carried the faint echo of distant voices.
Atheline absentmindedly swung their connected hands but Lilith didn’t seem to mind.
"Guess we’re the last ones," Atheline said quietly but the amusement in his voice couldn’t be hidden.
She didn’t respond, her gaze fixed in front of them. The closer they drew, the clearer the sound became.
Voices layered over others, soft clink of silver against ceramic, and beneath it all, the subtle ever-present tension between nobles.
The large wooden curved doors stood ahead drawing near with each stop.
Light spilled through the opening, warm and inviting.
Atheline almost felt hungry at the smell of food wafting from the hall.
A servant at the entrance straightened at their approach, his assessing gaze flickering between the two of them.
He stepped aside before they could even reach him and bowed.
"Enjoy your evening, my lady."
The doors opened wider.
The dining hall was expansive, designed to match the taste of nobles. Each table is placed with enough space between.
The moment they stepped through the door as expected they garnered everyone’s attention.
Conversations slowed but neither of them slowed down. They didn’t acknowledge anyone, their gaze was set on their table.
The dining guests were a mixture of species though it was dominated by dark elves.
A group of seven beastkin sat at the furthest corner, two humans were seated on the centre tables, and at another corner was a fully covered high elf his skin ,almost luminous, making them recognisable.
Beside her, Atheline remained quiet but his eyes were moving, observing.
A noble woman near the centre table glanced up briefly, her gaze lingering on him a fraction longer than polite before she leaned towards her companion whispering something behind a fan.
An older dark elf’s eyes narrowed as he tried to place them but failed.
Atheline chose their table without hesitation, at a position that allowed both of them to have a clear view of the hall.
He pulled out her seat first. She gracefully took it and only then did he sit beside her, a clear sign of their relationship.
"Well..." he leaned in to whisper to her," this is better than expected. "
A servant approached almost immediately cutting her response.