Chapter 210: A Night Worth Remembering
Elyra raised her hand as the server approached. Her black hair was braided intricately down her back, and the deep crimson of her noble attire — the signature of House Estermont — matched the subtle power in her posture.
"Bring us a bottle of Crimson Vale," she said, her voice sharp and certain. "From the 208th harvest. House Estermont’s private reserve."
The server’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded and departed swiftly.
Charlotte blinked. "That’s... your family’s label, right? I thought that wine was only served to kings and visiting archbishops."
Elyra’s smile was almost smug. "It is. But I’ve decided tonight deserves it."
Noel narrowed his eyes. "You’re trying to get us drunk."
"Correct," she replied without hesitation. "All three of you."
Elena tilted her head. "Why, exactly?"
"Because tomorrow we face stress, formality, and probably danger," Elyra said as the server returned with the wine in a dark crystal bottle. "Tonight, we unwind. And I want to see who falls over first."
The server poured into four engraved glasses — a ruby-colored liquid that shimmered unnaturally, catching the light like molten gems.
Charlotte sighed as she picked up her glass.
"This is going to end terribly."