Chapter 100 — Welcome to The Royal Family
"What’s wrong?" Lucian asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he noticed the faint frown tugging at Cynthia’s lips.
"You’re right. I am hungry," she murmured, rising gracefully from her seat. She stepped toward the long, elegantly adorned table, laden with an array of carefully prepared dishes.
As she approached, her gaze swept over the hall, lingering on the extravagant decor and the vibrant clusters of guests dressed in finery. It amazed her that her brother had managed to organize such a grand celebration for his wedding so soon after the war’s end. There was an almost surreal quality to the lively gathering as if peace was something fragile, held together only by the warmth and laughter filling the air.
Her attention shifted to the platters of fruit, and a familiar sour-looking one caught her eye—a favorite from childhood that she had nearly forgotten. She reached out, her fingers just inches away, when suddenly, another hand swept in and snatched it from the plate.
Suppressing the annoyance that pricked at her, Cynthia followed the line of that hand up to its owner, her gaze meeting Vincent’s smug, playful expression.
"You really should reconsider your tastes," he quipped, flashing her a bright, mischievous smile.
"Hah..." Cynthia let out a soft sigh. She had forgotten how Vincent had always been like this. Their rare in-person meetings—scarce due to the war and their conflicting schedules—had left her with only his letters, which never quite captured just how irritating he could be. He was the one who always teased her, no matter the topic. Perhaps it was because their age difference wasn’t as great as it was with Alistair, who had always been more of a father figure to them than a brother.
"Sister," Vincent spoke in a low voice, pausing.
Cynthia glanced at him, reaching for another of the green fruit to have a taste, waiting for him to continue. He hadn’t called her that ever since she had reached adulthood, leaving her curious about what he might be wanting to say.
"What is it?" She asked, hearing no more of his voice.
"Do you know why... His Majesty is marrying this woman?"