Ren rose from her seat, suddenly all business, and clapped her hands twice. Immediately, several staff members appeared at the edge of the dining hall.
" Bring out the crimson lines," Ren instructed. " And light the obsidian torches. Make sure the long table is set for twenty. We'll need the volcanic spice trays prepared as well. And—oh—polish the dragon crests. Tonight must be perfect. "
The staff scattered like sparks in a gust of wind. Starfania blinked, startled. What on earth was happening? She turned in her chair, watching the sudden burst of activity whirl around her—chefs rushing past her, servers carrying crates of dishes, someone dragging in a massive decorative dragon spine.
" Ren…what's going on? " Starfania finally asked, standing halfway out of her seat. Ren didn't look flustered at all. In fact, she looked amused.
" The VulcanFire alliance will be joining us this evening," she said casually, as though she were announcing the weather. Then she added with a sly smile, " Consider it…an educational experience."
Starfania's brows knitted. " Educational how?"
Ren folded her arms, leaning against the table with a touch of playful mischief. " Let's just say you're about to witness how Cesar manages his alliances firsthand."
That made Starfania's heart stutter. Her father? A formal alliance feast? Tonight? With no warning?
" What do you mean by that?" She pressed cautiously. Ren's smile only grew—a slow, knowing stretch of amusement. " Oh, don't worry. You'll find out sooner than you think."
Her tone was almost musical with mystery, and it made Starfania's chest tighten with anticipation. She hated surprises. And Ren knew that. Starfania opened her mouth again, but Ren lifted a graceful hand, halting her.
" It's more fun if you don't know everything right away," Ren teased, tapping a finger against her lips. " Patience, my dear."
Starfania groaned under her breath, leaning forward on the table. " Ren. Please. Just…the tiniest hint? Give me something?"
Ren laughed softly, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. " If I reveal everything now, it ruins the surprise. And your father loves theatrics. Let him have this moment."
Starfania squinted at her. " Can you at least tell me if it's good or bad?"
Ren tilted her head, eyes gleaming with a mysterious warmth. " That's for you to decide. Perspective is everything."
With that cryptic remark, she stood, smoothing the folds of her dress and straightening her posture.
" Come along," she whispered. " We should get ready. No matter how tonight unfolds, I guarantee you—it will be a spectacle."
A thrill of nerves and excitement ran through Starfania's veins. She didn't know whether to brace herself or celebrate. She rose slowly. " Alright. Let's see what this is all about."
Ren opened the door, gesturing for her to step through. Starfania did—feeling each footsteps carry her closer to something unavoidable. Something significant. And as the castle hummed with preparations around her, she couldn't shake the feeling: Tonight will be different.