The royal stewards rolled in trolley after trolley, placing different varieties of fairy dishes on the long dining table.
Only one meal was set before King Malum, a red steak drizzled with fresh blood. A knife and fork lay neatly beside it.
"Eat," Malum said, signaling with a small wave of his hand.
Minutes passed in quiet tension.
"Beautiful," Malum suddenly said staring at Ophelia gown.
All eyes snapped toward him. The Queen, King, and Princess Ophelia froze in shock, he had barely looked at her since arriving.
Ophelia blushed and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, your Highness."
Malum's expression darkened. From where he sat, Viktor already guessed what the king truly meant just by seeing his expression.
"I believe Milord refers to the princess's gown," Viktor said carefully.
Queen Faeloria's brows creased.
Ophelia didn't think twice. She smiled brightly.
"My maid mad..."
Queen Faeloria cut her off immediately.
"The gown was made by the royal palace Fae Couturier."
Ophelia looked at her mother, who signaled at her with a stern lift of her eyebrows.
Malum raised one eyebrow. They weren't fooling him.
When he entered the hall earlier, he picked up the same floral magic scent Celeste carried on her gown...soft, rare, unmistakable. He knew she had made this one too… and indeed, it was beautiful.
Malum cleared his throat softly.
"These days, the fairy realm seems to be receiving… a lot of vampires."
He watched Queen Faeloria's face closely. He needed to know why a devil relic had been taken into fairy territory.
Queen Faeloria's smile faltered.
"Yes, your Highness. The fairies are very welcoming to the vampires," she replied, her smile stretching unnaturally.
"Yes, your Highness," King Evandor added for the first time. "The kindness the fairies show has made the vampires visit more often."
"Hm." Queen Faeloria cleared her throat. "Your Highness, I believe we are here to discuss the wedding plans bet..."
"What wedding?" Malum cut in sharply.
Silence crashed through the dining hall.
The air turned so still that even a dropped pin would echo.
Ophelia's breath hitched. She looked desperately at her mother.
Queen Faeloria laughed nervously.
"Your Highness… w...we don't understand. The invitation clearly stated you invited us to discuss the wedding plans between you and Ophelia."
Malum rose slowly from his seat.
"I have changed my mind. Tomorrow, a banquet will be held in this palace. A wife selection will take place. The daughters of royal families and high-ranking houses will participate. Their main maids will present them to me."
He walked out, aura cold and overwhelming, leaving the hall in stunned silence.
Viktor's eyes widened.
Milord… what are you doing? A sudden banquet!?
Meanwhile, Ophelia sat frozen, her entire world collapsing around her.
Tears filled her eyes, streaming down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it, the king had rejected her. Just like that.