Queen Ravenna had already begun the banquet even though Malum had not yet come down.
Soft, slow music filled the hall as some guests danced with their partners, while many of the noble and royal families stood around chatting amongst themselves.
Queen Faeloria's eyes caught Queen Ravenna speaking unusually close to the Grand Duke of the Vampire Realm, Malakai Vale, and his wife.
They seem very close, she thought. Then she remembered they had a daughter, Alina Vale. She was almost certain the girl would also be participating in the bride selection. Faeloria sneered quietly, already guessing what was going on.
Beside her, King Evandor was deep in discussion with high-ranking officials from the Fairy Land.
"Evandor, I'll be back," she said, then elegantly cat-walked toward Queen Ravenna.
"Your Majesty, Royal Queen Ravenna," Queen Faeloria greeted with a formal bow, catching Ravenna and the Vales by surprise. They looked at her, then smiled politely.
"Oh, Faeloria, it's nice to see you here," Queen Ravenna said, her small fangs faintly showing.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, our beautiful and youthful Queen," Faeloria replied with a sweet smile.
"Oh, don't flatter me, Faeloria," Ravenna chuckled lightly.
Selene Vale, the Grand Duke's wife, sneered quietly at Faeloria's obvious attempt to flatter the King's mother.
"Queen Faeloria, I heard Ophelia is also participating in the bride selection… after the King apparently rejected her," Selene said, rolling her eyes slightly.
Faeloria's smile dropped instantly. Her expression darkened, turning cold with disdain.
"The King did not reject my daughter," Faeloria said sharply. "It was only fair for others to participate in the selection as well."
"Oh? Then I must have heard wrong," Selene replied with a small, mocking chuckle.
Faeloria sneered back at her before turning away and walking back to Evandor.
A few minutes later, Malum finally descended the stairs with Viktor. His usual black and red cloak flowed behind him like a shadow.
The hall fell silent instantly, though the slow music from the royal orchestra still played quietly in the background.
Everyone bowed.
"Your Highness."
Malum walked to the throne positioned at the center of the banquet hall and sat. He gave Viktor a subtle signal, and Viktor immediately understood.
Viktor stepped forward and announced loudly, "The Royal Bride Selection will now begin."
Everyone in the hall returned to their seats.
After the announcement, Viktor left the banquet hall with several maids following behind.
They walked into the Consorts Hall, the hallway stretching forward with chambers both sides
Viktor signaled to one of the maids holding a bell. She nodded, stepped forward, and struck the bell with the metal stick in her hand.
GONG.
"The Royal Bride Selection begins!"