After toasting to peace, Aris made his way toward the winding staircase, where a carpet stretched over every step. White, four-pointed stars were scattered across its deep blue fabric, like a night sky.
The entire hall was bathed in this midnight-blue glow, evoking the image of a starry night — where lovers gazed up at the heavens together, or a wedding where the guests lingered late, stargazing under the open sky.
This was the theme of the ball, just as it was the very theme of Arkis itself : a starry night. And Aris had not failed in his task. He loved to decorate, so he had personally overseen much of the ambiance, the arrangements, and even the design of the drapes and paintings. Some of the pieces had been painted just a month before the ball. But Aris had insisted on them, and the result was all the more magnificent.
He had managed his art as he did his spear, with precision and mastery. It was a splendid work, one few would have thought him capable of. But they had underestimated him. The king paid great attention to detail.
As he descended the staircase, the women's eyes followed him, devouring him with their gazes. Aris felt uncomfortable. He knew most of them were there only for his status and what they could gain from him. But that was how things were. Most of them had been trained to catch the eyes of the powerful and profit from it. Some of them were even skilled killers, though he chose not to dwell on that thought for now.
"What a hassle…"
As he neared the ground floor of the winding staircase, Ana approached him. She slightly lifted the hem of her black dress and leaned close, whispering into his ear.
"The duke wishes to speak with you before you greet the other guests."
Aris sighed inwardly, keeping his expression neutral. Ana was dressed far too elegantly to be whispering things into his ear in full view of so many guests. Her position made her almost entirely legitimate to be mistaken for a queen, and the gesture could easily be misinterpreted.
But that wasn't what bothered the king.
He already knew why the duke wanted to see him. No doubt he wanted him to reconcile with his daughter — to present it as an official apology.
"That sly old fox…"
He knew very well what this would lead to. Such a gesture would inevitably stir up dangerous rumors. A king could not linger too close to a woman without the court whispering of romance or betrothal. He would have to handle this carefully and courteously. The problem was that he already had a history with the duke's daughter. His last altercation — and Ana's sharp tongue — had made quite the commotion. So yes, it was only proper to apologize publicly to show that there was no ill will.
"But that old fox knows exactly what he's doing."
Even if it was only supposed to be a small gesture of apology, Aris was not reassured. He wanted nothing to do with that family — especially not the daughter. Her relentless drive to get what she wanted terrified him, and her father usually gave in to her wishes.
Gracefully… or otherwise.
Aris descended the last steps and stepped onto the ballroom floor. He greeted a few familiar faces with nods, shook the hand of one of De Grey's sons who had distanced himself from the family, ordered two servants to bring drinks to the Duke's table, and then made his way to him.
A faint smile appeared on Aris's lips — a smile as if he were truly pleased to see him. He knew how to play the part. But both of them — Aris and the Duke — knew it was just a formality.
Nevertheless, De Grey smiled back. A confident, domineering smile, but a smile nonetheless. His arms were crossed within his dark coat, giving him an even more imposing air.
Aris approached, and the duke stood up. They shook hands firmly, locking eyes. Aris wore the mask of innocence, while De Grey's gaze was the look of a man who knew exactly what was going on. Then they both sat.
"How are you, Duke De Grey? I heard you recently repelled the wave of druits that invaded your lands?"
The duke seemed to curse under his breath for a brief moment, though it was hidden by his posture and a clumsy attempt at elegance.
"Well, you're right. The south is better now. It wasn't easy to get rid of those insects that devoured the crops, but now everything is under control. We drove them out."
Aris gave a slight nod.
"Well, that's good news. I'm glad for you."
One of the servants suddenly arrived with a tray carrying several bottles of wine, followed by another with two glasses.
The first servant looked at the duke with a blank expression before asking,
"What would you like to drink, Duke De Grey?"
The duke didn't even look at him before replying:
"A gergignac, please."
"Very well."
The exchange was short but heavy with meaning. The duke's disregard for servants was plain for all to see. Aris, however, continued to play the innocent host.
The two servants poured their drinks and quickly withdrew while the two sovereigns kept staring at each other in calm silence.
Then the duke spoke first.
"I must say, you've handled this starry night theme well. The hall truly sets the mood. I'm impressed."
Not that he looked impressed at all.
Aris answered as if he hadn't noticed.
"Thank you. It wasn't easy to set everything up, but we managed. I'm glad you enjoy it."
The duke lifted his glass, pressing his thin old lips against it. Then his expression hardened as his gaze fixed on the king.
Aris cried inwardly. Not out of fear of the duke, but of what was coming next.
"Here it comes…"
For the first time, the duke smiled — an innocent smile, one that matched Aris's own.
"I would enjoy this evening even more if you could offer a public apology to Elene. She was very hurt by what your advisor told her last time. I hope it won't trouble you too much to show everyone that there is good will between us."
Aris knew another thing about the duke: he absolutely did not want the King of Arkis as his son-in-law. But he also didn't want to anger or disappoint his daughter.
He smiled back.
"Well then, why don't I go see her right now? If you find my apology too formal, I'll see what I can do to make it right."
Aris rose calmly, saluting the duke with a nod before vanishing into the crowd.
Everyone congratulated him for the hall's beauty, and even for the servants' attire, which made them look almost as regal as Ana.
Of course, everyone still noted the superiority of the royal advisor's style. She was like a queen of death whom no one dared approach. She stayed close to the servants most of the time, watching the king's every move.
And that made Aris just a little uncomfortable.
But in the end, he found the duke's daughter after all.
Elene was sitting near the bar, speaking to no one. Like Ana, she radiated a cold so sharp that no one dared approach. In truth, everyone knew she wanted only the king's attention in this situation. Her tongue was as sharp as a dagger, and anyone who approached her without meeting her impossible standards would leave with a gaping hole in their heart.
But as Aris stepped closer, he felt the glacial barrier open, allowing him through. He suddenly felt hesitant to approach.
"Great…"
The ice queen herself seemed ready to welcome him — him, more than anyone else.