Later that night
The grand dining hall of Vargorath shimmered under golden torchlight, the vaulted ceiling echoing with the muted clink of goblets and low murmurs. The long table of ancient blackwood stretched down the center of the hall, lined with nobles in their finest silks and furs.
Chairs scraped back and conversation hushed as Thornak stepped into the hall.
Clad in a dark tunic trimmed with obsidian fur, his boots heavy against the stone, Thornak exuded quiet power. Every eye turned toward him, nobles rising in reverence, except the Queen, who remained seated, her expression unreadable.
Thornak gave a curt nod, his gaze sweeping over the table then sat down in his high-backed seat at the head of the table, elbow resting on the carved arm.
Queen Maravelle stepped closer, her gown whispering against the polished stone as she leaned toward him slightly.
"I've invited Selene to remain at court for a few days," she said in a low, measured voice. "It seemed only courteous. She's traveled far."
Thornak didn't look at her. "She is your guest then."
"She's an excellent match, noble blood, diplomatic ties, trained in court etiquette....."
"I'm not interested mother," Thornak said sharply, his voice barely above a growl.
Just then, Lady Selene turned to him. "My King," she said with a gentle smile. "You look well."
Thornak offered a nod, cool and brief. "Selene."
"I hope I'm not intruding," she continued, coming to stand beside him. "Your mother was gracious enough to invite me to stay for a few days. I admit, Vargorath has a certain… austere beauty."
He didn't meet her eyes. "You always preferred softer lands."
"I did," she admitted, brushing a hand over the back of a nearby chair, "but perhaps I've changed. My parents, Alpha Andros and Luna Seraphine, send their regards. They asked if you'd visit Silverfen before the end of summer."
Thornak gave a slow blink. "They're well?"
"They are," Selene replied, her smile tightening as she waited for more. When none came, she pressed on. "And I know they'd welcome the chance to host you again. As would I."
Thornak looked away, scanning the room.
Selene hesitated, clearly frustrated but unwilling to show it. She lowered her voice with a light laugh.
"You've grown so quiet lately… I suppose ruling a kingdom leaves little time for old friends."
"You haven't changed," he said flatly. "You still talk enough for both of us."
That earned a small, startled silence. Queen Maravelle quickly interjected with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"I am sure we will make time to visit Selene"
Thornak didn't react. He simply lifted his hand and signaled a guard.
"Send for Lara," he said. "And her family. They'll join us tonight."
Silence rippled like a wave.
Queen Maravelle stiffened beside him. Selene's mouth parted slightly, her composure fraying at the edges.
But neither women dared object aloud, not yet anyway.
Queen Maravelle's hand paused mid-cut. "As you wish," she said smoothly, though her lips thinned with disapproval.
Selene, seated to her right, didn't speak, but her grip on her goblet tightened.
Kael leaned in toward Iris, seated beside him with Jasmine on her other side. "This just got interesting," he whispered, earning a quiet giggle from his younger sister. Jasmine however raised a brow, curious.
Aedric, further down the table, exchanged a look with his wife, Lady Ariana, whose jaw clenched. Their son, Corin, scowled.
Moments later, the heavy doors creaked open again, and Lara stepped into the hall.
She wore a simple yet elegant gown of deep forest green. Though unadorned, it hugged her form with quiet grace, and to Thornak, she looked nothing short of breathtaking. It took considerable willpower to keep Jax, from clawing forward in response. Her posture was proud, shoulders squared, chin lifted, despite the storm of curious, judging gazes that swept over her. Behind her came her adoptive parents and younger brother, dressed modestly but with evident care, their steps cautious as they followed her into the dining room.
Thornak rose. "Come. Sit," he said, gesturing to the empty seats left beside and across from him.
As they made their way toward the table, Lady Selene's smile sharpened, the tension in her eyes barely masked.
"How generous of you, my King," she said, her voice sweetly edged. "Inviting commoners to the royal table. How... charming."
Thornak glanced at her with cool detachment. "They are my esteemed guests Selene."
"It's not something we traditionally do." She added curtly.
Thornak didn't look at her. "Tradition is often just an excuse to preserve arrogance."
Selene blinked, but her smile didn't waver. "Still, one hopes the table won't become too... crowded."
At that, he turned to her fully, his gaze steady. "If you find the company beneath you, Lady Selene, you are always free to dine elsewhere."
Kael nearly choked on his drink, grinning into his sleeve. Iris bit her lip to stifle a giggle, while Jasmine's lips curled into the faintest, satisfied smirk.
Selene dipped her head with an elegant nod, but her fingers curled tight around her goblet.
They dined in strained silence after that.
The clinking of cutlery and soft murmur of servants filled the void left by conversation. Tension pulsed just beneath the surface, like a storm waiting for permission to break.
Queen Maravelle excused herself early, her words polite but her eyes unreadable. Selene sat stiffly, sipping her wine and not looking at anyone.
When the meal was finished, Thornak rose first. Without a word, he crossed to Lara's side of the table and offered his arm. Her eyes widened, hesitating only briefly before she accepted it.
Together, they walked the length of the hall.
Selene's jaw tightened as she watched them go.
Down the corridor, torchlight danced across the stone walls, casting shadows that swayed with their footsteps. They said little, the quiet between them comfortable now, like the hush of night just before dawn.
When they reached the door to Lara's chamber, Thornak paused.
"You held yourself well tonight," he said, his voice low. "Even with all the eyes on you."
Lara looked up at him. "I wasn't sure I belonged there."
His expression softened. "You did. More than most."
A small silence fell. Then he asked, more casually, "Do you ride?"
Lara blinked. "Yes my King. Why?"
He smirked slightly. "Meet me at the stables at first light. We'll ride through the southern grounds. It's quiet there."
Lara's lips curved into a smile before she could stop it. "Alright."
Thornak gave a small nod. "Sleep well, Lara."
And then he was gone, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Inside her chamber, Lara leaned against the door after closing it, her heart fluttering in a way she didn't quite understand.