THE DINNER

The dining hall was grand enough to make anyone feel small.

A long table stretched beneath a vaulted ceiling painted with ancient wars and winged creatures. Gold chandeliers burned with steady flame. Servants stood at attention against the walls like statues, and not a single clink of silverware broke the silence.

Selthia sat near the end of the table, straight-backed and quiet

She was watching. Listening.

Across from her sat Crown Prince Aelric, her older brother, with a goblet in hand and a curious look in his eyes.

Next to him, their father—the Emperor—cut into his meat with all the tenderness of a general commanding a war. The man hadn’t even looked her way once.

She didn’t mind.

“You’re eating,” Aelric said suddenly, his tone lightly teasing. “That’s new.”

Selthia raised a brow. “Food is for eating right "

"what type of question is this "

The corner of Aelric’s mouth twitched. " yes'

Their father glanced up, frown deepening. “Selthia.”

Her knife paused over her roast.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

" hah finally I was wondering when he will open his mouth"

His gaze was sharp. “I heard you stormed the library yesterday.”

Selthia : " I did, am I not allowed??"

" I entered there without thinking much did he banish the princess from entering or something"

Aelric looked down quickly to hide his smirk.

Selthia twitched her brows.

"and why the hell is he smirking"

The Emperor didn’t find it amusing.

“You’re drawing attention to yourself,” he said flatly. “And not the good kind.”

Selthia stabbed a piece of carrot with unnecessary force. “I don't think I have done anything that isn't good ...for drawing attention "

" hah ..he is speaking as if I am craving this damn attention and has gone insane "

Another silence followed.

The servants didn’t breathe. Aelric was still watching her closely.

Finally, the Emperor set down his fork.

“I’ll allow your attendance at the next royal banquet ,” he said. “It’s time you acted like a princess again.”

Selthia met his eyes

" so she wasn't allowed to attend banquets"

“Of course, your majesty"

He stood without another word and left the hall.

The second he was gone, Aelric let out a low whistle. “You’re going to get yourself lock in the detention tower don't you "

She took a sip from her goblet and said "what's the detention tower??"

Aelric: "you don't know??"

Selthia : "I forgot "

"How would I know its been only one week since I came here "

Aelric :" its a tower used for domestic punishment for royals "

Selthia : "ohh"

Aelric :"so what I am saying is if you commit anything that displeases his majesty he might confine you there "

Selthia : "Have you ever experienced this interesting punishment??"

Aelric : " I did "

Selthia : "and what sin did you committed "

Aelric : " are you curious??"

Selthia without hesitation "yes"

Aelric smirked and after putting down his fork said

" I will tell you later in our next meeting"

Selthia : "what??"

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