Lancelot and Merlin stood center stage, the chandeliers above casting a soft glow upon their silhouettes. The murmurs of idle chatter among the nobles faded into tense silence, replaced by narrowed eyes and uptight expressions.
Athena, seated rigidly among her family, folded her arms and muttered under her breath, "So I'm guessing that's the bitch. She's not even all that." Her words hung sharp in the air, unnoticed by no one at her table. Her parents wore the same sour expression, displeasure etched into every wrinkle.
Lancelot, undeterred, stepped forward with grace. "Good afternoon, everyone," he began, his voice calm yet firm. "I know I was supposed to be wed to Athena. But then, I met someone I truly love. Her name is Merlin."
Merlin blushed as Lancelot gently squeezed her hand. The tension in the room cracked as their bond became undeniable.
From his seat, Joshua watched with a warm smile. (My sis looks really happy.)
"We want to thank you all for coming to our Rehearsal Dinner," Lancelot continued, bowing respectfully. Merlin quickly followed, mirroring his action with shy poise.
Joshua, Jack, Jessica, Julia, Blanchette, and even Raphael began to applaud, their clapping echoing awkwardly in the stiff air. They stopped abruptly when Athena leaned over and slapped Raphael's head.
"Why the hell are you applauding?" she hissed.
Raphael rubbed his head in silence as the band took to the stage, striking up a mellow jazz melody. Waiters streamed out with silver trays, placing ornate plates and crystal goblets on every table.
Joshua's eyes sparkled at the sight. "That looks good," he whispered.
Jack and Jessica's mouths watered. They glanced at Lancelot like hungry children waiting for permission.
Lancelot gave a gentle nod. "You know you can eat whenever you want."
In an instant, Joshua, Jack, and Jessica dove into their meals like wolves. Forks clattered. Food vanished. It was a scene of cheerful gluttony.
In contrast, Lancelot dined with elegance, using his knife and fork with precision. Merlin studied him and copied his movements carefully. Julia and Blanchette ate with graceful composure, balancing the energy at the table.
Across the room, Athena scoffed. "Look at how those pigs eat… though I'll admit Merlin's table manners are decent."
Kane chuckled. "Disgusting but funny to watch."
At their table, Raphael bowed his head and whispered a prayer before eating. Julia noticed him, her eyes lingering on the peaceful expression he wore. She blushed and looked away quickly, unaware that Athena was watching her too.
Athena sneered. "That low-class werewolf was watching you pray. Isn't that gross?"
Raphael didn't respond.
Kane leaned over. "Damn, he ignored you, sis."
Athena, irritated, slapped Raphael's head again. "Why are you ignoring your big sis?"
"Leave him alone, Athena," Kane said between giggles. "You know he's a weirdo."
Meanwhile, back at the House of Kaizer, the garden sat still under a soft breeze. James and Sam, tiny legs swinging, sat side by side on the bench where Blanchette and Joshua often relaxed.
"Wow, it's really pretty here," James said, eyes wide. "I get why they like this place."
Sam nodded. "Yeah, I could stay here all day."
She turned slightly. "Hey, James… What do you think of Jonathan? He's kinda scary."
James grinned. "He's super cool! And strong, even though he's old. You'll like him once you know him better."
"Yeah… maybe you're right," she whispered as they gazed at the swaying plants.
Back at the dinner, the last plates were cleared away. The band switched to romantic, flowing music. Lancelot rose from his seat and extended a hand toward Merlin.
"Would you accompany me for a dance?"
Merlin accepted his hand, and they walked to the floor where couples already danced in elegant swirls. They began their own careful steps.
"I don't usually dance like this," Merlin whispered. "I prefer slums music."
Lancelot chuckled. "Yeah, I know. But this is formality. Don't worry, I'll go slow."
Nearby, Jack and Joshua stood up in unison and offered their hands with exaggerated charm.
"My lady, would you take this dance with me?" they said, almost in sync.
Jessica and Blanchette laughed. Blanchette took Joshua's hand, Jessica took Jack's, and they joined the dancing crowd.
At the table, Julia sat alone, shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on her empty glass.
(Why did I even come here? I feel like an outcast.)
Raphael, noticing her expression, stood from his chair.
"Where the hell are you going, weirdo?" Athena demanded.
He ignored her.
Kane smirked. "He ignored you again."
Raphael walked over to Julia and stood before her.
"Hi. My name is Raphael. What's your name?"
Julia looked up, flustered. "N-n-nice to m-m-meet you… R-Raphael. M-my name is J-J-Julia."
Raphael blushed at her soft, stammering voice. Just then, Athena appeared behind him and yanked him by the collar, dragging him back.
"What do you think you're doing, talking to trash like that?" she snapped. "Are you trying to humiliate our family?"
Raphael said nothing, but as he sat, he glanced over at Julia and offered her a small, kind smile.
Julia smiled back, timidly.
Then Kane leaned over, his words venomous. "You know, low-class werewolves like her are probably whores."
Athena chuckled at the insult, sipping her wine.
That was the last straw.
Raphael stood abruptly, fists clenched, his face red with rage. He slammed the table, making glasses rattle.
Kane stood to meet his stare. "I know you're not gonna do anything, pacifist."
Without a word, Raphael turned and stormed outside.
Julia watched him leave, then slowly got up and followed.
Kane raised a brow, signaling a group of his friends nearby. They whispered to one another and crept out of the hall after her, leaving Athena alone at the table.
She rolled her eyes, gulping wine bitterly.
"Where the hell are those idiots going? Whatever."