The day of the banquet came far too quickly. Or maybe I was just way too nervous for it to arrive.
One moment I was trying to steady my breathing during sword drills, and the next, I am here standing stiff in polished formal armor, my heart seriously racing as I waited outside Prince Jesse's quarters.
When the doors of the banquet room finally opened and he stepped inside, I fell into position just a few paces behind him, close enough to react in an instant, yet far enough to keep the illusion of distance.
His presence was magnetic tonight, more so than usual. He was in regal black with gold accents that shimmered under the light, he looked every bit the prince, imposing, elegant, and unreadable.
Immediately, a hush swept over the room, followed by the scraping of chairs and rustling of well, very expensive fabrics. The nobles stood in unison, bowing and murmuring like trained dogs.
"My prince… Your Highness… Prince Jesse…"
I followed him closely, my eyes scanning the crowd, my muscles were really tensed beneath my armor.
Jesse said nothing as he approached the long royal table and took his place at the center seat reserved for him. I shifted to stand just behind and to his right, keeping my posture perfect. Well, at least I tried to keep it perfect.
Then the doors were opened again.
Prince Julius entered, his steps stiff, his mouth pulled into a thin line. The murmurs began again, though a bit more subdued this time.
I couldn't help the quiet scoff that slipped past my lips.
Tch. He's so grumpy—even on such a happy occasion.
He looked like someone had offended him that morning before he came here.
But even as I made the mental jab, I didn't miss the way his eyes swept the room, it was sharp and calculating. When his gaze landed on Jesse, something passed between them, too quick for most to notice. But I did notice the tension between them. They were both blood brothers, why did it seem like they had a blood debt to pay towards each other?
Julius walked calmly to his seat, two places away from Jesse, his expression didn't soften at all the whole time. I could feel the weight in the room change the moment both princes were seated. Every noble in attendance straightened their backs, suddenly cautious with their laughter, their conversations, as if one wrong word might tip the balance between the two brothers.
A soft sound rang out from the orchestra tucked into the far corner. Servants flowed in like water waves, placing delicate dishes along the massive table.
The feast had begun. But no one had started eating yet because the king had not yet arrived. The king…I never followed my father on any of his healing missions, but I came with him when he came to heal the king thereby earning a royal favor. I wondered if he still recognized me, even if he did, I doubt he would care about a small fry. I adjusted my mindset and looked around.
Jesse hadn't spoken a single word to me since we arrived, but I could feel his presence like a pulse at my back. It was very pressing.
I stood still, but my mind wouldn't calm down.
While I was drowning in my thoughts, the king finally came in.
A heavy silence dropped over the hall as every noble stood up, heads bowed, the only sound echoing through the grand space was breathing, tense, heavy breathing.
I bent my head too, pressing my fist over my chest in silent respect.
The king's presence filled the room like a storm rolling in, it was calm, but completely impossible to ignore. His steps were steady and deliberate. He didn't need to speak for the whole court to tremble at his approach.
And behind him were the trio.
Wren. Eren. Rena.
The three wolves who stood closest to the king. The only ones allowed to guard his person. The Inner Core.
Every soldier in the palace knew their names.
They weren't just warriors. They were legends.
Wren, with his silver hair and that cold, dead stare that could stop even the most arrogant werewolf mid-sentence. Eren, tall and quiet, always watching, always calculating. And Rena who was known for being graceful and deadly. The king's blade in the form of three werewolves.
They were the most revered in the kingdom after the king and his sons.
Even Jesse's presence seemed to dim slightly when the trio walked by.
Their auras rolled over the room like pressure waves. I could feel it in my bones, the amount of power, control, and command that they had.
For a second, I didn't breathe.
I just stared, heart racing at an abnormal speed, as they moved past me.
I tightened my fists at my sides.
Someday.
Someday I would stand there too. Together with them.
I won't be a shadow behind someone else.
I won't be a discarded outer-rank soldier everyone underestimates.
But as one of the few trusted to protect the king himself.
I would get there.
Even if it killed me. I swear that I would.
The king reached the dais, his robes trailing behind him like waves of night. He raised a single hand, and the entire hall stilled. The rustle of clothes, the clink of goblets, even the soft breaths of the crowd fell silent.
Then he spoke.
His voice echoed with the weight of centuries — calm, defined, carved in stone.
"Tonight, we celebrate the bond of unity," the king said, "and the strength of our people. We feast not just for luxury, but to remind ourselves what we protect and what we are willing to sacrifice for peace."
A low hum of agreement rippled through the room.
His eyes scanned the hall slowly, unreadable and cold pausing on each of his sons in turn. Jesse held his gaze with cool confidence. Julius gave a curt nod, still visibly annoyed.