Chapter 8: Kaylden veyl was the thief

The sun shone brightly on the castle grounds as the preparations for the grand welcome ceremony of Kalden Veyl were in full swing. The entire kingdom was alive with anticipation, and the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with excitement and energy. Workers hurried to place garlands of golden flowers along the grand staircase, while servants polished the marble floors in the great hall. Banners in deep crimson and gold adorned the walls, swaying slightly in the soft breeze as they hung from every column and archway. The air was rich with the scent of fresh flowers and polished wood, the kind of fragrance that spoke of royal celebrations.

The royal family, normally composed and regal, were uncharacteristically busy. The queen's presence was felt in every corner as she personally oversaw the arrangements, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the arrival of the two figures who had caused so much stir. The king was just as involved, speaking to diplomats, giving instructions, and checking on preparations. Even his usually calm and composed demeanor had changed into one of urgency. It was clear that this was not just another event—it was something much bigger.

The people who had gathered to decorate and prepare were filled with joy, their faces gleaming with excitement. It wasn't often that the kingdom was given such a grand spectacle, especially one involving such important figures. The streets were lined with banners and wreaths, and everywhere you turned, there were cheerful faces and bustling activity. Laughter filled the air, with servants chatting as they worked, and nobles exchanging excited whispers.

Aria, however, stood apart from it all, her face betraying no hint of excitement or joy. She watched with a heavy heart as everyone around her rushed to make everything perfect, but there was no thrill in her chest. The upcoming arrival of the two most significant figures in her life—her older brother and the mysterious Kalden Veyl—was not something she looked forward to.

Her brother. The thought alone made her stomach churn. It wasn't just because he was her brother; it was the memories of their previous encounters, the constant torment, and the emotional pain he had caused her. Now, with the arrival of Kalden Veyl, the powerful and mysterious master, her anxieties doubled. She had never met the man, but his reputation alone had struck fear into her heart. To top it all off, Aria was still stuck as a maid, forced to serve at the party while the others would attend as guests. She couldn't bear the thought of being humiliated in front of everyone.

Working as a maid during such a significant event felt like the ultimate disgrace. There was no way she could be expected to serve her brother, the man who tormented her, and a powerful master without enduring more embarrassment. But despite her inner turmoil, she knew she didn't have a choice. Her duties were assigned, and no matter how much she wished to avoid this, there was no escaping it. The fact that she had to endure such torment to remain in the castle was a harsh reality, one that she couldn't change.

With a heavy heart and a mind full of dread, Aria threw herself into the preparations, knowing it was the only thing she could do. There was no room for rebellion or refusal, not when the king and queen, her parents, had already given their orders. The best she could do was finish her duties quickly and try to hide her discomfort. And thankfully, she did. The servants had been swift, working diligently, and soon everything was ready. The castle was gleaming, the grand hall fit for royalty.

As the last moments of preparation passed, the long-awaited arrival of Kalden Veyl was near. First, the king's son, Aria's eldest brother, made his appearance. The crowd parted, and Aria's eyes went wide as her brother entered the hall.

His name was Edward, and he was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence. He wore royal attire, a fine tunic of deep navy blue with silver embroidery that shimmered as he moved, a symbol of his noble blood. He walked with confidence, his steps deliberate and measured. The crowd cheered, and many nobles came forward to greet him, clearly respectful of the firstborn son.

Aria stiffened when she saw him, her stomach knotting at the thought of having to face him. His cold eyes swept across the room, landing briefly on her before moving on. But Aria could feel his gaze linger for just a moment too long. Her brother had a way of making her feel small and insignificant, and she hated the way he looked at her. The moment passed, and the cheers continued.

Before long, the second guest arrived.

The sound of another procession filled the courtyard, this one quieter but somehow more ominous. The atmosphere seemed to shift as a single rider appeared at the gates.

Kalden Veyl.

The crowd's murmurs died instantly. He was a figure shrouded in mystery, his dark cloak billowing in the wind. His face was partially obscured by the shadows of his hood, but even without seeing him clearly, the sheer weight of his presence was undeniable.

There was a palpable energy in the air as everyone in the room stared in awe at him. The powerful aura surrounding him was undeniable. It wasn't just his appearance that commanded attention, but the very air around him seemed to bend to his will. The murmurs that spread throughout the room were filled with both fear and respect.

He dismounted with a smooth, fluid motion, his every movement radiating an effortless power. Without waiting for an introduction, he strode toward the royal family.

"Master Veyl," the king greeted, his tone formal but tinged with respect. "It is an honor to welcome you to our royal house."

Kalden inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable. His voice was cold and detached. "Your Majesty."

The queen stepped forward, her smile warm despite the chill in his demeanor. "Your reputation precedes you, Master Veyl. We are privileged to have you here."

Kalden's crimson eyes swept over the gathered nobles, lingering only briefly before returning to the king. "I trust the arrangements for overseeing the magical spell's are adequate?."

"Of course," the king assured him, though he seemed slightly unnerved by Kalden's directness. "Everything has been arranged we can start, overseeing the process tomorrow after you've had your rest.."

The exchange continued, but Aria barely heard it. Positioned far from the center of attention, she struggled to catch even a glimpse of Kalden's face. His hood, combined with the distance, made it nearly impossible. She felt a twinge of irritation—if the entire palace had gone into a frenzy over this man, she at least wanted to see who he was and what all the fuss was about.

But the opportunity slipped away as Kalden disappeared into the great hall with the royal family and her brother.

The crowd began to disperse, leaving Aria standing in the shadow of the archway. She let out a quiet sigh, frustration bubbling beneath her stoic exterior. For all the fuss, she still hadn't seen this so-called powerful master clearly. Perhaps it was better this way. The less she knew, the less she cared.

Just as she turned to leave, something compelled her to glance back. Her eyes darted toward the entrance of the hall, and that was when it happened.

The figure at the doorway turned, as if sensing her gaze. Kalden Veyl. His hood now lowerd, revealing sharp, chiseled features and those piercing crimson eyes.

Aria's breath hitched. Her pulse quickened as her gaze locked with his. His expression was calm but distant, the faintest hint of curiosity and a mocking look, flickered in his eyes as they bore into hers.

She froze, her mind racing. There was something hauntingly familiar about him, something she couldn't place—until it clicked.

Wait… What?!

Her heart thudded loudly in her chest as the realization dawned on her. Wasn't this the thief? The so-called thief I met in the garden yesterday?

Shock rippled through her as memories of their brief encounter flooded back. Wait she had actually called a powerful master a thief and untop that hadn't even spoken to him with respect but only with audacity, oh no:!!

He… He was the powerful master?