Kapitel 49: The Crushed Chit
The magnificent royal dining room, which reflected the luxury and grandeur of the monarchy, was a sight to behold. Its walls were decorated with intricate tapestries that showed scenes of royal victories and noble ancestry. The already regal setting was given a touch of brilliance by the intricate moldings and gilded embellishments.
From regal chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling, the hall was bathed in a lovely, pleasant light. The beautiful china, crystal glassware, and silverware that adorned the expertly arranged dining tables gleamed with the light from their crystals.
King Alfonzo presided over the gathering from the head of the table, exuding power as his eyes briefly lingered on Zephirah, his beautiful and youngest mistress. Her appearance exuded youth and beauty, drawing admiration from all around her. She communicated her regret for her tardiness with a smile on her lips and a graceful bow.
Adrien, who was seated next to the king, appeared unbothered by Zephirah's entrance. He continued to pay attention to other things, that needed his attention the most, getting lost in his ideas. The tension was high because King Alfonzo wanted a quiet meal without any unpleasant sights.
The clinking of silverware and the soft murmur of conversations formed a calming background melody as the brunch went on. Guests conversed courteously, their voices enhancing the mood of the hall. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious treats, tantalizing the taste and enhancing the sensory experience.
The visitors' needs were attended to by gracefully moving servers who made sure their plates were refilled with delectable treats and that their glasses were filled. They went around in silence, blending in with the lavish surroundings.
The royal dining hall provided a setting for the display of wealth and power with its elaborate décor, opulent furnishings, and regal mood. It was a place where the intricate fabric of royal life came to life and the splendor and grandeur of the monarchy was on display for all to see.
The atmosphere in the royal dining hall got strained as Adrien unexpectedly stood up. Zephirah, who was seated next to him, observed him with a mix of dismay and annoyance as he shrugged off her attempts at conversation. Her once-sweet and jovial voice now had a whiff of melancholy.
The maid, startled by Adrien's abrupt motion, halted in place while still holding the vine pitcher in her hand. She looked to King Alfonzo for instructions, but he did nothing but watch the situation play out, his face showing a subtle blend of anguish and resignation.
"Seems like Brother Adrien has forgotten the royal manners over the years of his absence," remarked Nicolas with a smirk as he saw the confusion written on everyone's faces.
The tension in the royal dining hall was broken by Nicolas' comment, which caused some of them to hold back their amazement and others to nod in agreement. Adrien's departure and his ostensible contempt for royal manners were brought up by his statements. His remark had them frown at Adrien's gesture negatively.
In order to silence Nicolas, King Alfonzo frowned subtly as he stared at him while retaining his regal demeanor.
The truth of Nicolas' remark was acknowledged by a few attendees as they exchanged knowing looks. Adrien's absence and his dismissive attitude toward Zephirah suggested that the two had a tense relationship, which may have been impacted by his extended absence from the royal court.
As the visitors considered Nicolas's statement, whispers and murmurs filled the hallway. Some people commented on how surprised they were by Adrien's acts, while others made assumptions about the motivations behind them.
In an effort to restore some semblance of order and decorum, the servants—trained to maintain a professional demeanor—performed their chores with practiced efficiency. Being conscious of the delicate scenario developing, they kept their movements silent and avoided making eye contact with the guests.
In an effort to recover control of the situation, King Alfonzo cleared his throat and looked around the hall while establishing his authority as the current ruler. His stare conveyed a subtly stern warning, urging the visitors to maintain the respect and decorum appropriate while dining.
The royal dining room previously exuded grandeur and anticipation, but now tension that had not been resolved weighed heavily on it. The atmosphere was clouded with uncertainty and rumor, which gave the beautiful surroundings a touch of unease.
Having no more appetite to continue the meal King Alfonzo gave one last look at Zephirah and his son whom he had been training to make him the next in line to crown given that Adrien had no interest in it.
As King Alfonzo's gaze lingered on Zephirah and his son, a mixture of disappointment and concern flickered in his eyes. He had hoped for a harmonious meal, free from conflict and disturbances. However, the tension in the air and the strained relationships within his family had dampened his appetite and cast a shadow over the occasion.
Nicolas, realizing the consequences of his remark, felt a pang of regret. He had not intended to further escalate the situation or upset the king. As he watched King Alfonzo stand up and leave the dining hall, leaving his meal unfinished, Nicolas's expression turned solemn.
The guests in the hall exchanged uncertain glances, sensing the gravity of the situation. The departure of the king, an unexpected and abrupt action, deepened the unease that had settled over the dining hall. Whispers and murmurs grew louder as speculation and concern filled the air.
The servants accustomed to maintaining a composed demeanor, continued their tasks, albeit with a heightened sense of attentiveness. They discreetly observed the unfolding events, ready to respond to any needs or instructions.
Delbert, running behind the prince's hasty footsteps, cried internally trying to find a way to ease the cold air hovering over his master.
slipping out the little chit from the lower pocket of his slacks as he undid the first three buttons of his shirt, Adrien read the short inscription inked on the crushed paper that said,
'To the forbidden dungeon'
Crushing the chit in his hand, Adrien further increased his footsteps. Poor Delbert had no choice but to do so too.
Upon reaching his chambers, he stood in front of his study, tapping his long fingers over the mahogany wooden table thoughtfully.
"Have the dungeon be checked and have me informed if there were anything of suspicion!" Ordered Adrien, not bothering to look at his panting aide who hadn't got a chance to take a deep breath.
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein