Capítulo 101: Information
Dinner resumed, and the atmosphere at the table was... odd. Xyra was seated stiffly beside me, her posture practically screaming disdain as she picked at her plate.
The minister, seated at the head of the table, was droning on about some new law he wanted to pass a tedious proposal about trade regulations or something equally dull. My attention wandered almost instantly. I wasn't here to play politics, after all.
The food, at least, was decent. Roasted duck, creamy mashed potatoes, and a spread of seasoned vegetables adorned the table, all plated with the sort of meticulous care you'd expect from someone trying too hard to impress royalty.
I speared a piece of duck and let my gaze flicker around the room, scanning the other guests. Most were focused on the minister, nodding along as though they cared about his monotonous speech.
Beside me, Xyra let out a barely audible sigh of frustration. Her fingers drummed against the table impatiently, and her frosty aura seemed to bleed into the surrounding air. She hadn't spoken to me since we sat down, which suited me just fine.
Then, out of nowhere, a small, folded note materialized in my hand, its edges singed with the faintest trace of red flames—one of my clones.
I unfurled it under the table, careful to keep it out of sight. The handwriting was rough, hurried:
The minister's second daughter knows more than she lets on.
I didn't flinch, but my mind immediately shifted gears. So, the sweet, doe-eyed daughter wasn't as innocent as she appeared. Interesting.
Without missing a beat, I burned the note into ash between my fingers, the remnants scattering beneath the table.
No one noticed. I glanced at the minister's daughter, seated a few places down, laughing softly at something one of the other nobles had said.
She was beautiful, I'd give her that—soft blonde curls cascading over her shoulders, a delicate frame draped in a flattering silk gown. She played the part of a perfect hostess with ease, but now that I knew to look closer, something felt... off.
She caught my gaze and faltered, her cheeks blooming with color.
Oh.
I suppressed a smirk. This would be easier than I thought.
I turned my attention back to my plate, pretending to be disinterested for a few moments. No need to rush; people like her were predictable. Sure enough, within minutes, she was stealing glances at me again.
"Excuse me," I said suddenly, standing and smoothing down the lapels of my coat. My abrupt movement drew a few curious looks, but I ignored them, letting my eyes linger just long enough on the minister's daughter to ensure she noticed. She did, of course. Her blush deepened.
I didn't even have to say anything. She rose from her seat a moment later, offering some excuse about needing fresh air. Predictable.
I followed her out onto the terrace, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the area, casting warm light over the garden beyond.
"Beautiful night," I said, leaning casually against the railing.
She smiled nervously, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Yes, it is."
I tilted my head, letting my eyes roam over her for a moment before locking onto hers. "You seem tense."
"Oh, no, I'm fine," she replied quickly, though her voice betrayed her nerves.
I chuckled softly, stepping closer. "I can always tell when someone's lying."
Her breath hitched, and I saw the way her hands fidgeted with the fabric of her gown. People like her were easy to read, and I wasn't above using that to my advantage.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "You don't have to be nervous around me."
Her cheeks were practically glowing now. "I'm not nervous," she lied again, her voice barely above a whisper.
I reached out, brushing a stray curl from her face, my fingers lingering just long enough to make her shiver. "Good," I said, my tone smooth. "Because I'd hate to make you uncomfortable."
She swallowed hard, her wide eyes staring up at me like I'd hung the moon. Too easy.
"You know," I continued, my voice dropping even lower, "I've been watching you tonight."
"You have?" she asked, her voice breathless.
I nodded, letting my fingers trail down her arm, the lightest touch but enough to make her shiver again. "There's something about you. Something... intriguing."
"I—" she started, but I silenced her with a single finger pressed gently to her lips.
"Shh," I said softly, my eyes locking onto hers. "We shouldn't waste time with words, don't you think?"
Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She was completely under my spell now, her body leaning slightly toward mine as if drawn by some invisible force.
I stepped back just enough to break the tension, offering her my hand. "Come on. Let's talk somewhere more private."
She hesitated for the briefest of moments before placing her hand in mine, her touch tentative.
"Should we take this somewhere else?" I asked, a sly smile playing on my lips.
Her nod was almost imperceptible, her cheeks still flushed.
Perfect.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder