The evening was in full swing in the grand hall of Baringer Castle. The flames of the hanging crystal lights cast a warm glow on the golden walls, and the soft clinking of cutlery echoed as servants brought in steaming dishes. Everyone settled around a long polished wooden table, covered with a red tablecloth embroidered with gold.
Kaiser, captivated by Diana's charm, leaned toward Areyos, speaking low so no one else would hear.
"She's gorgeous, right? She really takes after her mother," he murmured, glancing discreetly toward Diana, who was chatting with Eli at the far end of the table.
Areyos shot a quick glance in their direction, a faint smirk on his face. "Yeah, I admit, she's not bad."
"So why'd you want us to sit here?" Kaiser asked, frowning. "We could've sat next to her!"
Areyos shrugged, his tone mischievous. "Let her talk with a loser like Eli. She'll appreciate a guy like you more afterward."
