That same evening, the grand dining hall of Vargorath shimmered under golden torchlight. The long blackwood table stretched down the center, lined with royals in fine silks and furs, their voices low beneath the vaulted ceiling.
Chairs scraped back and conversation hushed as Thornak stepped into the hall.
Clad in a dark tunic trimmed with obsidian fur, his boots heavy against the stone, Thornak exuded quiet power. Every eye turned toward him, the royals rising in reverence, except the Queen, who remained seated, her expression unreadable.
Thornak gave a curt nod, his gaze sweeping over the table then sat down in his high-backed seat at the head of the table, elbow resting on the carved arm.
Queen Maravelle stepped closer, her gown whispering against the polished stone as she leaned toward him slightly.
"I have invited Lady Selene to remain at court for a while," she said in a quiet, composed tone. "It is only fitting, she has journeyed a great distance."
Thornak didn't look at her. "She is your guest then."
Just then, Lady Selene turned to him. "My King," she said with a gentle smile. "You look well."
Thornak offered a nod, cool and brief. "Selene."
"I hope I'm not intruding," she continued, coming to stand beside him. "Your mother was gracious enough to invite me to stay for a while. I admit, Vargorath has a certain… austere beauty."
He didn't meet her eyes. "You always preferred softer lands."
"I did," she admitted, brushing a hand over the back of a nearby chair, "but perhaps I've changed. My parents, Alpha Andros and Luna Seraphine, send their regards. They asked if you'd visit Silverfen before the end of summer."
Thornak gave a slow blink. "They're well?"
"They are," Selene replied, her smile tightening as she waited for more. When none came, she pressed on. "And I know they'd welcome the chance to host you again. As would I."
Thornak looked away, scanning the room.
Selene hesitated, clearly frustrated but unwilling to show it. She lowered her voice with a light laugh.
"You've grown so quiet lately… I suppose ruling a kingdom leaves little time for old friends."
"You haven't changed," he said flatly. "You still talk enough for both of us."
That earned a small, startled silence. Queen Maravelle quickly interjected with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"I am sure we will make time to visit, Selene"
Thornak didn't react. He simply lifted his hand and signaled a guard.
"Send for Lara," he said. "And her family. They'll join us tonight."
A hush fell over the table, spreading like a chill.
Queen Maravelle's knife paused mid-slice, her gaze lifting slowly to meet his. "You presume much, Thornak," she said coolly. "Bringing commoners to the royal table?"
Selene's lips parted, surprise flickering across her face, but she wisely held her tongue.
"They are not commoners," Thornak said, his voice like iron beneath silk. "They are my guests. That is enough."
Maravelle's jaw tightened, but she inclined her head, barely. "Very well. As you command."
But the disapproval in her eyes burned brighter than the torches on the wall.
Selene, seated to her right, didn't speak, but her grip on her goblet tightened.
Kael leaned in toward Iris, seated beside him with Jasmine on her other side. "This just got interesting," he whispered, earning a quiet giggle from his younger sister. Jasmine however raised a brow, curious.
Aedric, further down the table, exchanged a look with his wife, Lady Ariana, whose jaw clenched. Their son, Corin, scowled.
Moments later, the heavy doors creaked open again, and Lara stepped into the hall.
She wore a simple gown of deep forest green, unadorned, but graceful. To Thornak, she was breathtaking. It took effort to keep Jax from clawing forward. Her posture was proud, chin lifted, shoulders squared, despite the judging stares. Her adoptive parents and younger brother followed behind, modestly dressed but clearly prepared with care.
"Come. Sit," Thornak said, gesturing to the empty seats left beside and across from him.
As they made their way toward the table, Lady Selene's smile sharpened, the tension in her eyes barely masked.
"How unusual," Selene remarked lightly, her eyes never leaving Lara. "To see unfamiliar faces at the high table."
Thornak didn't bother looking at her. "They are here by my invitation."
"A generous gesture," she replied. "Though one that may raise brows."
He turned his goblet slowly in his hand. "Let them rise. A shallow court is easily unsettled."
Selene's smile thinned. "Or simply wary of broken custom."
Thornak met her gaze then, steady and sharp. "Custom is no law. And I do not ask permission to show respect."
Selene blinked, but her smile didn't waver. "Still, one hopes the table won't become too... crowded."
At that, he turned to her fully, his gaze steady. "If you find the company beneath you, Lady Selene, you are always free to dine elsewhere."
Kael nearly choked on his drink, grinning into his sleeve. Iris bit her lip to stifle a giggle, while Jasmine's lips curled into the faintest, satisfied smirk.
Selene dipped her head with an elegant nod, but her fingers curled tight around her goblet.
They dined in strained silence after that.
The clinking of cutlery and soft murmur of servants filled the void left by conversation. Tension pulsed just beneath the surface, like a storm waiting for permission to break.
Queen Maravelle excused herself early, her words polite but her eyes unreadable. Selene sat stiffly, sipping her wine and not looking at anyone.
When the meal was finished, Thornak rose first. Without a word, he crossed to Lara's side of the table and offered his arm. Her eyes widened, hesitating only briefly before she accepted it.
Together, they walked the length of the hall.
Selene's jaw tightened as she watched them go.
Thornak and Lara walked down the corridor in silence. When they reached the door to Lara's chamber, Thornak paused.
"You held yourself well tonight," he said, his voice low. "Even with all the eyes on you."
Lara looked up at him. "I dont belong there Your Majesty."
His expression softened. "You did. More than most."
A brief silence settled between them. Then he asked, his tone lighter, "Do you ride?"
Lara blinked. "Yes, my King. May I ask why?"
A faint smirk touched his lips. "Meet me at the stables at first light. We'll ride through the southern grounds. It's quiet there."
Before she could stop it, a smile curved her lips. "As you wish." She dipped into a curtsey, the gesture smooth and respectful.
Thornak gave a slight nod. "Sleep well, Lara."
And then he was gone, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Inside her chamber, Lara leaned against the door after closing it, her heart fluttering in a way she didn't quite understand.