Chapter 304. Serpent Tribe III
Chapter 304. Serpent Tribe III
Dragon King's Harem Chapter 304. Serpent Tribe III
Throughout the banquet, the grandeur of the palace dining hall couldn’t hide the tension. The long table was covered in a feast fit for royalty—roasted meats, colorful fruit platters, and dishes spiced so richly they practically begged me to dig in. But even with all that, something felt... off.
The polite conversations and occasional laughter echoed in the hall, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on beneath the surface.
Naganthor and Evelyn, to most people, they probably looked like they were engaged in lighthearted conversation, but I wasn’t buying it. My dragon instincts picked up on the subtle glances—toward me, toward Evelina.
Honestly, it was starting to irritate me. My gut told me to call them out right then and there, but I had to hold back. This wasn’t my palace, and the Healer Tribe didn’t handle things like the Dragon Tribe. Elixar valued peace and diplomacy above all else, and a heated confrontation at his banquet wasn’t going to fly. So, I swallowed my frustration and tried to play along with their overly polite customs.
Still, it wasn’t easy. Being “gentle and subtle” wasn’t exactly in my nature. I wanted answers, but I knew better than to cause a scene. Instead, I sat there, chewing my food and watching them out of the corner of my eye. The temptation to use my skills to eavesdrop on their conversation was almost too much. It would’ve been easy to pick up on what they were saying, but I hesitated. The Healer Tribe was an essential ally—if I got caught spying, it could jeopardize everything.
Evelina must’ve noticed my distraction because she leaned in close, her voice soft. “Your Majesty, is something wrong?” she asked, her tone gentle but curious.
I shook my head, keeping my voice low. “No, not really,” I said, though the tension in my tone probably gave me away. “It’s just... your sister keeps glancing at me. And not in the ‘curious sibling’ kind of way. And that ‘new guest’—” I nodded subtly toward Naganthor—“has been eyeing you like he’s planning something.”
Evelina frowned, following my gaze toward the serpent prince. “The new guest?” she repeated, clearly puzzled. She studied him for a moment before turning back to me. “This is my first time meeting him. Maybe he wants to ask me something important—or maybe he’s looking for advice on how to win Evelyn’s heart.” She shrugged, her tone unsure but thoughtful.
Her explanation made sense, but my instincts told me there was more to it. The world of nobility was a web of alliances, ambition, and hidden motives. Trusting surface-level appearances was a rookie mistake.
I glanced at Naganthor again. His polished demeanor and practiced smiles were convincing, but his eyes gave him away. Every time they lingered on Evelina, there was something beneath it—curiosity, calculation, maybe even envy. Whatever it was, I wasn’t about to let my guard down.
Still, I chose to tread carefully. Our alliance with the Healer Tribe was too important to risk over my suspicions. “You might be right,” I told Evelina, keeping my tone even. But deep down, I wasn’t convinced.
The lunch wrapped up, the atmosphere shifted. Elixar led Naganthor and Evelyn into another chamber, probably to discuss alliances or, more likely, marriage prospects. I watched them go, my unease lingering like a bad aftertaste.
Evelina, however, seemed eager to lighten the mood. She gently took my arm, her touch warm and familiar. “Care for a stroll?” she asked, her voice carrying a spark of nostalgia.
I smiled and nodded. “Sure.”
We stepped into the palace gardens, a serene space filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers and herbs. The air was calm, almost magical, and Evelina seemed at home here. She ran her fingers over the vibrant leaves and petals, her expression soft and wistful.
“This was my sanctuary,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I used to spend hours here, tending to these herbs. Each one has its own unique properties, its own magic. It was... peaceful, an escape from the pressures of court life.”
I walked beside her, captivated by the passion in her voice. She wasn’t just reminiscing—she was sharing a piece of herself I hadn’t known before. It was rare for Evelina to let her guard down like this.
We wandered deeper into the garden, passing under trellises heavy with blooming vines. The sound of a small brook trickling nearby added to the tranquility, making the place feel like a world apart from the bustling court politics we’d just left behind.
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