The hall buzzed with conversation as servants moved gracefully between the tables, refilling goblets with fine wine and clearing empty plates. The aroma of roasted meats and exotic spices still lingered in the air. The king, seated at the head of the massive table, lifted his jeweled goblet, his deep voice commanding the attention of all present.
"A toast," King Godfrey Highmoor announced, his sharp eyes scanning the gathered nobles and warriors. "To Xavier Alden, son of my dear friend Elder Gideon, who has overcome his afflictions and stepped onto the path of cultivation."
The nobles and guests raised their goblets, the clinking of fine crystal echoing through the hall. Lucas, though maintaining a humble demeanor, could feel the many eyes on him—some filled with admiration, others with envy or scrutiny. He took a sip of his wine, the rich taste lingering on his tongue as the king continued speaking.
"Now that you are well, Xavier," the king said, setting his goblet down with a soft clink, "I assume you will be returning to the Royal Cultivation Academy soon?"
Lucas swallowed the wine in his mouth and wiped his lips with a cloth before answering. "Very soon, my king. I will return when the time is right."
The king nodded approvingly. "Good. A noble son must not fall behind his peers."
As the conversation flowed, Lucas couldn't help but notice Princess Nyx stealing glances at him. The way her deep violet eyes lingered on his form, her lips subtly curving into an almost imperceptible smirk—it was clear she was playing a game.
At one point, she delicately picked up a ripe grape from a small platter and slowly pressed it between her soft lips, her gaze locking onto his as she did so. Lucas felt the heat in her eyes, the deliberate way she teased him with nothing but a glance. She was testing him.
And he had to admit, he found it quite entertaining.
The feast lasted a while longer, filled with laughter, political discussions, and the occasional song from a group of court musicians. But as the meal came to an end, and the nobles began rising from their seats, Lucas felt an approaching presence.
He turned his head slightly, already knowing who it was before the voice even spoke.
"Xavier," Prince Darius greeted, his voice smooth yet laced with underlying tension.
Lucas turned fully, plastering a perfectly fake smile onto his face. "Prince Darius."
Darius's smile mirrored his—broad, friendly, and completely insincere.
"You fought well back in the city," the prince said, his voice light, though his narrowed eyes told a different story.
Lucas chuckled under his breath. "Did I?"
Darius leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so that their parents wouldn't overhear.
"Don't think for a second that I've let what happened slide," he muttered, his fake smile unwavering.
Lucas tilted his head, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Oh?" He scoffed lightly. "Then bring it in, eh? I'm waiting."
Darius's eyes darkened for a fraction of a second, but then he exhaled, his fake grin widening. "Be careful what you wish for, Xavier."
Lucas simply chuckled, unaffected. "Likewise, my prince."
Their gazes locked, neither backing down, until a voice broke the tension.
"Are you two bonding at last?" Nyx purred, stepping between them with an amused smile.
Both young men immediately straightened, their fake smiles still in place as they turned toward her.
"Something like that," Lucas answered smoothly.
Darius simply let out a dry chuckle before stepping back. "We'll see you soon, Xavier." He nodded toward Nyx before turning and walking away.
Nyx, however, remained, watching Lucas with undisguised curiosity. "You're different," she mused, tapping her chin with one delicate finger. "Not at all like the fragile, helpless boy I remember."
Lucas smirked, stepping closer to her. "And you're not at all like the innocent princess people expect you to be."
Nyx's violet eyes flashed with amusement. "Oh? And what do people expect me to be?"
He leaned in slightly, just enough to make it dangerously close. "Tame."
Nyx laughed softly, the sound sultry and full of unspoken promises. "You intrigue me, Xavier Alden. Let's see if you can keep up."
With that, she turned gracefully and walked away, her dress swaying behind her.
Lucas chuckled under his breath, watching her go.
Oh, he'd definitely keep up.
Lucas stepped forward and bowed deeply to King Godfrey. "My King," he said with genuine respect. "I truly appreciate the feast you have thrown in my honor today. It means a great deal to me."
The king, still in high spirits from the celebration, let out a hearty chuckle. "You are most welcome, Xavier. You deserve it," he said, his broad smile showing his approval. "Your father and I have been friends for many years. It brings me great joy to see his son stepping into his potential."
Elder Gideon, standing beside the king, nodded with pride, his eyes glimmering with warmth as he placed a hand on Lucas's shoulder. "You've come a long way, son."
Lucas simply smiled and nodded, choosing not to say much more. He had no intention of staying any longer than necessary. While the feast had been pleasant, the real work—the true path of cultivation—waited for him elsewhere.
He excused himself while his father and the king remained in conversation, discussing matters of the court and the kingdom. As he stepped outside the grand hall, the cool night air greeted him, washing away the thick aroma of wine and roasted meats that had lingered in the feast hall.
The moon was high, casting silver streaks across the vast castle courtyard. It was late, but Lucas had no intention of resting yet. He had plans, things to do, and knowledge to cultivate.
Upon returning to his chambers, he found Lira waiting for him. She stood near a small table, a lantern's warm glow illuminating her delicate features. When she saw him, she immediately straightened and bowed.
"My Lord, you're back," she greeted softly, her voice laced with a mix of relief and admiration.
Lucas took a moment to truly look at her—the way her chestnut hair was neatly braided to the side, the simple yet clean robes she wore, and the way her blue eyes carried a quiet strength beneath their innocence.
Lira wasn't the most striking beauty in the kingdom—not like the dangerously seductive Princess Nyx or the ethereal and untouchable Selene Fairchild—but there was something about her genuine purity and devotion that Lucas found oddly comforting. She was not drenched in political schemes or veiled intentions. She was simply... Lira.
"I see you're still up," Lucas said as he removed his outer robe and stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders from the long day. "You should be resting."
Lira shook her head, her expression determined. "I wanted to wait for you, my lord."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And why is that?"
She clasped her hands together, glancing at him with a small, proud smile. "I wanted to tell you about my cultivation progress."
Lucas's eyes lit up with interest as he took a seat. "Go on."
She straightened her posture slightly, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. "I'm still in the Novice Rank, but I can feel the changes in my body. Ever since I started cultivating seriously under your guidance, I've been progressing much faster than before. The Qi circulation feels... smoother."
Lucas nodded, impressed. He had noticed her determination and hard work, and it was paying off. "That's good to hear, Lira. Keep at it, and you'll move up in rank sooner than you think."
She beamed at his praise, her cheeks subtly reddening. "I will, Master. I won't let you down."
Lucas smirked, leaning back slightly. "I don't doubt that."
A brief silence filled the room, but it wasn't awkward—it was comfortable. The flickering lantern light cast shadows along the walls, and the faint rustling of leaves outside made the night feel still yet alive.
After a moment, Lucas exhaled and stood up. "You should rest now, Lira. Tomorrow will be another long day."
Lira nodded obediently, but before leaving, she hesitated for a moment. "Master... I just wanted to say—thank you. For everything."
Lucas paused, then gave her a small smile. "No need to thank me, Lira. Just focus on getting stronger."
She nodded once more before retreating to her quarters, leaving Lucas alone with his thoughts.
He exhaled, rolling his neck as he g
azed out the window toward the distant Royal Academy.
Soon, he'd return. And when he did—things would be different.