SWNOVELS Chapter 25 The Banquet
Sylvia's POV:
The tit for tat conversation ceased because Ethan, the lycan king, arrived. I breathed a sigh of relief. I also realized that the queen, Laura, wasn't easy to get along with, and she didn't seem to like me either. But it didn't matter. Their opinions didn't mean anything to me, Once my mother's case was redressed and Rufus' curse was removed, I would leave here and find a comfortable place in the mountain, along the banks of the rivers to live. That was the only thing that seemed to comfort me.
The bell chimed, and the banquet officially began.
Rufus held my hand and led me to the main table along with the king and queen. The king sat at the head of the table wearing his traditional court dress.
Rufus pulled out a chair like a gentleman and gestured for me to sit down.
I looked up at him and smiled gratefully. When I was about to sit down, Laura spoke, "Not everyone can sit at the main table. A slave belongs in the kitchen. Don't stain the good wine and dishes on the table." Laura raised her glass and took a sip, shooting a disdainful look at me. My body froze; I didn't know where to rest my hands and feet. My face flushed, and I couldn't contain my embarrassment. That was Laura's sly way of asking me to get out.
However, Rufus placed his hands on my shoulders and gently thrust me on the chair.
I couldn't help but steal a glance at Laura. The anger and hate on her face seemed to embarrass me even more. I wished the ground would open and swallow me alive to save me from the humiliation. Laura snorted and opened her mouth to say something, but Ethan interrupted her.
"It's a family dinner today. We don't have to be too formal. Just sit down and wait for the dishes," Ethan said softly. His voice was hoarse, and he coughed from time to time. Perhaps the rumors were true -- it seemed like he was in poor health.
Laura couldn't disobey the king's orders. Therefore, she drank the red wine as she continued to shoot daggers at me.
We were the only ones sitting at the main table. I was sitting with Rufus; Laura and Alina sat opposite us. The two were chatting happily.
I didn't bother uttering a word or showing my presence in any way after what just happened.
"Where is Richard?" Rufus suddenly asked.
The air grew thick with tension. I was confused because it looked like Laura and others didn't want to mention Prince Richard.
"I was supposed to preside over the army running today." Ethan smiled awkwardly. "But I was not feeling well, so I asked your younger brother to do that. He hasn't come back yet."
Laura put her glass down, looking a little dissatisfied. "Rufus should be responsible for big events like these. You should just postpone the banquet and let Rufus go. How could you let Richard go instead?" "When will the dishes be served?" Rufus interrupted Laura.
Sensing his annoyance, I subconsciously reached out to grab his hand under the table to comfort him. But soon, I realized it was inappropriate for me to do so. Therefore, I withdrew my hand. However, Rufus quickly grabbed my wrist.
He looked calm and composed; his vice-like grip stopped me from withdrawing my hand. The warmth of his fingers seeped into my body.
Just then, the main dish was served. I looked at the succulent piece of steak and gulped.
My gaze involuntarily flitted to Alina. She exuded grace and poise. After cleaning her hands, she tucked the napkin and gracefully picked the knife and fork.
It was not until then that I realized I had no clue about dining etiquette.