Chapter 46: Do any of you have a problem with my choice?
Ava's POV
“You will attend me tonight. Bring her as well,” I commanded, gesturing toward the maid behind Mia. Without waiting for a response, I hooked my arm around Gwen's and strode toward the banquet hall. I refuse to dwell on Raphael and his earlier behavior. Tonight, I would focus on enjoying myself, praying to the goddess that he would be fine.
“Will those maids follow us all night?” Gwen asked, her face twisted in horror. The thought of Mia and the other maid shadowing us unsettled me too.
“Yes, Gwen. Gemma insisted I take two maids with me to the banquet. I’m sorry if it bothers you.” I gave her a soft, apologetic smile, truly regretting the discomfort I was causing her.
“No need to apologize, Ava. I understand. General Gemma follows the king’s orders,” she replied.
Her words struck a chord, and the missing puzzle piece finally clicked into place. It wasn’t Gemma; it was Raphael. Her earlier statement echoed in my mind: “I follow the orders of the king. Nothing else matters.”
“What’s on your mind?” Gwen stopped mid-step, studying me intently.
“I don’t know... Why do you think the king ordered two maids to accompany me?” I asked, puzzled. Gwen’s expression softened as she smiled knowingly.
“Is that what has you looking so lost?” she teased, resuming our walk and taking my hand in hers.
“Yes. I can’t figure out why he’d do that. Doesn’t he trust me?” I couldn’t hide my confusion.
Gwen laughed at my question, and I frowned. “Why are you laughing?”
“You’re adorable when you pout like that,” she said, lightly touching my face.
“I’m not pouting,” I mumbled defensively, though I wasn’t entirely sure I wasn’t.
“To answer your question,” she began, her tone suddenly more serious, “noble ladies in Lystra always have two or more maids attending them during balls, banquets, and formal ceremonies.”
“So, you’re saying he did it for my benefit?”
“Yes. The king wants the nobles to see you as one of them, not as a slave. Why does he want that... well, I couldn’t say I understand that part.” She studied me curiously, silently inviting an explanation.
“I have no idea either,” I admitted, throwing up my hands dramatically.
Gwen fell silent after that, and we continued walking toward the distant sound of music. I found myself eager to see the beauty of the evening, though I was already in the presence of someone as stunning as Gwen.
The rhythmic echo of our footsteps against the cold marble floor drowned out some of the music as we neared the great hall.
“Have you decided what you’ll ask the king for?” I asked Gwen.
“Yes, I have.”
Though she didn’t elaborate, I didn’t press her. We had an unspoken agreement: no pushing, no prying. When the time was right, we’d share our truths.
At the hall's entrance, the footman announced our arrival. I wished he hadn’t. His booming voice drew every eye to us, and gasps rippled through the crowd. Their murmurs filled my ears, clear as day, thanks to my wolf hearing.
“Why are they staring at us?” I whispered to Gwen, the attention making me squirm.
“They’re not staring at us,” Gwen chuckled softly. “They’re staring at you.”
Her clarification only heightened my discomfort. She was right, their gazes were fixed on me. Memories of Moonstone surfaced unbidden, the whispers, the lies, the judgment. My heart raced, and I regretted wearing this overly extravagant dress.
“Ava,” Gwen said gently, stopping abruptly. “Breathe. You’re very pale.”
I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath and holding onto Gwen tightly. Slowly, I began dragging air into my constricted lungs.
“That’s it, sweetie. You’re doing great,” Gwen encouraged. Her calm voice grounded me, and after a minute of deep breaths, I finally felt steadier.
“Thank you, Gwen,” I whispered, grateful for her strength. I’d always been the one protecting her, but tonight, she’d taken charge, and I was thankful she was by my side.
“You’re welcome,” she replied with a sweet smile. Her beauty was mesmerizing. Sometimes, I wondered if my feelings for her bordered on a crush, or if it was simply because she was my first real friend.
“Ava.”
That voice, smooth, deep, familiar, sent a shiver down my spine. I turned slowly, my stomach doing somersaults. Standing there was Raphael, breathtaking in his black brocade attire. His presence commanded attention, and his beauty left me speechless.
“I’ll excuse myself,” Gwen said softly, patting my hand before turning to Raphael. “My king,” she murmured with a slight bow. He nodded in acknowledgment, and she disappeared into the crowd like a whisper of wind.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” Raphael said, his lopsided smile making my heart flutter.
“Oh,” I managed, utterly captivated by him. The brocade clung to his frame like a second skin, highlighting every contour of his muscular build. The goddess must have spent extra time crafting him.
“Come sit with me.” He extended his hand, as he always did. Raphael never forced me; he always waited, always asked. His gestures were impossibly romantic, and I was deeply touched. But I hesitated, wary of drawing more attention.
“Your Highness, I would love to, but... your people might not agree,” I said, glancing at the bulging eyes and furrowed brows around us.
The ministers’ stares were the most unnerving, their anger palpable. I wanted no part of their wrath. Besides, I would be leaving soon. Raphael would marry Anastasia, and this would all be a memory.
“My word is law. Please, come sit with me, Ava.” His voice rang out, silencing the whispers. I couldn’t ignore his plea, so I took his offered hand. Together, we walked to the head table.
Raphael seated himself in the king’s chair and guided me to the queen’s seat. Gasps echoed through the hall, followed by hushed but furious whispers.
“Is the king choosing her as his next queen?” one minister murmured.
“Goddess forbid! How can a mere slave be a queen?” another hissed.
“Do any of you have a problem with my choice?” Raphael’s voice thundered, silencing the room.
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