Toxic Encounter

Chapter 17: A Toxic Encounter


EMELIA


Keiden's voice was measured as he asked, "What brings you here, Keiran? I thought you were supposed to be in the meeting."


Keiran's smile widened, his eyes glinting with malice.


"Oh, just thought I'd welcome the happy couple," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


His gaze roamed over me, lingering on my face and body.


I suppressed a shudder, feeling like an insect under his scrutiny.


"Emelia, you're still as lovely as ever," Keiran continued, his voice dripping with insincerity.


I forced a polite smile, but inside, I seethed.


How dare he?


Keiden's warning was low and even.


"Keiran, enough."


But Keiran wouldn't be silenced.


"Ah, come now, brother," he said.


"I'm just showing my appreciation for Emelia's...tenacity."


The word hung in the air, heavy with innuendo.


I felt a shiver run down my spine.


"Thank you, Keiran," I managed, my voice tight.


Politeness was key, but my eyes flashed with anger.


Keiran's grin grew wider.


"You're getting territorial, Keiden," he said.


"Don't be jealous, brother."


His voice took on a mocking tone.


"If not for me, you wouldn't have known Emelia existed."


Keiden's expression darkened.


"Keiran, that's enough," he growled.


But Keiran pressed on.


"Tell me, have you two completed your marriage rituals?"


His eyes sparkled with mischief.


"Does Emelia taste sweet, Keiden?"


Keiden's face twisted in disgust.









"Shut it, Keiran," he snapped.


"Focus on why we're here."


Keiran's laughter echoed through the hall, sending a chill down my spine.


"I'll catch up with you later, sister-in-law," he called out.


My skin crawled.


Just as Keiran was about to continue, the servant intervened.


"Excuse me, my lords," he said.


"We've arrived at the entrance.


Please, let us proceed quietly."


His words effectively silenced Keiran, who shot me a parting glance.


I breathed a sigh of relief as we followed the servant.


But the encounter had left a sour taste in my mouth.


And the day had only just begun.


One thing was certain: I would avoid Keiran at all costs.


As the servant opened the door, we stepped into the grand hall where the meeting was taking place. I couldn't help but gasp in awe at the breathtaking beauty of the room.


The high ceiling, adorned with intricate frescoes, seemed to stretch up to the sky. The walls, painted a warm golden hue, glowed softly in the light of the crystal chandeliers that hung from above.


The room was filled with rows of plush, velvet-covered chairs, arranged in a circular pattern around a central podium. Each chair was adorned with delicate carvings and embroidered cushions, shimmering in the soft light.


The floor, made of polished marble, reflected the colors of the room, creating a dazzling display of elegance.


Everywhere I looked, I saw people dressed in their finest attire, their faces filled with purpose and determination.


There were lords and ladies, advisors and diplomats, all gathered together for this crucial meeting.


As we entered, the room fell silent.


All eyes turned to us, and I felt a surge of self-consciousness.


But I was still lost in the beauty of the room.


I didn't notice Keiden's hand brushing against mine until I felt a warmth spreading through my palm.


I looked down, startled, and saw his fingers wrapped around mine.


My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I realized I had been staring for some time.


I quickly bowed my head, trying to compose myself.


I didn't pull my hand away, not wanting to draw attention to ourselves.


Besides, in this sea of unfamiliar faces, Keiden's touch was a reassuring presence.


The silence in the room was heavy with anticipation.


I sensed the weight of their gazes upon us, heard the unspoken questions.


Who was this woman, standing beside the infamous Keiden?


What did she bring to the table?


I straightened my shoulders, steeling myself for what was to come.


Keiden's grip on my hand tightened, a subtle reminder of his presence.


Together, we walked toward the podium, our footsteps echoing through the silence.


As we reached the front, Keiden released my hand, his eyes scanning the room.


"Welcome, everyone," he began, his voice commanding attention.


"I see we have a full house today."


His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of the gathered dignitaries.


"I trust you're all aware of why we're here."


As Keiden finished speaking, a deep, commanding voice cut through the silence.


"I think you're mistaken, Keiden," the voice said.


I followed the sound to a tall, imposing figure standing near the front.


He exuded confidence, his broad shoulders squared, and his piercing blue eyes gleaming with authority.


His tailored black suit seemed to accentuate his powerful build, and the gold cufflinks glinting on his wrists added a touch of sophistication.


"Whatever reason you think we're here for, it's not the one," he said, his smile hinting at secrets.


Keiden's expression turned puzzled.


"I'm not aware of any other reason," he said.


The man's smile grew wider.


"Ah, but that's because you haven't been informed.


We'll discuss it after refreshments."


With a wave of his hand, the doors burst open, and a procession of maids and servants streamed in, carrying trays laden with drinks and snacks.


The room erupted into a cacophony of clinking glasses, laughter, and music.


I turned to Keiden, confusion etched on my face.


"Why the delay?" I whispered.


"Why can't they just tell us what's going on?"


Keiden's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.


"It's their culture, Emelia," he replied.


"They always have refreshments before delivering news – good or bad."


He took my hand, leading me to a nearby seat.


The gesture felt strange, yet reassuring.


As we sat, the stares from the crowd began to dissipate, replaced by the lively atmosphere.


But I couldn't shake off the feeling that the news is gong to end up being bad things.


The alpha-like stranger caught my eye again, his gaze lingering on me before shifting to Keiden.


"Let's enjoy ourselves for now," Keiden whispered.


"We'll find out soon enough."


I nodded, trying to relax.


A maid approached, offering a delicate glass of wine.


"Welcome, milady," she said with a curtsy.


I took the glass, feeling a little overwhelmed.


Keiden leaned in, his voice low.


"Just smile and play along."