The Heris-Mariale family rode quietly in their carriage, as they headed to the palace to celebrate the King's banquet.

They had left Cralville and the banquet was to take place back in the capital city.

The atmosphere was stiff because of Qaya's foul mood. Ever since she lost the treasure hunt, she'd been bitter and annoyed with everyone.

Dylan cleared his throat "I hear that today the king will show everyone the contents of the box"

Qaya turned away from them as if she hadn't heard and looked at the view outside the window. She did want to attend the stupid party. She'd managed to recover from the wounds she got when the great beast attacked her but it was too much of a burden to have her attend a ceremony commemorating her defeat.

"I must say you look stunning in your dress" Jaslin noted and Qaya nodded

"Thank you, I am flattered" she answered drily.

When they arrived, the banquet hall was bustling with people.

The family went to greet the king and the duke; the stars of the event.

"Isn't it my dear friend, Dylan Mariale" Awin said cheerfully and turned to see Qaya's scowling face. "How cute?" He thought to himself.

"We've come to give our greetings and congratulate you" Dylan said with a feigned smile.

"Well then, enjoy yourselves"

Qaya sighed as she watched her family mingle with people at the party. She felt suffocated but what else could she do? she'd have to endure and face the consequences of her actions.

***

Marie sipped her glass of wine merrily. The mood was nice, she thought.

The whole mood since she was acquitted and released had been tense, maybe alcohol was what she needed to ease her senses.

Just when she thought to enjoy herself to the fullest, Lady Daluan walked up to her flashing her a coy smile.

"Evening, Madame" lady Daluan called, a plate of buttered cookie cupcakes was in her hand "the wine is nice too but I wanted you to try the pastry, it's almost heavenly"

Marie eyed the other woman suspiciously, but took a piece and bit out of it.

"What do you think of it?" Lady Daluan asked expectantly

For a moment, Marie almost let out a laughter of sheer happiness but she had to maintain decorum. She smiled and closed her eyes enjoying the soft buttery goodness sweetly melting in her mouth. "It's marvelous" she took another piece.

"I am glad" lady Daluan muttered and took a seat beside Marie.

"How has life been? Hope it hasn't been tough since your release"

Marie paused. Was this genuine concern or was she looking for a means to insult her? She wasn't sure but she didn't want to make any assumptions.

"Well, as expected, adjusting isn't exactly like breathing, it requires conscious effort but I'll be fine"

"I heard you lost your title, you were Dame Execurium**, what's your new title?"

Marie studied Lady Daluan's face and was still unsure if this woman was just harmlessly curious or otherwise, but she didn't mind much; she didn't care at all.

"I don't have any special title, as my family is now joined with the Mariale family. Even if we aren't legally married, we have a binding contract of loyalty between us, so I'm just the lady of the Heris-Mariale household"

"Do you despise Dylan Mariale?"

"Is anything the matter, Lady Daluan, you keep asking me questions, this isn't just out of mere curiosity, you have an ulterior motive"

Daluan smiled "did I come off as disrespectful? Forgive me if so, I was just interested in the mother that birthed someone as brilliant as Qaya. She kicked me off my pedestal but I'm too impressed to be angry, so..."

"Still, you should control yourself..." her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Dylan approaching them.

"Is anything the matter? Lady Daluan" Dylan asked as he stood between them.

Lady Daluan blushed "nothing, I might have a tad bit rude, I wanted to know about your family because I'm curious about your daughter"

"Oh I see" he said and turned to look at Marie but she didn't even acknowledge him, she stuffed another cookie cupcake into her mouth.

"Wait a minute, how do you know my name?"

Dylan raised his eyebrows at the absurdity of her question "not only did I see you at the treasure hunt, you're a person of reknown"

"I know but I didn't think my fame would spread to the Occident Coast"

"Then you are mistaken, I especially love your literature on the philosophy of socital change. You provide commendable insights"

Lady Daluan chuckled and lightly slapped his arm "I'm flattered, I'll also have you know that you're quite popular in our circle"

"What circle?"

"In my academic and social circles. But it's no surprise, you're a man of impeccable standing"

"I am glad you think so"

"If it's okay with you, can I call a couple of my acquaintances?"

"Do as you wish"

Lady Daluan gleefully went to look for her friends and left Dylan with Marie who was staring daggers at him.

"Is anything the matter? You look... constipated"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Marie scoffed, would she just ignore this man's disrespect? "wow, you see me now? You were chatting so freely with Lady Daluan, I thought you couldn't see me or I had just turned invisible."

"What? What are you going on about?"

Marie shook her head. I will go and refill my glass. She walked away and groaned as she saw Lady Daluan coming with three other women.

She was annoyed at the audacity of everyone. How could they just go chatting like she wasn't standing there? Did Dylan have no regard for her?

Marie stopped in her tracks. Why was she angry? Dylan did not owe her anything, he wasn't married to her, he was free to converse with any woman.

She was beginning to reason logically and see the faults with her early actions but she couldn't help but still be angry.

"No man has approached me for romantic prospects but look at him, without any effort, younger women were swarming around him. So of course she'd be jealous, it was the only natural thing to do. But why did she feel hurt and betrayed. Suddenly the buttery cookie cupcakes felt bitter, and all she could do to wash away the bitter taste was to drink wine.

***

Qaya sat down looking spitefully at the party. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, she couldn't blame them. Her heart skipped a beat as Awin tapped her shoulder from behind her.

"Your highness, what's the matter?"

"Nothing" he took his seat beside her and offered a glass of juice that she accepted out of courtesy.

Qaya winced as she caught a few pairs of eyes staring in their direction.

"If you need nothing from me, am I free to leave? I do not wish for unsavory rumours to develop"

"I understand the term, 'rumours' but why say they're unsavory? I want to talk to you, it might end up being a long one infact."

Qaya cocked her eyebrows "for what reason?"

"You shall know in good time. But I must remind you that today is the day I demand my reward. So be ready"

She fidgeted with the pearls on her dress. She was beginning to realize the folly of her early actions. Just when she decided to live a life devoid of revenge and things that reminded her of Qaya Wright, she goes and entangles herself with the king.

Awin's voice broke her from her reverie "I must say you look breathtaking, it irks me"

"Excuse me?"

"I can't imagine someone else discoverin..."

"What do we have here?" A third voice interrupted. The innocent aura of Melinda enveloped the atmosphere, that it was almost suffocating.

"Lovely evening, Ms Charmale" Qaya exasperatedly saluted

"Your highness, I've been looking all over for you"

"Why is anything the matter?" Awin asked, his voice mildly tinged with concern.

"It's no big issue really, I just can't seem to find Zarela"

"Really?" Awin muttered looking around the hall pensively.

Qaya, confused by the exchange, asked "who's that?"

"Your highness, we came together, I promise but she said the coachman was having a problem with the gifts I brought for you, so I let her go tend to it"

Awin sighed and answered Qaya "Zarela is my sister"

"Oh, I see"

Qaya was mute and seemed composed. But she was shocked by this revelation. She was certain that while she was Wright, she knew practically everything about Awin but how would he have hidden something of such weight from her and now easily divulge it to Qaya Heris. She inspected Melinda's look, she kept a stern poker face but Awin couldn't succeed, he looked restive. It made Qaya wonder just how important Zarela was and the kind of power she had over her brother.

"I imagine Zarela is your lady-in-waiting, Ms. Charmale. How honorable! to have the King's sister be your lady-in-waiting"

Melinda feigned a cheerful laugh at Qaya's remark. The three of them knew that what Qaya said was intended to be a jab but they kept on the charade of a friendly chat.

Melinda was especially annoyed with Qaya. Awin sighed and held Qaya's arm "I'll have to step out for a moment to find Zarela"

"I understand" Qaya muttered trying her hardest to not allow her excitement show. She was grateful, she could finally breath fresh air. Awin left and Melinda followed in tow.

"You must enjoy Ms. Heris's company" Melinda noted

"She's an interesting woman, a treasure begging to be unveiled" Awin commented as he briskly snaked through the party guests, out of the hall.

Melinda clenched her fists. For a long minute, she couldn't think clearly. Her breath felt so hot within her that she wanted to dunk herself into a cold lake to cool away her fury.

"She's not even done anything to make you think such a thing" Melinda said this in spite the overwhelming urge to choke.

Awin paused and turned to his companion "that's the thing Melinda, Special people don't have to do anything extra"

****

The night wind wifted through Qaya's skin and her whole being. She let out a satisfied sigh.

"This is the life"

She had used the opportunity that Awin's departure created to leave the banquet hall and sit by the garden.

The scent that the night pollen created lifted her spirits. She ruminated about the past events and one that especially stood out to her was the dream she had while she fainted. She had recalled a fragment of her childhood as Qaya Wright.

It was eerie and the hatred she felt in that memory was almost infernal, it was so strong that it made her foul for days.

"Seeing that my life is bound to be entangled with all these people maybe I should try and investigate everything"

But then, Qaya remembered the promise she made to Jaslin and shrunk away from her early statement.

She perked up as she heard approaching footsteps and scurried away to hide.

The whole commotion of deciding where to hide caused her to stumble and fall on her face.

"Thank God for the soft grass" she mumbled against the ground and heard an amused chuckle.

"This is a baffling sight"

Qaya flinched at Rivan's voice and wished for the ground to open up and devour her.

He helped her up and dusted her dress.

"Thank you, I can help myself" she mumbled embarrassed.

"I understand" he withdrew from her and sat down "I actually came out to look for you"

"Me? Why?"

"I was worried because I see that you've dabbled in something dangerous"

Qaya snickered "how honorable of you to assume the worst of me? Can you not fathom people acting unprovoked"

"The duke doesn't act unprovoked"

"What?" Qaya paused confused. She had nothing to do with the duke why would he be acting against her?

"How do you think I came to know of the sabotage? I heard one of the Duke's men talking to a young girl about the ornament?"

"He might have acted alone, overzealousness is intoxicating"

"I'm certain he didn't, do you know the effort it takes to come upon the Oculius plant? The closest one should be in Canary's nest. That's the only place you get it in the whole continent, another source is on the second continent and you can't legally import it because of how it is used to lure the beast. To acquire something like that, one needs more than zeal"

"...."

"And I suspect the king is behind the duke. Winning the gift of the great treasure hunt is not something the duke is desperate for, he would only do something of this nature, if the king demanded it"

For a while, she remained silent. She wasn't surprised but this didn't mean she wasn't confused, why would the king go so far? It's almost as if he was certain that putting her in that kind of danger wouldn't kill her.

"Ms. Heris are you fine? You seem to be greatly distressed"

Qaya chuckled "of course I'm not, I just wonder that you seem versed in the matters of the great beast"

"It just seems that way"

"Really? I will take your word for it" she added sarcastically.

"I didn't just come here for that actually, I wanted to give you this" he gave her a round marble the size and shape of a coin.

"What's this?" She asked, inspecting the object.

"It's a stone" he answered matter-of-factly

"That's debatable, but why are you giving me?"

" I imagine your perils are far from over. It should serve as help"

"That makes no sense...."

"Ms. Heris, I risked my life for you. Trust me. Do not let this stone leave your person. That's the most I can do for you"

She smiled content with his words, and it felt comforting that there was someone who was concerned for her. She giggled and playfully pushed him

"I have no choice but to oblige you"

"This is what I can do? The least you should do is stay away from unnecessary trouble, I have come to learn that the king is not someone to be toyed with, so try to steer clear of him"

"If only I could" Qaya thought to herself and kept the coin in her dress pocket.

Heavy footsteps were heard approaching them and Qaya grew pensive, what was happening? Was the whole party just gradually moving there?

"I am Zachary, the king requests for your presence, Ms. Heris-Mariale."

Qaya whined and turned to Rivan who just shrugged as if to mean "I can't help you".

"I will leave you, I have accomplished my mission" Rivan muttered as he adjusted his outfit "be careful"

Qaya followed behind Zachary, and the silence was frightening. Qaya knew very little of Zachary, even from her days as Ms. Wright. He always kept to himself and he had this sorrowful gaze, it was even more evident at that present moment; she caught him stealing glances at her.

"You are a stern judge... that's good"

She stated, trying to make small talk but was surprised when he abruptly stopped.

"I request that you only make respectful comments"

"I take that to be an advice and not a warning, I haven't done anything to imply that I would be disrespectful. I was even complimenting you"

"Is that what you meant? Then why doesn't it sound that way?"

"Please do not blame me for your guilt" she interjected annoyed.

The rest of the walk was quiet. When they entered the hall again, Qaya scanned the room looking for Awin.

"He's up there?" Zachary pointed at the gallery, there the king stood and watched the people from above.

"This man is the bane of my life. Why have me hike in these uncomfortable shoes just to have a chat with him ?" She whined and begrudgingly made her way to the king.

"I have been looking all over for you" Awin declared and dragged her into a hug that turned quite rigid and uncomfortable for the lady.

"Why do you ask of me?"

"Are you playing dumb or it just comes natural to you? I obviously want to ask for reward"

"Reward?" Qaya Snickered "well I guess it is your reward for sabotaging me"

"Is that what you think? That I sabotaged you?"

"Just tell me what you want"

Awin kept quiet for a long while and then pulled closer to Qaya, so close that his breath scorched her ears, then he whispered "You keep speaking like you're contemplating granting me a wish but you well know it is my right, no matter what I ask you can't refuse me, or else, even all of Dylan Mariale's riches won't be able to protect you from the havoc I will wreck in your life."

Qaya froze and just surrendered to him, there was no use proving stubborn. Suddenly, Awin wrapped his hands around her waist, but no matter how disgusted she felt, her body could not recoil from his graze, it just grew limp almost as if it could tell it was being led to the slaughter house.

Awin, with Qaya in his arms, called for everyone's attention.

Everyone looked up to him "this banquet has been such an interesting and enriching event...it makes me incredulously happy and to make things better, it is the day my beloved accepts to assist me in handling the mantle of governance and life"

"This joyful day is the day, Qaya Heris-Mariale agreed to be my wife"