Dragon King's Harem Chapter 314. Afternoon Tea I

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 314. Afternoon Tea I

On the other side of the palace.

The ladies gathered in the parlor room. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, courtesy of the myriad of flowers adorning the room, each bloom nodding in approval as the women settled into plush velvet chairs.

The parlor was a haven of indulgence, a treasure trove of decadent delights. Tables groaned under the weight of sweet confections - candied fruits, honey cakes, and pastries that looked too delicate to devour. Crystal bowls held an array of nuts and berries, their colors vibrant against the rich, dark wood of the furniture.

Tea, steaming and fragrant, held court on a central table. It was a blend of herbs and spices, a concoction known only to the castle's seasoned tea master, whose secret recipes were guarded more closely than the kingdom's vaults. Delicate porcelain cups, adorned with intricate patterns, awaited the touch of dainty fingers.

"Your Majesty is surely busy," Jyne declared, plopping down on one of the plush sofas with an audible huff. Her fingers clutched a delicate teacup, the fragrant steam curling around her face like a comforting veil. They had hoped for a leisurely afternoon tea with the king, but duty called him back, leaving a hint of disappointment lingering in the air.

Sela chimed in. "He is a king. We shouldn't complain about that." Her words carried a note of caution, a reminder of the weight that adorned the king's shoulders.

Jyne shot a glance at Evelina, who lounged beside her. "You are lucky because you can spend time with him," she teased, a touch of envy coloring her words.

Evelina's eyes crinkled at the corners as she admitted, "Yes. And I feel grateful for that." A faint smile played on her lips, a silent acknowledgment of the shared moments and stolen glances that made the wait worthwhile.

Sela, indulging in a slice of cake with practiced elegance, chimed in, "Evelina has been waiting for His Majesty for a very long time. I think that is normal for her." Her words were accompanied by a knowing nod. The fork in her hand expertly conveyed the cake from plate to mouth, a ritual of indulgence.

Marissa, sitting with a casual lean, interjected, shaking her head. "I wouldn't be as patient as you, Evelina." Her admission carried a tinge of honesty, the kind that slips out in the comfort of companionship.

Jyne suddenly diverted the conversation in a whimsical direction. "I wonder what His Majesty's face looks like when he sleeps." The room fell into a momentary hush, the question hanging in the air like a playful secret. Jyne's curiosity rang clear, her imagination painting a picture of a regal figure in repose.

"Haven't you seen it before?" Sela asked, turning to Jyne, her eyes dancing with curiosity.

Jyne shook her head, a lock of her unruly hair falling into her face. "Not in his hibernation stage," she admitted, taking a thoughtful sip of her tea. "I mean, normally he does sleep, but I know he doesn't really sleep. He always has his guard up," she explained, her gaze fixed on some distant memory.

"His hibernation stage is the same as how he sleeps," Evelina interjected with a note of nostalgia, her eyes wandering to a point beyond the elegant walls of the parlor. "It's just that he didn't open his eyes no matter for a long time. The palace feels empty without him," she added, her voice carrying a wistful undertone.

A somber silence settled in the room, the weight of their shared experiences palpable. Jyne leaned forward, her expression one of contemplation. "It's strange, isn't it? Knowing that he's there, but not really there. Like a slumbering giant, guarding the realm even in his dreams."

Evelina nodded, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the delicate handle of her teacup. "Sometimes, I sit by his side and just watch. Wondering what dreams fill a king's mind, what battles he fights when his eyes are sealed shut."

Marissa, who had been quietly listening, spoke up, her voice a mere whisper in the tapestry-adorned room. "I guess it's the burden of the crown, the price of being a ruler. Always vigilant, even in the quietest moments."

"Luckily those times are over," Sela added gratefully, her eyes reflecting the relief of a shared burden lifted.

"Yes," Evelina agreed, a small smile playing on her lips. The weight of the past, a heavy cloak they all wore, seemed to loosen in the warmth of camaraderie.

“Anyway, why doesn't Glasha want to join us?" Marissa decided to steer the conversation in a lighter direction, as if attempting to dispel the lingering shadows of their previous discussion.

“She said she wasn't interested in chatting,” Jyne answered with a huff, accompanied by a casual shrug.

"His Majesty took her because of political reasons; we can't blame her," Evelina gently reminded them, her tone holding a thread of understanding.

Marissa leaned back, a contemplative look on her face. "It's a tricky game, isn't it? Being a part of this world. You never really get to choose your company."

"Sela, don't get it. His Majesty spared her life; wouldn't it be better if she behaved better?" Sela pondered, curiosity flickering in her eyes as if trying to decipher the enigma that was Glasha.

"Also, His Majesty is a fine man. I mean, how many kings are there who are handsome, young, strong, powerful, and wise like him?" Jyne chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Don't forget how he behaves. He's prideful but can be sweet sometimes. You know, some kings look stiff and treat their wives only as breeding tools," she added, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Exactly!" Sela exclaimed, nodding in agreement.

"For a warrior, sometimes dying in honor is better than being the enemy’s prisoner," Evelina offered, her words carrying a weight of solemn wisdom, as if she had glimpsed into the complexities of Glasha's mind.

Marissa countered, "She is now her enemy's wife, not a prisoner."

"That's worse. Let her take her time to calm herself down," Evelina insisted, her voice gentle yet firm, advocating for patience in the face of an unsettling situation.