Dragon King's Harem Chapter 304. Serpent Tribe III

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 304. Serpent Tribe III

Throughout the banquet, the grandeur of the palace's dining hall couldn't overshadow the subtle tension that seemed to weave its way around our small party. The long table was adorned with a feast fit for kings. Succulent roasted meats, vibrant arrays of fruits, and richly spiced dishes offered a tantalizing fusion of flavors and aromas.

Despite the delicious spread before us and the polite exchanges that echoed throughout the hall, I couldn't help but feel an undercurrent of intrigue. Naganthor and Evelyn, in their elegant attire, displayed all the grace and poise expected of nobility. To any onlooker, it appeared as though they were engaged in light-hearted conversation and occasional laughter, veiling their true intentions beneath practiced smiles.

But my keen dragon senses allowed me to discern the subtle yet unmistakable glances to me or Evelina, carrying unspoken messages. Such a charade might deceive others, but it could not escape my scrutiny. It was, frankly, a source of frustration for me.

My natural inclination was to address this tension head-on, to demand answers in my straightforward, dragon-like manner. However, I recognized the importance of restraint in this situation. After all, this was not my palace, and Elixar held peace and diplomacy in the highest regard. His court was a place of refined etiquette and careful choice of words, a far cry from the directness I was accustomed to as the Dragon King.

So, I opted to suppress my instincts, albeit begrudgingly. It was a challenge to abide by the Healer tribe's customs and decorum, which often felt overly gentle and subtle to my dragon nature. But I respected Elixar's wishes and was determined to adhere to the expectations of this peaceful court.

As I chewed thoughtfully, my attention kept drifting back to Naganthor and Evelyn. I couldn't deny the temptation to activate my skill to spy on them. It would be a simple matter to subtly eavesdrop on their conversation, to discern the true nature of their interactions.

But I hesitated, knowing that such an action could have consequences beyond this banquet hall. The Healer tribe, known for their mastery of potions and tonics, was a vital ally to the Dragon tribe. We relied on their expertise to supply our palace and military with the necessary elixirs, remedies, and salves. Al could only produce a limited quantity of these essential concoctions, and the Healer tribe's contributions were invaluable.

“Your Majesty, is there something wrong?” Evelina's words barely registered as I mulled over the events unfolding before me. The delicate symphony of clinking silverware and hushed conversations filled the grand hall. We sat amidst an array of delectable dishes, yet my appetite had waned.

I leaned closer to Evelina, my voice barely above a whisper, as if sharing a forbidden secret. "No, nothing," I assured her, though my words betrayed my disquiet. My gaze flitted between her and her sister, Evelyn. "I just feel like your sister keeps glancing at me, and it's not just curiosity. And I also caught 'the new guest' glancing at you several times."

Evelina's elegant brow furrowed in concern. She angled herself towards me, her voice equally hushed. "The new guest?" she repeated, a touch of bewilderment in her voice. Her eyes darted towards Prince Naganthor. Then she refocused her attention on me. "This is my first time meeting him. Maybe he wants to talk to me about something important. Or perhaps he seeks advice on how to win Evelyn's heart," Evelina conjectured, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Evelina's explanation sounded plausible, but my instincts warned me to remain vigilant. The world of nobility was a complex tapestry of alliances, ambitions, and rivalries, and appearances could be deceiving.

I regarded Naganthor once more, noting the poised elegance with which he conducted himself. His eyes, however, bore a glint of curiosity whenever they lingered on Evelina. It was not mere politeness that motivated his gazes. Beneath the surface, something simmered.

Despite my unease, I decided to tread cautiously. Our alliance with the Healer tribe was of paramount importance, and a misstep here could reverberate far beyond this banquet.

So, I nodded to Evelina, acknowledging her explanation. "You may be right," I conceded, my voice tinged with both suspicion and diplomacy.

The lunch drew to a close, a subtle shift in dynamics set the stage for what lay ahead. Elixar guided Prince Naganthor and Evelyn towards another chamber, their conversation undoubtedly delving into matters of potential alliances and courtship.

Evelina, on the other hand, took my arm gently, her touch warm and inviting. Her eyes gleamed with a spark of nostalgia as she looked upon the lush garden before us. "Would you care to take a stroll?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.

I nodded, offering her a small smile. "Of course," I replied, falling into step beside her.

We entered the serene garden, the fragrance of herbs and blossoms filled the air. The place held an air of tranquility.

Evelina's fingers caressed the vibrant leaves and petals as we walked, her connection to this place evident in every tender touch. It was a garden she had nurtured, her sanctuary long before our paths had crossed. She had left this place behind when she chose to be with me in the Dragon Cross City, a decision that had forever altered the course of her life.

She glanced at me, her eyes shimmering with memories. "I used to spend hours here, tending to these herbs," she confessed, her voice a soft murmur. "Each one has its own unique properties, its own magic. It was my solace, my escape from the pressures of court life."

I listened intently, captivated not only by her words but also by the passion with which she spoke. It was a glimpse into a part of her life I had never known.

We wandered deeper into the garden, the path winding beneath trellises heavy with blooming vines. The soothing sound of a nearby babbling brook filled the air, lending a sense of serenity to our surroundings.