-Prior-
Prior had not yet replied to Yin. By now she was utterly exhausted and lying in bed. She had given Princess Evlina a detailed account of everything she had done in the laboratory — detailed, that is, as far as it was understandable for the princess. Evlina was not a scientist, after all.
Wrapped in her blanket, Messenger in hand, Prior listened to Talina's steady breathing. She had already fallen asleep.
What should she reply to Yin? Should she reply at all? For the relationship between the two women, it would surely be better if she did. Prior did not know when they would work together again, but it would be good to have a confidante here.
She thought about the brief encounter in front of the palace entrance. How had Princess Evlina and Prince Kashion appeared?
A sudden chill ran through her.
The moment had felt strange. Prince Kashion had looked at her oddly. It was as if he had seen her consciously for the first time. During the excursion by the lake, she could hardly remember him looking at her at all. But earlier… it had been different. His gaze had been piercing.
Prior did not understand it. And honestly, the entire group had seemed somewhat unusual. Evlina had been as she always was — composed, smiling, perfectly sovereign. Yet somehow it had felt as though the temperature within the group had dropped. The prince had not even allowed Oren to speak with her and had appeared as if he urgently needed to discuss something with him.
What was she supposed to tell Yin?
"Dear Yin", she finally typed. "Their Highnesses arrived at the palace at the same time as I did this evening. So they spent the entire day together, and Princess Evlina told me she greatly enjoyed the excursion. That is a good sign, is it not?"
It was a diplomatic answer — one that avoided putting into words what she herself could not quite grasp.
"Certainly. I am looking forward to further news. Sleep well!" Yin replied shortly after.
Prior set her Messenger aside and tried to sleep. Yet she kept thinking about Prince Kashion's gaze. The more she reflected on it, the more she felt he had looked at her longer this time — almost as if he had been hurt.
It had been deeply uncomfortable.
But they had nothing to do with one another. And even if they did — she was insignificant.
Prior shook her head. She had probably imagined it.
Then she smiled again. Yin was right — he was undeniably pleasing to look at. And if everything else was as it seemed, Evlina could consider herself fortunate.
Prior did not know why she felt so unsettled. Perhaps it had something to do with the plan for the next day.
A small banquet was scheduled. Afterward, Tingdao and Saturn would increasingly enter formal negotiations. Soon, additional rulers from other realms were expected to arrive.
Prior did not look forward to the banquet. Evlina insisted that both she and Talina attend, so they could form an impression of the royal family and the most important council members. Even if this banquet would be smaller than those to come, Prior would have preferred a day in the laboratory.
She was simply relieved to be only a maid.
Then she would hopefully not be required to engage in too many conversations.
-Kashion-
The next morning, Kashion and Oren sat together in Kashion's chamber. Kashion had slept poorly and was not in the best of moods.
"Well? What did you find out?" he asked.
Oren did not look particularly enthusiastic — almost bored. He likely did not understand why this mattered.
"Well, Talina was in Laboratory Two examining various plastics. All legitimate. It is part of the negotiations, after all. She was given insight into production, quality, and applications of different samples."
That was not what truly interested Kashion.
"And this Prior?" he asked impatiently.
Oren smiled slightly, which irritated Kashion.
"Prior spent the entire day in Laboratory One with my aunt. My aunt took to her immediately. She said they got along well and that Prior is exceptionally intelligent and highly knowledgeable in Aethereleum research."
Took to her immediately. That was surely part of her strategy.
"Can you elaborate? What exactly were they working on?" Kashion pressed.
Oren sighed and shook his head lightly. "Prince Kashion, I am not a scientist. My aunt said everything proceeded according to plan. Prior asked no inappropriate questions. They conducted further tests on the properties of Aethereleum and its interaction with other materials. If you wish, I can have the analysis data sent to you."
"Not necessary."
"Your Highness, I do not understand why you are suddenly suspicious."
"It is a feeling," Kashion replied. And he could not define it himself. He only knew he wished to remain cautious.
"Your Highness, it is time to prepare for the banquet. Have you decided what you will wear?"
"I will wear the green suit. But Oren, first go to the kitchen staff and ensure everything is perfectly prepared. I will review the latest news and council reports."
"Yes, Your Highness," Oren said and left.
-Prior-
Prior and Talina were in Evlina's chamber. Talina was arranging Evlina's hair into an elegant updo. The princess wore a long, rose-colored gown and subtle makeup.
Talina wore a simple light green dress.
Prior wore a comfortable yet elegant dark green dress. It was not as tightly fitted as Talina's, and Prior felt more at ease in it.
She was nervous about the banquet. Official occasions with multiple people had always been difficult for her. She hoped there would be at least one person besides Talina with whom she could speak.
At least there would be good food, she thought with a faint smile.
A small consolation.
-Kashion-
Kashion stood with Oren in front of Princess Evlina's door. It was time to escort her to the banquet.
He knocked.
Talina opened and bowed. Kashion glanced briefly into the room.
His gaze fell first upon Prior, who stood slightly forward. She wore a dark green dress. She looked at him briefly, then immediately lowered her eyes and bowed as well.
In that short moment of eye contact, he noticed that her eyes were a bright green.
Then his gaze shifted to the princess.
She gave him her radiant smile. She wore a rose-colored gown that flattered her figure and an elaborate updo adorned with blossoms.
"Ready?" Kashion asked.
"Yes," the princess replied. She stepped toward him and placed her hand on his offered arm.
They set off. Oren, Talina, and Prior followed at a respectful distance.
Kashion was more nervous than usual. He attributed it to how breathtaking Evlina looked that evening.
Yet he also had to admit that he was aware of Prior's presence behind him. He repeatedly told himself that he considered her a potential threat. Who could say whether she was not a spy rather than merely a maid or advisor?
He knew he could not even voice such a thought to Oren. It would sound absurd.
Oren, after all, knew nothing of the Cheqi incident.
That troubled Kashion most of all.
He felt almost as if Prior were one move ahead of him.
-Prior-
Prior walked behind Princess Evlina and Prince Kashion.
When she had seen the prince, she had immediately tensed inwardly. His green suit suited him remarkably well, complementing his fair skin and dark hair.
Evlina was breathtaking.
But Prince Kashion could make one feel unexpectedly flustered.
Prior grew annoyed with herself. Kashion was a few years younger than she was — and he was the most sought-after bachelor in the galaxy.
She disliked that he had any effect on her at all. That would make her no different from most women in the galaxy, and she should know better.
And yet, when their eyes had met briefly, it had felt strange once more.
Almost as if there had been a question in his gaze.
She did not know what the question was.
And she certainly did not know the answer.
At last, they arrived at the banquet hall.