At The Royal Imperial Palace.
"Presenting the Fairy Queen Faeloria, King Evandor, and their daughter Princess Ophelia!" one of the guards announced as the majestic doors slowly opened.
Princess Ophelia's hand rested on her father's arm, with Queen Faeloria gracefully walking beside them. They moved forward carefully, the princess's gown sweeping across the floor and glowing softly. Her long blonde hair was styled into a bun decorated with beautiful petals, and a crystal-bead necklace shimmered on her neck.
Inside the royal dining hall were only Viktor, a few guards, and the royal aides.
Viktor bowed then stepped forward, took the queen's hand, and placed a respectful kiss upon it.
They were guided to their seats at the long dining table decorated with different kind of flowers and fruit with empty plates.
Ophelia looked around but couldn't find King Malum. Her heart sank a little. Queen Faeloria noticed and turned to Viktor, who stood beside one of the guards.
"If I may ask, what about His Royal Highness?" the queen asked.
"His Royal Highness will be here any moment," Viktor replied.
King Evandor gently touched Ophelia's hand, silently telling her to calm herself.
Suddenly, the guard's voice echoed from outside:
"His Royal Highness, King Malum!"
The Fairy Queen, King Evandor, and Ophelia immediately rose and bowed even before the doors opened.
The doors parted, Malum stepped in wearing a fitted black tunic that shaped his broad shoulders and lean build. Over it hung a long black cloak lined with deep red, the fabric trailing behind him like a quiet flame.
"Your Royal Highness!" everyone in the dining hall greeted.
Ophelia raised her head, and froze. A tall, well-built, unbelievably handsome man stood before her. Her face instantly flushed red. She hadn't expected the royal king to be this handsome, this striking. Her mother had told her many times how young and beautiful King Malum was, but seeing him in person… it was overwhelming. Indeed, he truly inherited Lucifer's beauty.
Malum walked to the head of the table without acknowledging anyone, his expression cold and unreadable.
They all sat down quietly, a subtle fear settling over them as they sat in the presence of the Devil's son.
Malum did not spare Ophelia even a single glance.
"Your Royal Highness, it is a pleasure to visit the Royal Imperial Palace," Queen Faeloria said with a gentle smile.
"Queen Faeloria, how has the Fairy Kingdom been thriving?" Malum asked.
"It has been doing well, Your Highness, and you also play a great role in helping it thrive," she replied with a small bow.
'Is that really what we're here to talk about, Mother?!' Ophelia seethed internally. It was already frustrating that the royal king hadn't looked at her even once.
The majestic doors opened again, and the royal stewards entered, pushing several food trolleys into the dining hall.