As the royals took their seats, the maids moved in perfect synchronization, flowing around the table like shadows.
Silver trays were laid gently before the vampires, carrying plates of expertly prepared raw steak, lightly seasoned and still warm. Crystal cups of blood tea were poured with steady hands, the deep red liquid releasing a faint, rich aroma.
Freshly baked bread, rare fruits from the outer territories, and delicate pastries followed luxuries reserved for the ruling class.
Aria and the other maids kept their eyes lowered, serving efficiently and silently, aware that even the smallest misstep would be noticed.
Despite the abundance of food, the tension at the table was unmistakable.
This was not a meal meant for comfort.
It was a gathering where every glance, every placement, and every pause carried meaning.
Selene's dark red eyes, glance swiftly at the servant with a look of disgust as they were beneath her, however fixed entirely on Aria. The servant moved carefully, head bowed, offering the king his blood tea before serving Darius and Lady Valeria.
"She is… new," Selene whispered to her brother, leaning slightly forward, voice low but sharp. "And far too bold for a human."
Darius glanced at Aria once, then lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable. Selene's gaze hardened. Every glance Lucien gave the girl, every small act of composure, irritated her like a cold draft.
Aria continued serving, her hands steady despite the weight of attention. She had barely placed the raw steak before Lucien when another maid brushed past her too quickly, spilling a single drop of blood tea onto the polished black table.
A tense silence fell.
Rowan, the royal butler, stiffened instantly. His silver hair gleamed in the morning light as he moved closer, eyes sharp. "Who is responsible?"
The maid froze, pale and trembling.
Aria's heart raced, but without hesitation, she stepped forward. "It was my fault, my king," she said softly. "I misstepped."
Lucien's crimson eyes lifted from his plate. They were calm, unreadable, but the weight behind them made every servant shrink back.
"You accept responsibility?" he asked.
"Yes, my king," Aria whispered.
Selene's lips curled into a faint, sharp smile. "How noble," she murmured, loud enough for Aria to hear. Her jealousy was barely concealed; she leaned back in her chair, eyes narrowing.
Lucien nodded once. "Then you will be punished."
Rowan gestured for the guards. "Take her to the lower halls. She will remain there until evening."
Aria bowed deeply, cheeks burning, and allowed herself to be escorted away. Her hands trembled slightly as she passed the table, Selene's eyes boring into her back the entire way.
Darius watched silently, expression tight, but said nothing. Kael's gaze lingered for just a moment, unreadable, before he returned to his breakfast.
The maids who remained whispered softly to each other, glancing at the empty space where Aria had been. Even in absence, the tension she left behind was palpable.
Selene leaned toward her mother, Lady Valeria, her voice smooth but venomous. "That human… she has no idea how delicate her position is. I will ensure she remembers it."
Lady Valeria merely nodded, amusement in her eyes. "Careful, Selene. The king notices everything."
But Selene more confident than ever overlooked her mother's warning, seeing how Lucien had punished the maid smiled mischievously.
It was foolish for her to take the blame, foolish human, guess it would be easier to get rid of her .
Selene thought to herself.
Above all, Lucien remained silent, sipping his blood tea. Yet even his stillness carried a warning: this castle watches everything, and no action goes unseen.
And Aria, now marching toward the dark lower halls, understood one truth clearly this was only the beginning of her trials.