Elaine
img img Elaine img Chapter 5 The Wine Party
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Chapter 6 An Unexpected Savior img
Chapter 7 New Beginnings img
Chapter 8 New duties img
Chapter 9 Tensions rise img
Chapter 10 Schemes and secrets img
Chapter 11 Unwanted pursuit img
Chapter 12 Brother's clash img
Chapter 13 A troubled heart img
Chapter 14 The tension grows img
Chapter 15 Reflections and memories img
Chapter 16 Twisted Ambitions img
Chapter 17 A king's dilemma img
Chapter 18 Ruthless intensions img
Chapter 19 A bitter confrontation img
Chapter 20 A visit from julian img
Chapter 21 Bitter Reckoning img
Chapter 22 Unexpected Encounters img
Chapter 23 A Cruel Encounter img
Chapter 24 Familiar faces from Elyria img
Chapter 25 Lingering thoughts img
Chapter 26 A plan to apologize img
Chapter 27 A Brewing Conflict img
Chapter 28 Troubled Plans img
Chapter 29 Hidden Truths img
Chapter 30 A Dangerous Offer img
Chapter 31 A familiar face img
Chapter 32 Reunion and Revelations img
Chapter 33 Reconnecting with old friends img
Chapter 34 A Dangerous Night img
Chapter 35 Bound by Danger img
Chapter 36 A Narrow Escape img
Chapter 37 Rescued and Embarrassment img
Chapter 38 Unraveling Threads img
Chapter 39 Reunion of sisters img
Chapter 40 A Dangerous Confrontation and A Dinner Invitation img
Chapter 41 An evening in the garden img
Chapter 42 The King's Intervention img
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Chapter 5 The Wine Party

A grand hall was set for Prince Louis' wine party, a luxurious event showcasing the immense wealth of the Khorsan royal family. The hall glittered with princes, princesses, and nobles, all gathered to celebrate.

"Brother!" Prince Louis exclaimed as he embraced Prince Julian. "I'm glad you made it-you're my most important guest!"

Julian smiled warmly. "I'm happy to be here. I see you've gathered quite the crowd."

Prince Louis chuckled. "Would you care to join me at my table?"

"Lead the way," Julian replied.

The two princes walked toward the high table, where many distinguished guests were already seated. As they approached, Princess Emiliana's eyes lit up when she saw Prince Julian. She had saved a seat for him, and to her delight, he sat right beside her.

"Prince Julian, it's so nice to see you again," she said with a charming smile.

"The pleasure is mine, Princess. I'm glad you're here," Julian responded politely.

"This is my brother, Luca," Princess Emiliana introduced, gesturing toward a man sitting on Julian's other side.

Julian extended his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Julian."

Luca smiled as they shook hands. "I've heard a lot about you from my sister," he said, then leaned closer to whisper, "I think she likes you."

Julian was caught off guard, his face momentarily expressionless. "Oh, I see," he muttered, trying to brush off the awkwardness.

After the introductions, the room was filled with entertainment as dancers took the stage. Julian watched the performance, but his attention was interrupted by Emiliana.

"Prince Julian, would you mind showing me around the castle?" she asked sweetly. "It's been so long since I've been here, and I'd love to see the changes."

Julian didn't want to disappoint her. "Sure, why not?"

Emiliana beamed with delight and turned to those around her. "Excuse us, we'll be back shortly."

As the two began to walk, Prince Louis approached Julian and whispered with a grin, "Enjoy yourself, brother."

"You're ridiculous," Julian muttered through clenched teeth, glaring at Louis as he chuckled and returned to his seat. Julian led Emiliana out of the hall.

They strolled through the castle corridors as Julian gave her a brief history of the place. Emiliana tried to steer the conversation toward a different topic.

"I heard many Elyrian maidens were captured and brought here," she said casually.

Julian's expression hardened. "That's true, but it wasn't my decision."

Emiliana sighed. "I thought you and your brother were allowed to choose any woman from the captives."

"That's true, but I'm not in favor of it. I feel bad for them," he replied sincerely.

"They say the captives are all beautiful," she said, fishing for more information.

"I wouldn't know," Julian replied, brushing her off. Her questions were starting to irritate him, making him suspicious of her motives.

"But am I pretty?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.

Julian laughed, sensing her insecurity. "Is that what you want to hear?"

"Maybe hearing it from you would make me feel better," she joked, though her voice carried a note of seriousness. "Sometimes, I think I'm ugly."

Julian could tell she wasn't being genuine. "No, you're not ugly," he replied dismissively. "Let's head back before we miss the toast."

Without sparing her another glance, he walked away in long strides, leaving Emiliana to quickly follow.

                         

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