Married To Darkness
Chapter 299: Dancing After The Feast

Chapter 299: Dancing After The Feast

As the king paused his speech, the audience broke into another round of applause, more heartfelt this time, echoing with admiration for the man who had ruled them with strength and fairness.

When the clapping subsided, the king gestured to his right-hand man, Lord Everett, who stepped forward.

Everett, a tall, stately man with salt-and-pepper hair and a commanding presence, inclined his head respectfully before addressing the crowd.

"On this momentous occasion," Everett began, his voice smooth and authoritative, "we celebrate not only the life of a great king but the unity and prosperity of a kingdom he has nurtured for decades." His words carried weight, drawing nods of agreement from the audience. "Let us raise our goblets later tonight to toast a man whose vision has shaped the very foundation of Velthorne."

The hall erupted into applause once more, but this time, it was punctuated by a faint murmur of excitement as the guests anticipated the revelry to come.

"Now," Everett concluded, stepping back to let the announcer reclaim his place, "we shall hear from those closest to His Majesty, sharing their words of honor and gratitude."

The first to step forward was Crown Prince Benjamin, his black attire tailored to perfection and his demeanor regal yet approachable. He bowed deeply to his father, a spark of emotion flickering in his usually unreadable gaze.

"Father," Benjamin began, his voice firm yet filled with admiration, "you have been my guiding light, the epitome of wisdom and strength. Your leadership has not only shaped this kingdom but also taught your children the values of justice, honor, and compassion."

As Benjamin spoke, the hall remained captivated, the prince’s words resonating with sincerity. "Today, we celebrate you not just as a king, but as the heart of our family, a father who has always stood steadfast and unwavering." He paused, turning toward the crowd. "Let us all honor him, for his greatness belongs not only to us but to all of Velthorne."

The applause that followed was deafening, the crowd rising once again in homage to their king.

Gideon’s lips curved into a genuine smile, his heart swelling with pride as his son returned to his seat.

One by one, other family members, nobles, and even a few esteemed guests stepped forward to speak, each recounting stories, sharing their admiration, and adding their voices to the chorus of praise.

Meanwhile, the younger children in the hall whispered amongst themselves, trying to imitate the regal bows and curtsies of their elders.

Their giggles occasionally punctuated the otherwise formal atmosphere, drawing soft smiles from their parents.

The smell of roasted meats and spiced drinks continued to waft from the kitchens, mingling with the rich scent of the floral arrangements that adorned the hall.

A few others stood up and gave a speech while Salviana and Alaric spent theirs talking.

The celebration had officially begun, and the energy in the room promised a day filled with festivity, comoraderie, and memories to last a lifetime.

’Let’s feast!’

The grand hall came alive with the sound of clinking goblets, the hum of lively conversation, and the soft melodies of string instruments drifting through the air.

Servants moved gracefully between tables, balancing silver trays laden with steaming dishes.

The feast was an unparalleled display of Velthorne’s wealth and culinary artistry—platters of roasted meats seasoned with rare spices, golden-crusted pies filled with savory delights, and delicate pastries glazed with honey and topped with edible flowers.

King Gideon sat at the head of the largest table, his regal presence commanding respect even as his smile softened the grandeur of the occasion.

The queen sat to his left, her grandsons and noble children surrounding them, creating a picture of royal unity.

Goblets were raised as wine flowed freely, its ruby-red hue catching the flickering light of the chandeliers overhead.

The feast began with a toast, the hall echoing with shouts of "Long live the king!" as everyone drank deeply. Plates clattered as guests eagerly dove into the extravagant spread.

Noblemen and women exchanged pleasantries over their meals, while children were given smaller, gentler portions, their wide eyes marveling at the sheer bounty before them.

At the royal table, Crown Prince Alaric leaned over to Salviana, his expression one of rare amusement. "You’ve barely touched your plate," he remarked softly.

Salviana glanced up, her emerald-green eyes meeting his. "I’m admiring the spectacle," she replied, gesturing toward the hall. "It’s not every day one sees a feast of this magnitude."

Alaric smirked, his gaze briefly flicking toward a distant table where a group of lesser nobles was animatedly gesturing, their excitement palpable. "It’s grand, I’ll give it that. But you should eat—there’s still a long day ahead."

Not far from them, young Benedict and John, the queen’s grandsons, were locked in a playful debate over who could eat more roast pheasant.

Their laughter was infectious, drawing smiles from those around them.

The musicians shifted their tune, and a lively jig began to fill the hall.

Servants cleared away empty platters as nobles rose to their feet, taking to the cleared dance floor.

The younger nobles were the first to join, their movements elegant yet filled with youthful energy.

Soon, even the older guests were swayed by the infectious rhythm, their laughter mixing with the music.

Salviana was watching the dancers when Alaric extended a hand toward her. "Shall we?" he asked, his tone almost teasing.

She raised a brow. "You dance?"

"On rare occasions," he admitted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But for today, I’ll make an exception."

The two joined the dancers, their movements fluid and synchronized.

"I love dancing with you," Salviana confessed shyly.

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, all eyes on the crown prince and his striking companion.

Murmurs of admiration rippled through the crowd as they spun gracefully, their presence commanding attention.

Meanwhile, the king watched from his seat, his expression one of quiet envy.

He leaned toward the queen. "Do you see that? Even in moments of revelry, he carries himself like a ruler."