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As the festivities unfolded around her, Elara found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions, her mind consumed by the weight of Lysander's confession. Despite the bustle of the celebration, she couldn't shake the sense of euphoria that filled her heart.
With practiced ease, she busied herself making honey cake, her specialty from her days in Eldermire. The familiar scent of sweet, sticky honey mingled with the warm aroma of baking, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
Yet, amidst the chaos of the celebration, Elara couldn't help but steal glances in Lysander's direction whenever she had the chance. Each glimpse of him sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine, the knowledge that her feelings were reciprocated filling her with a heady sense of elation.
But despite her newfound clarity, Elara found herself at a loss for how to proceed. The man she had admired from afar, the one who had captured her heart with his unwavering determination and quiet strength, had confessed his feelings for her. And yet, they had yet to have a chance to speak since that momentous revelation.
As Elara stepped into Lysander's grand hall, she was immediately struck by the lively atmosphere that enveloped the room. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and music, and the scent of delicious food wafted through the air, teasing her senses.
It was a scene unlike any she had ever experienced before. In Eldermire, celebrations were reserved for the wealthy and powerful, and as a poor maiden, Elara had rarely been afforded the opportunity to partake in such festivities. But here, surrounded by Lysander's loyal subjects and trusted companions, she felt a sense of belonging she had never known.
With wide-eyed wonder, Elara took in the sight of the bustling hall, her heart swelling with gratitude for the chance to be a part of something so joyous. She couldn't help but marvel at the lavish spread of food and drink that adorned the banquet tables, each dish more tantalizing than the last.
As she mingled with the other guests, Elara found herself swept up in the excitement of the celebration, her worries and cares melting away in the warmth of the festivities.
Elara's heart skipped a beat as her hands were suddenly snatched, her movements coming to an abrupt halt as she turned to face an angry-looking Emilia. Despite the festive atmosphere surrounding them, the tension between them was palpable, and Elara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in the pit of her stomach.
For a moment, she considered brushing off Emilia's demand for a private conversation, but the determined look in her eyes left Elara with little choice but to comply. With a resigned sigh, she followed Emilia to a secluded corner of the room, away from prying eyes and curious ears.
As they stood face to face, the air crackling with tension, Elara braced herself for whatever confrontation was about to unfold. She knew that whatever Emilia had to say, it wouldn't be pleasant, but she steeled herself against the onslaught of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
"What do you want, Emilia?" Elara asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside her.
Emilia's eyes blazed with anger as she faced Elara, her words sharp and accusatory. "I want you to stay away from Cedric," she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "He's mine, Elara. Mine!"
Elara almost flinched as she met Emilia's furious gaze, the weight of her accusation hanging heavy in the air between them. "I-I never meant to come between you and Lysander," she protested, her voice tinged with remorse. "I'm sorry if it seemed that way, but I assure you, I have no intention of--"
But Emilia cut her off with a dismissive wave of her hand, her anger boiling over as she continued to berate Elara for crossing her line. "You've been pushing your way into his life ever since you arrived," she accused, her voice rising with each word. "But he's mine, Elara. He's always been mine!"
YOU ARE READING
ROYAL BLOOD 👑
Historical Fiction"What in the world are you doing here?" His voice was stern, tinged with annoyance. "You should not have come. It's too dangerous." Elara stepped closer, her determination unwavering despite Lysander's disapproval. "I couldn't leave you here alone,"...
