The dinner dragged on beneath the glittering chandelier, with the aroma of rich dishes clinging to the heavy air. Conversations flitted about like restless moths — politics, trade, and petty family achievements.
Several of Maliny's uncles and cousins eagerly tried to capture Lord Drime's attention, boasting about minor victories and shallow triumphs.
But the old duke remained detached, his expression a carefully carved mask of coldness. Only when Maliny spoke did his features soften.
Leonardo, ever confident, leaned forward with a smooth tone.
"Grandfather," he began, "I finalized a trade deal with the western merchants. It exceeded our profits by double in a week."
The room stilled as Lord Drime's sharp gaze fell on him.
"Hmm," the old duke murmured, a rare flicker of approval in his voice. "A sharp mind. The only grandson with sense worthy of the Drime blood."
Leonardo smirked, basking in the praise. Across the table, the other relatives clenched their jaws in silence.
Druvok sat quietly, observing the power struggle with growing clarity, noting how every glance and word was a move in an invisible game.
Later, as dessert arrived, Maliny tugged at Druvok's sleeve.
"Let's go… I hate it here," she whispered.
Without a word, Druvok nodded.
After a few cold farewells, the two slipped away. The night air was cool against their skin as they stepped into the empty corridor.
"Carry me," Maliny said softly, a teasing pout in her voice.
"You again?" Druvok groaned, but knelt without hesitation.
"You're a menace," he grumbled, lifting her onto his back.
Maliny giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck, her cheek against his shoulder.
"You don't mind," she teased.
As they walked, Maliny began to speak, her voice light and wistful.
"Did I tell you about my birds, Druvok? I love the way their feathers feel… so soft, like tiny silk threads brushing my fingers. And their songs… I can't see them, but their voices feel like little bells in the morning air. And when they flap their wings near me, it smells like fresh leaves and spring rain. My Lumi's the sweetest, she always sings first."
Druvok grunted, a small, secret smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"You and those damn birds," he muttered, but his tone was unusually gentle.
They disappeared down the hallway, her soft words the only thing breaking the night's stillness.
⸻
At the far end of the corridor, hidden in the shadows…
Leonardo stood, arms crossed, watching them leave with a twisted smile curling his lips.
Beside him, his personal aide, a tall man with sharp features, leaned close and whispered,
"Are you certain about keeping that beast near Lady Maliny? You know what he is… a former general of the monster army, a creature of lethal power."
Leonardo chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement.
"I know exactly what he is… that's why I keep him close. He'll serve our greater plan perfectly," he murmured, his voice a velvet threat.
The aide's jaw tightened, unease clear in his eyes, but he lowered his gaze in silent submission. He had no choice but to obey.
Leonardo's grin widened, a glimmer of psychotic glee in his gaze as he watched Druvok carry Maliny away like a knight with his fragile princess.
"Everything is falling into place," Leonardo whispered.