Ella stretched her lips in a smile. “Oh, princess, I’m not sure if you know, but Drakazov is similarly talented when it comes to invention. We pride ourselves on our mechanical inventions—clockwork devices, intricate automata, and steam-powered engines are some of the marvels we’ve created. The people of Drakazov have a keen eye for engineering and craftsmanship.”
She sat back and sipped at her tea, feeling for all the world like she had made a move of her own in an invisible contest.
The princess smiled back at her, and to Ella’s eyes, it felt as insincere as the smile on her own face.
“Well, another one of our specialties is the art of silk weaving. Craftsmen from Sunvaara create intricate patterns and vibrant colors, transforming silk into exquisite garments and tapestries.”
Lord Kenji said in his low, serious voice, “I would admit that I am biased, but Ellem silk is the best in the Four Kingdoms. There is a reason why the human kingdoms have traditionally had trade agreements with the Darkwalker realm for silk trading.”
Mizuki nodded. “And in the Darkwalker realm, magic is at the heart of our customs and traditions. We have a deep connection to the mystical energies that flow through our lands. Our ceremonies, rituals, and the ancient knowledge we possess make us guardians of the magic that permeates our realm.”
Lord Kenji’s deep voice suddenly interrupted, “Lady Michiko, Lady Aiko, please join us. We are engaged in a delightful conversation about the customs and specialties of our respective lands.”
Ella turned to see the two Elven ladies, initially surprised, exchange glances and then accept the invitation with gracious smiles. They took their seats, and the conversation continued to flow seamlessly, though Ella was now content to listen.
Ella observed how Lord Kenji made a special effort to engage with Lady Michiko and Lady Aiko, ensuring they felt included in the conversation.
He spoke eloquently of the beauty and grandeur of the Darkwalker Elven realm, highlighting the breathtaking landscapes, the ancient traditions, and the deep-rooted connections to magic.
Mizuki had told her that Kenji was Ryu’s cousin, a distant relative from the same bloodline. She didn’t quite understand it, but when Kenji had first arrived at the Twilight Court, Lord Kaito had been concerned that Kenji had arrived to usurp Ryu’s birthright. Having the same bloodline would make him eligible to be one of the candidates to one day become the Twilight Prince, if the Throne chose him.
But as the years had passed, Mizuki had explained, and Kenji had made no move against Ryu, Lord Kaito had relaxed his guard.
Now, Ella wondered if that was wise.
Even she could see how much effort Kenji was putting into flattering the ladies of the court. Both Lady Michiko and Lady Aiko were powerful members of the court, and their husbands were on the Darkwalker Council.
Was Kenji trying to build a faction of his own?
As Ella brooded in silence, the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and gold, the garden filled with laughter and camaraderie.
And then she felt it.
Her heart sped up and her stomach clenched, a subtle flutter arising from a potent mix of arousal and anticipation. It was an involuntary reaction, a subtle tightening of muscles, as if preparing for the impending release of pleasure.
Ryu was here.
He appeared behind Mizuki, meeting her gaze over the heads of all the people seated before her. None of her companions saw him. He jerked his head to the side, beckoning her to follow him.
Like a marionette being pulled along by her strings, she went.
Ella couldn’t remember what excuse she stammered out, what reason she gave for leaving the tea party and the impromptu discussion, all she knew was that she had to go.
The burning in her blood was nearly unbearable as she walked into the main house, searching for Ryu by following the pounding of her heart and the shortness of her breath.
When she found him, he pulled her into an empty hall, slamming the sliding door shut behind her.
“Ryu—”
That was all she got out before he was on her, his mouth meeting hers in a desperate kiss. He drew away slowly, his lips lingering as if he couldn’t keep away.
“Ella,” Ryu said huskily.
His eyes were dark with longing, and she controlled a small shiver. Excitement climbed in her at the sound of her name on his lips, and she forgot the rest of the world as she drew him down to her again.
His hands dropped to her shoulders. He traced over the edges of herkimono, and she broke away from his lips to tug feverishly at her robes. Soon she was naked to the waist, the cool air caressing her burning skin.
His eyes glittered as his hands swept over her form in heated strokes.
