23 - Wall
When Crown Prince Zafiel returned to the garden, the tea party had not changed.
Cherry blossoms still drifted lazily through the air. Nobles still spoke politely over porcelain cups. Laughter still rose and fell in gentle waves beneath the flowering trees. But several pairs of eyes immediately turned toward him.
Most notably, Grand Duke Maximus.
The moment Zafiel stepped back onto the veranda, Maximus straightened in his chair like a hunting dog spotting movement in the brush. His eyes darted behind the Crown Prince.
No Mariana. Good. Somewhere deep inside, the Grand Duke exhaled in relief.
Zafiel returned to his seat as though nothing unusual had occurred. Leonhard resumed his silent position behind him.
Grand Duchess Darelene watched the Crown Prince carefully before speaking. "Did you enjoy your walk, Your Imperial Highness?" Her voice was calm. Pleasant. But there was a subtle sharpness beneath the politeness.
Zafiel lifted his teacup. "Very much." He took a slow sip.
Darelene studied him for another second. Then she smiled. "I hope the estate gardens were to your liking."
"They are beautiful," Zafiel replied smoothly.
Maximus suddenly leaned forward slightly. "Ahem."
Zafiel turned his gaze toward him. "Yes, Your Excellency?"
The Grand Duke's smile was wide. Too wide. "I trust you did not become lost inside the estate."
Zafiel's expression remained mild. "No."
"Good," Maximus said. Then his voice lowered just slightly. "So long as you remember that certain areas of the estate are... private."
The surrounding nobles continued chatting, unaware of the shift in tone.
But the message was clear. Darelene raised her teacup calmly. Aguerico, standing nearby, also stepped closer to the table. And behind him, Eirwen. And Alistair.
Three tall Vernon brothers now stood quietly behind their father like an extremely disapproving wall. The atmosphere around the table cooled by several degrees.
Maximus leaned a little closer. "Bedrooms," he added casually, "are among those private areas."
Zafiel met his gaze. The Crown Prince's eyes were calm. Unbothered. He stirred his tea slowly.
"I see."
Maximus' smile tightened. "I am sure Your Imperial Highness understands a father's concern."
Eirwen crossed his arms. Alistair rested a hand on the back of Mariana's empty chair. Aguerico said nothing, but his sharp eyes were fixed directly on Zafiel.
Four Vernon men. All quietly hostile. Leonhard glanced at them with mild interest. Zafiel, however simply chuckled. Softly. The sound was so unexpected that Maximus blinked.
"My apologies," Zafiel said lightly. "I did not realize my presence had caused such alarm."
Maximus leaned back slightly. "Oh, it hasn't." His tone suggested the exact opposite.
Zafiel set his spoon down. "Your Excellency."
"Yes?"
"I assure you I have no intention of disrespecting your household."
Maximus watched him carefully. The Crown Prince's voice sounded sincere. But something about the calmness of his gaze made Maximus even more uneasy.
Because Zafiel did not look defensive. Or embarrassed. Or intimidated. If anything, he looked faintly amused. Zafiel continued smoothly, "I merely wished to see more of the estate."
Eirwen spoke for the first time. "And did you?"
Zafiel turned his gaze toward him. "Yes."
Eirwen held his stare for a moment. Then nodded slowly. "... good." But his tone clearly meant something closer to don't do it again.
Zafiel seemed to accept the silent warning without argument. He rose from his chair calmly. "Well then."
Maximus blinked. "You're leaving?"
"For the moment." Zafiel inclined his head politely toward Darelene. "Your gathering is delightful, Your Grace."
Darelene returned the gesture. "You are welcome to enjoy it as you wish."
Zafiel turned slightly and walked toward another table where several lower-ranking nobles were seated. The viscount and barons there nearly choked on their tea when the Crown Prince approached them directly. "Good afternoon," Zafiel said pleasantly.
They scrambled to their feet. "Your Imperial Highness!"
"Please, remain seated," he said. And just like that, he began discussing trade routes with them as if the tense exchange with the Vernon family had never happened.
Back at the main table, Maximus stared after him suspiciously. "... that was too easy."
Aguerico nodded. "Suspiciously easy."
Eirwen's gaze followed the Crown Prince across the garden. "He's not offended."
"No," Maximus muttered. "That man doesn't get offended."
Darelene took another calm sip of tea. Her eyes also rested on Zafiel. He was laughing politely at something one of the barons had said. Perfectly composed. Perfectly charming. Like the earlier confrontation had meant nothing at all.
But Darelene knew better. Because the truly dangerous predators never showed their claws immediately. They waited. Patiently.
And across the garden, Zafiel's gaze drifted briefly toward the estate. Toward the upper floor windows. Where Mariana was currently hiding behind a locked door, trying to steady her breathing. His smile deepened slightly. Interesting, he thought. Very interesting.