LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 23: Gaze of the beast
As Elara stepped from the carriage, the coachman offering a steady hand, her gaze immediately shifted to the carriage ahead. There, at a distance, she could see the imposing figure of the King's Beast being released. She had no intention of addressing him by that title, though she could not deny that his actions certainly suited the name. The sight of him, bathed in the aftermath of battle, made something stir within her, but she couldn't quite place it.
His bare upper body was stained with blood—some of it his, no doubt, and some belonging to others. She had watched the chaos unfold in the arena. His wounds had been deep, but they healed with such incredible speed. It was a marvel, a display of power that seemed almost otherworldly. If she had such an ability, Elara wondered, what could she do ? The thought flickered through her mind like a dangerous temptation. She could accomplish so much with that kind of strength.
Her thoughts scattered as their eyes met.
The moment their gazes locked, Elara found herself caught off guard. She had expected to feel the rush of fear, perhaps the faintest hint of disgust, as memories of the fight and the bloodshed echoed in her mind. But that was not what happened. Instead, she felt... the opposite . It wasn't what she anticipated at all, yet it was the reality unfolding before her.
Before Elara could analyze this unfamiliar reaction, she felt the heat of his stare intensify. His blue eyes, burning with intensity, fixed on her, and she sensed the deep current of anger, of resentment, rising from him with nothing more than a single, unblinking glare. It was palpable. His gaze seemed to seethe with emotions she couldn't quite grasp, but they were undeniably directed at her.
What did I do ? The thought swirled in her mind, though she had no answer.
In the next instant, her vision was obscured. A soft silk cloth, smooth and cool, covered her face, blinding her from the man. She could hear the shuffle of footsteps as guards took him away, the distant sounds of the arena quieting as she was led from the scene.
"Your Majesty, the sun is too bright, can't you feel it?And you haven't healed completely. " Morgana's voice broke through the haze, gently pulling her from the strange moment. Elara felt a hand guiding her away, leading her back toward the safety of the palace.
As they stepped under the grand archway of the palace, the air cooler and more shaded, Morgana removed the silk from Elara's face. She bowed deeply before the Queen, her movements graceful and respectful.
"Did you enjoy the tournament, Your Majesty?" Morgana asked, her voice soft but filled with a trace of curiosity.
Elara's eyes lingered for a moment longer on the space where the man had stood, before she looked back at Morgana. "It was... certainly a spectacle," she replied, her voice measured, careful not to reveal too much of what she was truly feeling.
Morgana smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with knowing. "You can tell me all about the times you enjoyed it , Your Majesty, as we head to your chambers. You must be exhausted after such a long day, and I'm sure you'd appreciate a bath before lunch with the noble ladies."
With those words, the two women moved together through the halls, the heavy doors closing behind them as they retreated into the quiet sanctuary of the palace.
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After her bath, Elara was dressed in a dull blue royal gown, its muted elegance complementing the silvery sheen of her hair and the depth of her eyes. To this day, her features still fascinated her more than anyone else, even more than those who often marveled at her beauty. She couldn't quite come to terms with the reflection in the mirror, still feeling like a stranger in the body that bore the crown. The perfection of her appearance only heightened that sense of alienation, making her feel more like an imposter in a life she didn't fully understand.
"Morgana," Elara called softly, her gaze falling on her handmaid, who was carefully arranging a selection of jewelry for Morgana to choose from .
"At your service, Your Majesty," Morgana responded, coming to stand beside Elara with a graceful smile.
Elara turned her attention to Morgana, her brow furrowing slightly. "Earlier, you mentioned that I haven't fully recovered," she said, her voice calm but with an undercurrent of concern. "The King mentioned it too, but I'm confused. What am I recovering from? Has…" She hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing her face, "…has the sickness returned again?"
Morgana's expression remained warm, though she hid a faint smile behind it. "No, Your Majesty," she assured gently, her tone soothing. "Of course not."
But there was something about Morgana's hesitation that caught Elara's attention. The court lady cast a glance toward the two other attendants in the room, then lowered her voice. "But…" Morgana continued, her words measured, "May I tell you everything when it's just the two of us, Your Majesty?"
Elara's curiosity piqued, and she nodded without hesitation, gesturing for the others to continue with their tasks. "Of course, Morgana. I'll wait."
After a few more moments of being adjusted into the last details of her dress, Elara finally stood fully prepared. Her eyes swept over her reflection one last time before she turned, ready to leave the comfort of her chambers.
As she stepped into the hallway, Elara had no idea that the events awaiting her would set in motion a chain of drastic consequences for her marriage—an unforeseen storm that would alter her life in ways she could never have imagined.