Chapter 23: Addams Wesley

The hall was alive with music and laughter. People from every part of the kingdom celebrated the union of Alpha Ileus and Lady Rieka, a wedding that would be remembered for ages. Rieka sat beside King Ileus at the head table, her silver gown sparkling in the shine of the chandeliers. She smiled graciously as congratulations came from the guests, yet her mind inside was sharp as a knife. This was but the first step. The true game would start when the vows were finally behind her. "I must admit, Rieka," Ileus said, leaning toward her, "you've handled today with admirable poise." "Thank you, my king," she replied, her voice soft yet confident. "I understand the importance of appearances. But trust me, I'm as prepared for what's to come as I am for tonight." Before Ileus could respond, the grand doors of the hall creaked open. An audible hush fell over the space as all eyes turned toward the entry. A tall, slender man in a dark cloak stepped inside; his presence commanded, despite his understated attire. Raven-black hair and piercing gray eyes seemed to scan the room in a knowing way. Addams Wesley had arrived. King Ileus's face tightened as he stood. "Addams," he growled low. Kael, who was standing close to him, tensed. "Shall I have him removed, my king?" "No," Ileus replied, low, "He has yet to cause any trouble. Let us hear what he has to say. Addams strode confidently into the hall, offering a faint smile to those few brave enough to meet his eyes. He approached the head table, stopping just short of the dais. He bowed theatrically to the king and queen. "Congratulations, your majesties," he said smoothly. "A union as grand as this is a sight to behold." "Addams," Ileus said, wariness etched in his tone, yet amiable nonetheless. "Your presence is. unexpected." "Ah, but I couldn't miss the wedding of the century," Addams replied with an expanding smile. "I'm merely here to celebrate with you. No scheming, no spells—just good wine and good company." Rieka watched him closely while she inclined her head above a careful choice of words. "We are honored by your presence." "Such elegance," Addams said while he lingered his gaze on her, "the queen is as sharp as she is beautiful." Ileus's fingers twitched, but he managed a strained smile. "I trust you'll behave yourself tonight." Addams chuckled. "Of course, my king. I wouldn't dream of ruining such a joyous occasion." --- The evening wore on, and Addams mingled easily with the guests, his charisma drawing people to him despite the unease his presence elicited. Kael, ever watchful, kept a close eye on him. At one point, Addams approached Kael with a question that caught him off guard. 'Tell me," Addams said, his voice casual, 'where is Ariadne Steflendon? I expected to see her here." Kael hesitated. 'She had. other engagements," he said carefully. Addams raised an eyebrow. 'Other engagements? During such an important event? That doesn't sound like Ariadne." 'She's a warrior," Kael said, his tone firm. 'Her priorities are different." Addams's smile never wavered, but his eyes shone bright with suspicion. "I see. Well, I suppose I'll have to catch up with her another time." Kael watched him saunter away, feeling a growing sense of discomfort. He didn't trust the calmness of the sorcerer one whit, nor did he for one moment think that Addams had come here just to celebrate. --- The night wore on, and Addams finally came up to the royal couple with a small, ornate box in his hand. "A gift," he said, placing it on the table before Rieus and Ileus. "For the new king and queen." Ileus's eyes narrowed. "What is it?" Addams opened the box with a flourish, revealing a glowing crystal orb. "A token of protection," he said. "This will guard your union against ill intentions." Rieka studied the orb, her instincts on high alert. "And what do you want in return?" Nothing, my queen," said Addams, with a smile, "Consider as an act of good fellowship." With that, he bowed and withdrew, his cloak billowing out behind him as he vanished into the darkness. Meanwhile, Rieka was still watchful, her eyes moving around the hall. As the music and laughter sounded, Rieka observed one maid hovering suspiciously close to the wine press. She moved with furtive gestures, her eyes darting about anxiously as she reached beneath her apron. "Guards," Rieka said sharply, rising to her feet. "Seize that maid. The room was silent as the guards moved quickly, catching the maid before she could get away. They dragged her into the middle of the hall, where she quaked under Rieka's cold gaze. "What were you doing?" Rieka asked. "I-I was only. adjusting the wine barrels," the maid stammered. "Lies," Rieka said coldly. "Search her." One of the guards pulled a small vial from the maid's pocket. "Poison," he said, holding it up for all to see. Gasp after gasp rumbled through the crowd. Ileus rose to his feet, his face blackening. "Who sent you?" The maid shook her head, weeping. "No one! I swear!" Rieka moved closer, her voice cold as ice. "Do not lie to me. You will suffer for it if you do." The maid fell to her knees, sobbing, but said nothing more. "Take her to the dungeons," Ileus ordered. As the guards dragged the maid away, Ileus turned to Rieka, his eyes unreadable. "You handled that well," he said. "Thank you, my king," she replied, her tone measured. But as Ileus returned to his seat, doubt crept into his mind. He had married Rieka for her strength and cunning, but her cold demeanor unsettled him. Had he made a mistake? He kept these thoughts to himself, unwilling to tarnish the celebration. --- Rieka flushed with pleasure. For a moment, she'd understood what it was to truly have power. More, she knew she'd earned the respect of Ileus at last—if not his trust. Her purpose never wavered. This was only a start. She sat back, her face serene, as the celebrations continued, but her mind was racing. The pieces were falling into place. Soon, she would reveal her true strength, and no one would stand in her way. She let the celebration play out, knowing that her moment of triumph was just on the horizon.