As servants brought out their food, Melisa couldn't help but notice a peculiar sight.

Each dish, from the savory meats to the colorful vegetables, was being sprinkled with a fine, shimmering powder.

[What the hell is that?] Melisa wondered, her brow furrowing. [Some kind of fancy royal seasoning?]

She glanced across the table at Queen Melara, noting the way the monarch's lips were pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowed as she watched Melisa with an expression that could only be described as barely concealed disdain.

[Well, someone's not thrilled about my presence,] Melisa thought wryly. [Guess I shouldn't expect a warm welcome from everyone.]

King Aldric, on the other hand, leaned forward, his eyes glinting with curiosity as he fixed Melisa with an intent gaze.

"So, Lady Blackflame," he began, his voice deceptively casual. "I must admit, I'm quite fascinated by your magical abilities. To be completely honest, that's the main reason why I extended my invitation to you. I wanted to hear it from your own mouth. How is it that you're able to use magic?"

Melisa felt a trickle of unease run down her spine.

[Of course that's why he invited me here.]

But she forced herself to maintain a calm, confident demeanor.

"Well... I've worked hard to develop my skills, spending countless hours studying and practicing. It wasn't too hard with that being the case."

The king's eyebrows rose, a hint of skepticism in his expression.

"Worked hard, you say? Forgive me, Lady Blackflame, but I find it hard to believe that mere dedication could grant a nim such powers. There must be more to the story."

Melisa's heart raced, her mind scrambling for a response.

[Fuck, fuck, fuck. What do I say? I don't want to show all my cards to them. If they don't know I get my Essence through affection, well, I'd like to keep that being the case for as long as possible. The sooner that secret gets out, the sooner people can figure out ways to use it against me.]

As servants began placing their dishes in front of them, Melisa took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully.

"Your Majesty, I understand your skepticism. Believe me, I was just as surprised as anyone when I first discovered my abilities."

She picked up her fork, spearing a small piece of meat and bringing it to her mouth. As she chewed, she couldn't help but notice that Melara had yet to touch her food, her hands folded primly in her lap.

[Odd.]

Melisa swallowed, meeting the king's gaze head-on.

"The truth is, ever since I was a little girl, I've felt this... energy within me. A constant hum, like a second heartbeat. At first, I didn't understand what it was, but as I grew older, I began to realize that it was magic." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

She took another bite, savoring the rich flavors that burst across her tongue. The king listened intently, his expression unreadable.

"When I first tried to cast a spell, it just sort of... happened. The words came to me naturally, the spellsigns were easy to memorize... The power flowed through me, as natural as breathing."

Melisa shrugged.

"I can't explain it, Your Majesty. I don't fully understand it myself. All I know is that I have this gift, and I've dedicated myself to mastering it."

The king leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. For a moment, Melisa feared he would press further, demanding more answers she couldn't give.

But then, to her surprise, he nodded slowly, a glimmer of acceptance in his eyes.

"I see. Your honesty is refreshing, Lady Blackflame. Too often, those with power seek to shroud themselves in mystery, to keep their secrets close. I must praise you for taking such a prominent position, what with enrolling in Syux Academy and all."

Melisa felt a wave of relief wash over her, her shoulders relaxing incrementally. Maybe, just maybe, she could get through this dinner unscathed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I suppose I could have become some hidden master or something but, well, what's the point of having magic if you don't get to show it off every now and then?" She smirked.

The king smiled, a genuine warmth in his expression.

"Understandable."

As the dinner progressed, King Aldric turned his attention to Melisa's academic pursuits.

"So, Lady Blackflame, how are your studies at the academy coming along? I imagine it must be quite the experience, learning alongside the brightest young minds in the kingdom."

Melisa smiled.

"It's been incredible, Your Majesty. The academy has opened up a whole new world of knowledge and possibilities for me. And having Javir as a mentor has been invaluable. She's always pushing me to explore new ideas, to think outside the box."

The king chuckled, a nostalgic glint in his eye.

"That does sound like our Javir."

Melisa leaned forward, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"About that, Your Majesty... I hope you don't mind me asking, but what was Javir like as court sorceress? I had no idea she held such a position before coming to the academy."

King Aldric stroked his beard, a wistful smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, Javir. She was a force to be reckoned with. Shortest stint as court sorceress in history but don't let that fool you." He made sure to add. "In that time, she proved to be brilliant, bold, and utterly fearless. She brought a fresh perspective to the court, always questioning, always pushing us to be better."

Melisa hung on his every word, her mind conjuring images of a younger Javir, striding through the palace halls with purpose and determination.

"She must have been amazing," Melisa murmured, a hint of awe in her voice. "I can't imagine why she would have left such a prestigious position."

The king's expression sobered, a flicker of sadness in his eyes.@@novelbin@@

"It was a difficult time. Her stint was so short because Javir willingly walked away from it, asking instead for a position at the academy." Melisa could see nostalgia in his eyes. "Javir faced... challenges, both personal and political. But I believe-"

Suddenly, the king's words were cut off by a choking sound. His face turned a sickly shade of pale, his eyes bulging as he clutched at his throat.

"Your Majesty!" Melisa cried out, leaping to her feet.

But it was too late. King Aldric collapsed, his body convulsing as he gasped for air.

Chaos erupted in the dining hall, servants and guards rushing to the king's side. Queen Melara let out a piercing scream, her hands flying to her mouth in horror.

Melisa stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest.

[Poison,] she realized, her mind racing. [He's been poisoned.]