CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 171: THE KING AND QUEEN ARRIVE

Serena’s eyes widened a little, and then a bright smile bloomed on her face.

Her chest felt warm, like the sunlight had suddenly found her heart.

"Thank you," she said softly, full of happiness.

Lord Maximus said nothing more, but there was a faint smile on his lips as he guided her to the chair beside him and made her sit.

Vaelen watched the scene silently, a small smile forming on his face.

It was still a little awkward between the two, the father who didn’t know how to express his love and the daughter who didn’t know how to reach him.

But even so, it was a good start.

Vaelen hoped things would slowly get better. They deserved that.

Soon, the servants began bringing food. The soft aroma of roasted meat and warm bread filled the hall. Serena reached for her spoon, and Vaelen was just about to take his first bite when...

A loud voice echoed from outside.

"His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have arrived!"

Everyone froze.

Serena’s hand stopped mid-air. She blinked, looking at Vaelen in confusion.

Vaelen’s smile disappeared; his face went stiff.

And her father, Lord Maximus, slowly put his cup down with a tight jaw.

For a long moment, no one said anything. The hall was silent, except for the faint rustle of footsteps approaching from outside.

Serena’s heart started to race again.

She didn’t understand why everyone looked so tense.

And most importantly, why were the king and queen coming here?

Wasn’t this supposed to be a quiet breakfast?

Wasn’t it strange for them to visit without any formal message or warning?

Her fingers gripped her dress as she glanced between Vaelen and her father.

Both of them looked serious now.

And that made her even more confused.

Something was definitely happening...

But she didn’t know what.

Before anyone could even prepare or stand properly, the great doors of the hall opened wide.

The king and queen had already entered.

Serena froze in her chair.

They walked in slowly, dressed in clothes that shimmered like sunlight. The king wore deep royal blue with golden threads embroidered across his cloak. The queen’s gown flowed behind her, made of pure silver fabric, heavy with jewels and lace. Their crowns caught the light, making everything else around them seem dull.

Serena could only stare, her mouth slightly open.

She had never seen anything like it.

They looked like they had stepped straight out of an old painting.

She blinked and glanced at Vaelen and her father. Both of them were still as stone.

Her father’s clothes were simple. Vaelen was the same; he was dressed comfortably, not like someone ready for a royal visit.

For a second, Serena wondered, was this normal?

Did the king and queen always dress like this, like they were still living in the past?

Was it some kind of royal rule that they have to look so grand?

But who was she to judge?

She just stood quietly, watching them approach.

Her father suddenly stood up and stepped forward in unhurried steps. "Your Majesty, Your Highness," he said formally, bowing low. "What brings you here so suddenly?"

The king laughed softly, his voice echoing across the room. "Oh, come now, elder brother," he said, spreading his arms. "Why are you acting so formal? Shouldn’t it be me bowing to you? I simply missed you, so I decided to visit."

Lord Maximus didn’t reply, his face calm but unreadable.

The king’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "And I heard Vaelen is also here," he continued lightly. "So I thought I’d visit my dear brother and son."

His smile was wide, but something about it felt off.

Then his gaze shifted to Serena.

"I also heard my brother has brought someone," he said with the same smiling voice, but it was sharp at this time.

Serena felt her stomach tighten. Her father’s expression changed instantly; his eyes darkened, and she felt like he became even colder.

He turned slightly, standing between the King and her. "If Your Majesty wishes to talk about her," he said quietly, "we can talk later. It’s our breakfast time."

But the king ignored the tone in his brother’s voice.

He chuckled. "Oh, don’t be so serious, brother. We haven’t eaten either. Surely, you don’t mind if we join you for breakfast?"

Before anyone could answer, the king and queen both sat down uninvited at the table, smiling like they owned the place.

The queen adjusted her dress elegantly and folded her hands on the table, her eyes calm but cold.

Serena didn’t know what to say. She had never met anyone so bold... or so shameless.

Her heart was pounding.

She looked toward Vaelen and was even more shocked.

Vaelen hadn’t even stood up to greet them. He stayed in his seat, eyes fixed on his plate, holding his spoon so tightly that his knuckles were white. His jaw was clenched, and his whole body looked tense, like he was barely controlling something inside him.

He didn’t even look at the king or queen once.

Serena swallowed hard and quickly looked away.

Lord Maximus finally returned to his seat, his face calm again, though his eyes had gone cold. He helped Serena sit back down and gently placed food on her plate.

"Eat," he said softly. "You’re too thin."

Serena nodded quickly, picking up her spoon.

Under her father’s watchful gaze, she began eating small, careful bites, though her hands were trembling a little.

The queen was the first to speak.

"Your daughter," she said suddenly, turning her eyes toward Serena. Her smile was gentle, but her tone carried sweetness that didn’t feel real. "She’s very beautiful, Brother Maximus. I didn’t know she had grown this much."

Serena’s eyes widened slightly. She didn’t even know how to respond.

Something in the queen’s voice made her uneasy. It sounded kind, but underneath it was something else, like a mockery.

Just as she heard her words, she choked on her food, coughing suddenly.

The queen let out a soft laugh and reached out, patting her back lightly. "Easy, child," she said, smiling warmly. "No need to be so nervous."