Chapter 79: Banquet Hall

Chapter 79: Banquet Hall
"How? Why?" Cretheus's baffled expression was evident in his handsome features. "How did this relate to you, Kasumi?"
I stayed silent, unsure if I should reveal my real identity right now. Would this be the right moment for him to know?
Sighing, Cretheus became more worried about my reaction. "Is there something you wish to tell me, huntress?" he asked softly, cupping my face.
I stared into his eyes. Patience and worry registered in his sapphire-blue eyes. The members of the House of de Rosa really had enchanting orbs, as if they could be hypnotized using those gems.
I held his face, looking intently into his eyes. 'This is something related to why I'm suspecting that I'm in terrible danger,' I mind linked him. 'But I need you not to tell anyone about this matter.'
Cretheus creased his forehead at the earnestness of my expression. 'What is it?' His tone sounded concerned.
Taking a deep breath, I silently counted to three, bracing myself for his reaction as I sent the truth through the mind link. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on me.
Would he believe what I was about to share?
The memories surged forward unbidden, of how I'd revealed my identity to Thaddeus before the confirmation came from the High Priest and Priestess at the Moon Goddess's temple. And Theodore... he had seen it with his own eyes when we visited the Adamantine Volcano, all because of my clan.
But this moment was different, heavier. My heart raced with doubt, gnawing at me like a relentless predator. Would Cretheus accept what I told him, or would his faith in me falter?
After I told him the history, I said, "You can even confirm this to Thaddeus and Theodore if you need to. " He was dumbfounded at my revelation and stared into nowhere. 'I had been secretly investigating Kenji, and my suspicion of him is worsening because I have cast an incantation in the camp. I can no longer hide my abilities anymore. Anytime soon, you might see me gone.' I slowly took a breath. 'But I need you to see your nephews after our meeting. They will know what to do, Cretheus. Can I trust you?'
This was now a wake-up call. The four clans were interested in me. It was the reason why I kept seeing a few of the high members of the four clans. However, my own clan didn't show any interest.
And I couldn't just sit still and do nothing.
"I shall see them then," Cretheus said, finally speaking after a long silence. "I need to comprehend everything as well." 
He stealthily stormed out of my room, looking slightly disoriented. I could understand why he had that expression.
I mind-linked Thaddeus and Theodore about that matter. My words made them panic and told me that they were about to fetch me.
'No need,' I chimed in between them. 'I just need you to summon some elite warriors to observe them and explain the further details to Cretheus.' I looked at the ceiling with an earnest expression. 'I will let you three know if I am in danger.'
The next morning, the cadets were summoned to the royal palace for the finishing touches as the parade had begun in the capital. We could hear the chirps and cheers outside while the monarchs of our kingdom were in the front of the palace, waiting for the arrival of the monarchs from the Waevalon Kingdom.
My comrades and I were assigned to perform the saber arch to welcome them, and we did as we had practiced for the past few weeks. Our gazes locked onto the royal carriages adorned with flags bearing the unmistakable crest of the Alexander Lycan family, their emblem swaying gently in the breeze as they pinned proudly to the polished frames.
As the carriage stopped, the horns began to sound, echoing throughout the whole royal palace. Standing in disciplined formation, my comrades and I exchanged subtle glances, silently ensuring our readiness. From the corner of my eye, movement drew my attention as Alpha King Claudian VI, Luna Queen Rachelle, and their eldest son, Crown Prince Claudian V, stepped gracefully from the carriage.
In unison, we drew our swords, the polished blades gleaming as we raised them in salute. As they began their march down the aisle, an intense, commanding aura emanated from them, pressing down on us with an almost tangible weight.
I stole a fleeting glance at the visiting monarchs, my gaze accidentally locking with Luna Queen Rachelle's. A sudden chill coursed through me, the weight of an eerie familiarity sinking deep into my core.
As she moved past me, the realization struck like a thunderclap, my thoughts spiraling in disbelief.
Wasn't she... the new comrade I had met just days ago?
"Rachelle...?" I murmured, barely audible, the name slipping from my lips as shock tightened its grip on me.
Her lips curved into a knowing smile, her gaze lingering on mine for a moment before she winked, turning her focus forward. A soft giggle escaped her as she glanced at her son, leaving me rooted to the spot, bewildered.
The visiting monarchs approached ours, the crowd erupting into cheers that echoed through the square. Once the formalities were over, my comrades and I quietly retreated toward the royal palace, the weight of the moment finally easing from our shoulders. Only then, as I stepped through the palace gates, did I feel my breath steady, the tightness in my chest loosening after the overwhelming spectacle I had just witnessed.
"Is that really her?" I asked myself in disbelief while we were on our way to the banquet hall. 
A shiver traced down my spine as familiar scents curled through the air, sending a rush of awareness straight to my core. My posture stiffened, and my eyes locked onto theirs.
Thaddeus, Theodore, and Cretheus stood among their peers, their presence commanding as always. Yet, the moment I stepped into the hall, their gazes snapped to me, piercing and unyielding. It was clear from their intent expressions—they were waiting, ready to close the distance between us at any moment.
I simply averted my eyes from them, but at that moment, I felt giddy that my mates were expecting me. If only there were a way where I could be with them... where I could show my affection for them.
But my worry now was for Cretheus. He seemed a little distance, but his focus was still on me.
Did he talk to his nephews about what I said to him yesterday?
Thaddeus caught my eye, his gaze steady as if reading the unspoken thoughts etched on my face. A small nod acknowledged my silent message before a playful wink flickered across his expression. Without a word, he turned back to his peers, effortlessly blending back into their conversation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to welcome each and every one of you to this grand gathering," Alpha King Azarius began, his deep and commanding voice cutting through the lively chatter, commanding the attention of the entire room.
My heart nearly leaped from my chest at the sound of his voice. Lost in the presence of my mates, I had failed to notice the arrival of our current monarch. And there he was, standing with regal authority, flanked by Luna Queen Macedonia, her elegance radiating as she stood proudly beside him. Beside them were their firstborn, Crown Princess Amaryllis, the embodiment of poise, and their young daughter, her features mirroring the strength of her father.
Alpha King Azarius's piercing gaze swept across the crowd, his aura demanding reverence as he continued, "Tonight, we celebrate not just alliances and bonds, but the unity that keeps our kingdom strong. It is in gatherings like these that we reaffirm our loyalty to one another and remember that together, we stand unbreakable."
His words echoed in the grand hall, a perfect balance of authority and warmth, his presence filling every corner. Even though his speech was meant for everyone, I couldn't shake the feeling that Luna Queen Rachelle was waving her hand at me on the other side of the hall, making my breath hitch.