Evre
Evre breathed in deeply blowing air in her cheeks as she walked. She was nervous despite having practice this for years.
Being a noble herself, she knew what the members of the court were looking for. Signs of weakness.
But she didn't show any of that. She had come this far to be scared away.
Her servants followed a few steps behind with their head forward.
Finally she reached the end of the aisle revealing six sections. With tables and food arranged on each section
Noticably, the grandest table was at the center with more seat around the table. It was most likely the Emperor's table, it had more seat because his Official would be joining him.
Evere understood that there were no sections allocated to anyone, except for the Emperor, any bride could take whatever table they wanted. She had her eyes set on the closest one to the Emperor's.
But it seemed someone else had gotten the same idea.
Evre's eyes darkened when she saw a certain red haired sitting, in a tight black elegant dress. She had on black silver necklace and silver bracelets. The woman's fair skin which had pink undertones seemed to have a ghoulish glow under the white magic lantern.
A strange feeling held Evre's heart as she gazed upon this woman. Aijah. Of course, it seemed like her to arrive early just to take the best table. The one closest to the Emperor.
But it was within her right. Aijah too was said to be married to the Emperor in three years. A queen just as she was.
Evere swallowed her emotions, settling instead for the second best table. She strolled to her chosen section and sat down quietly, purposely forcing her gaze straight so she wouldn't have to interact with the snake of a woman.
Aijah noticed how Evere was uncomfortable around her. To think they were once best of friends. Ever began ignoring her, ever since she found out that she would be trying for the Selection. In the past, Evre had no clue that Aijah was also a purebreed female awaiting the Emperor's call. It was practically Aijah's destiny to serve the Emperor.
Aijah was aware from the beginning that they would someday share a husband, however Evere was oblivious to that. She had to keep it to herself. It felt lonely hiding her own desires for the Emperor. when Ever would speak about her own love, she desperately wanted to scream 'I love him too' but she didn't want to lose Evere as a friend.
When the truth came to light, Evere practically abandoned her. Aijah wanted to scoff, as if he was made just for her. Did she really think a regent with so many betrothed was visiting, just her during the holidays. She and many other girls had known the late Princess and the crown prince too. Fortunately for her, she ended up his favorite and as a result the most popular. It was bad enough she had to live under Evere's shadow for so many years, and has long accepted she would never be his most loved. Every other girl in the harem already knew their place. After all that, how could Evere even be greedy enough to outcast her for only existing in the shadows.
Aijah scoffed as she glanced away. She missed her friendship but it's clear there was no going back.
Opilia stood behind her lady, staring daggers at Aijah's maidens who also was behind their lady.
In the midst of the tension, a beautiful fair skinned woman with short dark hair, dressed in the most alluring shade of green walked in. Her head was held up in pride as her maidens walked behind, however her head maiden walked by her side.
Evere's eyes sharpened in curiosity. The girl was stunning, worthy of the Emperor's name. She could be none other than the Low Qira.
The criminal, Emperor Najeer made his bride.