Chapter 603 135.1 - The Banquet
As Maya lay in her bed, the room darkened by the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, her mind wandered back to the events of the day. The memory of their stroll through the city, visiting the tailor, and even their quiet moments at the restaurant lingered in her thoughts. She had enjoyed the day more than she had expected, and that was largely because of Astron.
'Today…' she thought, smiling faintly as she recalled their exchanges. Today felt different. A subtle shift had occurred, something she couldn't quite put into words, but she felt it nonetheless. The way he spoke to her, the way he listened, and even his willingness to join her on the trip to the city all felt like a step forward in their growing connection.
And then there was the banquet.
The thought of tomorrow's event sobered her, the weight of responsibility pressing down on her once again. It wasn't just another social gathering.
There were deeper currents flowing beneath the surface—dangers and secrets that both she and Astron would have to navigate carefully. His words replayed in her mind, reminding her of her role in the night ahead.
'Curious but cautious,' she repeated to herself silently. She knew how important it was to play her part perfectly, to let them underestimate her. It was a game of masks. But Astron had given her a clear path to follow, and she trusted his judgment. He was always calculating.
The instructions Astron had given her were simple enough: play the role of a curious, cautious newcomer—someone inexperienced in the art of politics but eager to learn. She knew that image would lower the guards of people like Silas, but the problem was that Maya wasn't someone who easily felt nervous or unsure of herself. She had been raised in the Evergreen family and trained to be poised and confident in any situation. Nervousness wasn't something that came naturally to her.
'Curious but cautious,' she repeated once again in her mind. Her role demanded a delicate balance, something that didn't come naturally to her. Normally, when she was in social settings, she carried herself with ease. Her status and the respect her family commanded in the Federation meant that she had little need to worry about how others perceived her. Most people either admired or feared the Evergreen name.
'But this time, it's different.' She sat up slowly, her mind focusing on the challenge ahead. She had to be careful and act like she was stepping into this world for the first time—timid, maybe a little unsure, but determined. It would be a complete contrast to the way she usually presented herself. Could she really pull it off?
She frowned slightly, her fingers tracing the soft fabric of her blanket. "How hard can it be?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just an act."
And she was no stranger to playing roles, after all. Growing up in a family like hers, she had to learn when to put on a mask, when to show strength, and when to step back. She just needed to tap into a different part of herself—one that she had rarely shown anyone.
'I'll have to look hesitant, maybe even ask questions that seem basic, just to throw them off,' she mused.
Just like that, her night continued as she went to sleep.
Much later.
********
Maya stood before the large, ornate mirror in her room, the atmosphere around her buzzing with activity as her maids prepared her for the banquet. They moved quickly, their hands steady and precise as they applied makeup, styled her hair, and helped her slip into the gown that had been carefully tailored for the event.
She just stood still as the maids worked silently around her, their movements quick and efficient, each one focused on their task. The soft rustle of fabric and the quiet clinking of makeup brushes filled the room, creating a gentle hum of preparation.
Her face remained calm and serene, a mask of composure she had perfected over the years. Yet beneath that calm exterior, a faint flutter of excitement stirred in her chest. She couldn't deny it. Tonight, she wanted to impress not just the people at the banquet but him—Astron. She had imagined what he might think when he saw her in the dress, and though she knew he was always composed, part of her hoped to catch a flicker of something in his gaze.
As the maids continued to work, one of them approached her with a set of makeup brushes in hand. "Lady Evergreen, how would you like your makeup tonight?" she asked, her voice respectful and deferential.
Maya glanced at the array of products laid out before her. She didn't need much—her features were naturally striking, and too much makeup would only distract from her elegance. "Something subtle," she said softly, her tone measured. "Accentuate my eyes, but keep the rest soft."
The maid nodded and quickly set to work, her hands light and precise as she brushed a soft hue over Maya's eyelids, adding just enough shimmer to make her pink eyes stand out without being overpowering. The rest of her makeup was kept understated, enhancing her natural beauty without drawing too much attention.
As she sat there, watching her reflection, Maya felt that pang of anticipation grow stronger. It wasn't just about the dress or the makeup—it was the entire evening ahead. She was stepping into a role, a carefully crafted persona that would help her navigate the banquet and the political games to come. But there was also a more personal layer to her excitement.
'How will he look?' she wondered silently, her mind briefly drifting to Astron. He would be dressed in the suit Eliran had crafted, and she couldn't help but imagine how sharp he'd appear, how composed and controlled, as always. But maybe, just maybe, tonight she would see a hint of something more—a reaction, even if just a subtle one.
"Does this look to your liking, Lady Evergreen?" another maid asked, stepping back slightly to let Maya view the final touches in the mirror.
Maya took a slow breath, her eyes sweeping over her reflection. The soft glow of her makeup, combined with the elegance of her gown, created a look that was both powerful and graceful. It was exactly what she had envisioned.
"Yes," she said, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of excitement. "It's perfect."
The maids bowed slightly, continuing their work in quiet efficiency as they adjusted the last few details of her attire—fastening delicate jewelry around her neck and wrists, ensuring every piece was flawless.
As they finished, Maya took one final look at herself in the mirror, her heart beating a little faster. She was ready—not just for the banquet but for everything it would entail. And most of all, she was ready to step into the role she needed to play tonight.
Her thoughts lingered on Astron once more as the maids quietly stepped back, giving her space. 'I wonder if he's ready,' she mused, the faintest smile playing at her lips.
Maya stood up, her gown flowing elegantly with her movements, every step as graceful as the quiet hum of magic embedded within the fabric. The dress was not only beautiful but practical—enchanted with protection and durability, ensuring that neither her makeup nor her attire would falter throughout the night. There was no need to worry about smudges or wear; every detail had been crafted with care and designed to last.
She moved toward the door, her heart steady but carrying that subtle thrill of anticipation. The banquet was more than just an event—it was a stage, and tonight, she would play her part perfectly. Her mind was focused, but a part of her was undeniably eager to see Astron, to observe how he carried himself in the suit they had tailored just for him.
As she stepped into the lounge, her breath caught instantly.
Astron was already there, waiting for her. And he was a vision.
'Huh?' He wore a sleek, perfectly fitted black suit, the fabric rich and luxurious, shimmering subtly under the warm lights of the room. The intricate silver and gold detailing on his jacket and the chain draped elegantly across his chest caught her eye, accentuating his tall, lean frame.
But it was the way he wore it—with that quiet, effortless confidence—that took her breath away.
His posture was relaxed, one hand in his pocket, while the other adjusted the collar of his jacket with the slightest touch of precision.
His dark hair, tousled just enough to seem natural yet intentional, framed his chiseled face, and his purple eyes glowed like the rarest of gems, deep and enigmatic. The way the suit was crafted—sharp, refined, with hints of starlight in its design—gave him an aura of power, as if the very fabric held a trace of the cosmos within it.
Maya couldn't help but stare for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. It wasn't just the suit that made him look so striking—it was him. The calm, composed strength that he exuded, the quiet control that defined every movement, every glance.
Her thoughts stilled, the playful remarks she had considered saying slipping away as she simply stood there, absorbing the sight of him. For a moment, she wasn't the poised, practiced Lady Evergreen. She was just… captivated.
Astron turned toward her, his gaze meeting hers with a calm intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. He said nothing at first, simply observing her, his eyes lingering on her dress and her face, before settling back on her eyes. His expression remained composed, but there was something in the way he looked at her—something almost imperceptible, a flicker of approval perhaps, or admiration.
For a moment, the lounge was quiet, the weight of their mutual acknowledgment filling the space between them. Maya felt her heartbeat quicken again, but she masked it with a small, graceful smile as she stepped closer to him.
"You're… ready," she said softly, her voice calm, though the faintest trace of awe slipped through.
Astron gave a slight nod, his eyes still fixed on her. "As are you," he replied, his voice low and steady.
Maya felt the corner of her lips lift slightly. "You look…" she paused, choosing her words carefully. "You look impressive."
There was a small, almost imperceptible shift in Astron's expression—just the faintest twitch of his lips, a subtle acknowledgment of her words. "Thank you," he said, his voice as composed as ever. "You look… perfect."
And he did mean it without any lies.
The way she looked tonight, dressed in the black gown that hugged her figure so elegantly, her violet eyes glowing under the soft light, her long, dark hair cascading down her shoulders—Astron couldn't help but be taken aback. Her beauty was undeniable, but there was something more to it tonight, something that stirred within him.
Maya also noticed the faint shift in Astron's expression, the way his gaze lingered just a little longer on her as if taking in every detail. It wasn't the first time they had shared a moment like this, but tonight, it felt different—deeper.
But at the same time, it was embarrassing.
Both for him and for her, but one of them was not used to getting embarrassed.
"Shall we?" Astron said finally, his voice steady once more as he extended a hand toward her, though Maya knew that was a fa?ade.
Maya glanced down at his hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She hesitated for only a moment before reaching out, her fingers brushing against his as she took his hand.
"Let's."
The banquet started.
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