Library & Dinner

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Rara spent her afternoon engrossed in a heavy tome detailing the intricacies of Haguar’s Kingdom, currently ruled by the formidable King Magdon Lamata. Her fingers traced the ornate illustrations and maps of the realm, her eyes scanning the dense text with curiosity.

From her reading, she learned that Haguar was not alone in its grandeur. Four other great kingdoms stood as equals, their power intertwined with Haguar’s.

No. 5: Kaca’s Kingdom, presided over by the shrewd King Sudu Noops, a man in his sixties known for his complex personal life.

First wife: Queen Pir Retaw, a stern and commanding figure in military garb, served as his military commander. She was the mother of Prince Ing Sudu.

Prince Ing, with his sharp intellect, married Duchnie Blea Gin, the daughter of Duke Gin Agu, the ruler of Ginira’s Kingdom. Duchnie Blea was renowned for her grace and diplomacy. She bore Prince Ing a daughter, Princess Bliss Ing, a child admired for her beauty and poise.

Second wife: Consort Ney Yemon, a beauty from the Mon Kingdom with a reputation for vanity, gave birth to a daughter and initially disappointed King Sudu.

After struggling to conceive a male heir, she eventually gave him a son, Prince Coi Sudu, which mended their strained relationship. Her once radiant beauty had faded, but she gained the king’s favor through her new role as mother to the heir.

Third wife: Lady Vell Loth, a dignified Clan Lady whom King Sudu encountered during his travels. She was a pillar of strength, bearing him a son, Prince Yello Sudu, and a daughter, Princess Pipi Sudu. Her children were known for their disciplined and noble demeanor.

Fourth wife: Lady Pong Abel, another noblewoman met during his journeys, bore him two robust sons, Prince Allu Sudu and Prince Asie Sudu. Her sons were noted for their physical prowess and martial skills, often seen as the future warriors of the kingdom.

Fifth wife: Lady Fin Raksh, a recent addition to King Sudu’s court, gave him a son, Prince Kong Sudu. Lady Fin was known for her kindness and gentle nature, a stark contrast to the more formidable presence of the king’s other wives.

No. 4: The Ropok Kingdom, governed by King Locetag Lidu, a man in his forties with a single wife.

Rumors swirled around the palace about a mysterious beauty hidden in King Locetag’s harem, but no one had seen him with another woman, earning him the title of the Loyal King, Loyal Husband.

His wife, Queen Rose Pose, was the daughter of the king of the third great kingdom, Sitaga. Queen Rose was known for her calm demeanor and political acumen.

She gave birth to twins, Princess Devura Locetag and Prince Char Locetag, both of whom were cherished for their intelligence and grace.

No. 3: The Sitaga Kingdom, ruled by the seasoned King Pose Napo, a man in his sixties with two wives.

First wife: Queen Alise Pragai, daughter of the esteemed General Pragai, was a figure of authority and respect. She bore King Pose three sons: Prince Paray Pose, Prince Prang Pose, and Prince Pangaman Pose.

Prince Paray, known for his rebellious spirit, married Clan Lady Cohung Dihum despite familial objections. Prince Prang followed a more traditional path, marrying Princess Nokis Iyak from a middle-class kingdom, while Prince Pangaman remained single, dedicating himself to the kingdom’s affairs.

Second wife: Consort Saruy Kiap, a woman of grace and patience, gave the king a son and a daughter: Prince Roney Pose and Princess Rose Pose. Both children were admired for their diplomatic skills and kindness.

No. 2: The Bohung Kingdom, ruled by the ambitious King Sarun Purak, a man in his thirties with two wives.

First wife: Queen Devura Locetag, daughter of King Locetag from the fourth great kingdom, was known for her strategic mind and elegance. She bore King Sarun a son, Prince Liron Sarun, who was groomed to be a shrewd leader.

Second wife: Consort Yepon Moth, daughter of a commoner, brought a touch of humility to the palace. She gave birth to a daughter and two sons: Princess Polo Sarun, Prince Lait Sarun, and Prince Dadam Sarun. Her children were loved for their down-to-earth nature and strong work ethic.

No. 1: Haguar Kingdom, under the rule of King Magdon Lamata, who had three wives.

First wife: Queen Lustia Bynet, daughter of the fallen Heiden Kingdom, had a commanding presence and bore King Magdon a son, Prince Xavier Magdon, who was known for his strong leadership qualities.

Second wife: Consort Watelonu Evac, hailing from a middle-class kingdom, was gentle and nurturing. She gave King Magdon a son, Prince Ariel, whose charm and intellect were celebrated in court.

Third wife: Concubine Beanilda Eguzki, a recent addition and daughter of a commoner, was known for her modesty and grace. She had just married King Magdon and had yet to make a significant impact on the court.

Knock! Knock!

Rara placed the book on the ornate mahogany table, its cover gleaming with gold leaf. She walked to the grand oak door of the library, which creaked softly as she opened it.

“Yes?” she inquired, her voice barely above a whisper.

A maid, dressed in a neatly pressed uniform, bowed deeply. “My lady, the prince has requested your presence for dinner.”

Rara nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves, and closed the library door behind her. She followed the maid through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble floors.

As they neared the dining room, Rara could sense the palpable tension in the air. Her palms grew clammy, and she wiped them discreetly on her gown, a luxurious fabric of deep emerald green.

The guards, in their imposing uniforms, opened the heavy wooden doors to the dining room. Rara took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The dining room was a grand chamber, with an elaborate long table adorned with silverware and fine china. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Her gaze swept the room and landed on the familiar face of Prince Ariel, who was seated in the second row at the table.

As she made her way toward him, she remembered the presence of others in the room. She paused, her heart racing, and lowered her head as she felt the weight of multiple eyes on her.

Prince Ariel’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Hara! Come here!” he called out, patting the seat next to him with genuine warmth.

Rara, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension, quickly took the seat beside him, her head bowed like a humble servant.

King Magdon, with his imposing presence, sat at the head of the table, his regal attire reflecting his high status. To his left was Queen Lustia, her posture and expression commanding respect. An empty seat awaited beside her.

To King Magdon’s right was Consort Watelonu, who exuded a calm elegance. Prince Ariel sat beside her, his demeanor relaxed and friendly. Rara found herself next to Concubine Beanilda, whose soft smile and gentle eyes provided a stark contrast to the grandeur of the room.

“Serve the dinner,” King Magdon commanded in a deep, resonant voice.

The butler, impeccably dressed, bowed and signaled to the servant standing by the door. The servant opened the door, and two maids entered with a trolley laden with an array of exquisite dishes—succulent roast, fresh vegetables, and delicate pastries.

The maids served the food with practiced precision, their movements smooth and synchronized. It was clear they had been trained rigorously to ensure every detail was perfect.

As the king and the court began their meal, Rara felt an odd mix of awe and anxiety. The opulence of the palace was overwhelming, and she marveled at the luxurious setting.

In her distraction, she accidentally allowed a piece of steak to slide off her fork and land messily on her face. She awkwardly tried to correct the mishap, but before she could, a commanding voice stopped her.

“Stop!”

Rara froze, her fork hovering mid-air. She glanced up at Queen Lustia, who was glaring at her with a look of disapproval. The intensity of the queen’s gaze made Rara’s cheeks flush with embarrassment. Her heart pounded, and she lowered her head, feeling a wave of humiliation wash over her.

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