Orion nodded, equally captivated by the unfolding twists and revelations. He placed a sliced portion of a fruit resembling a pineapple into his mouth and then offered some to the Princess of the Garden.
The Princess of the Garden chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before asking curiously, "What do you think will happen next?"
Orion had already briefed her on the assassination attempt and shared what information he knew. Maeve had filled in the rest after overhearing their conversation and noticing their initial confusion.
As the scene unfolded, they pieced it together, trying to predict what would happen next. Unfortunately, none of them could guess that the woman who saved High Prince Kael's life was the very person High King Eldric had commanded to stay far away from him, under the threat of drastic consequences if she disobeyed.
"High King Eldric and the others seem bewildered about what to do next. But judging from the love-struck expression on High Prince Kael's face, he might do something reckless. Best-case scenario, he elopes with Celeria right here and now," Orion observed, scrutinizing the tense scene.
"And what's the worst-case scenario?" The Princess of the Garden asked, awaiting Orion's response.
"He kills himself if High King Eldric decides to follow through with Celeria's punishment for defying his orders, even though she saved the High Prince's life," Orion responded solemnly.
"He would do something like that despite the two being so madly in love. Shouldn't he be afraid that High Prince Kael might seek vengeance for his beloved against him when he obtains the power to do so or utilize his position to do something even more vile after this incident?" The Princess of the Garden responded, raising a brow in confusion as she refocused on the unfolding scene before her.
She couldn't fathom that High King Eldric hadn't considered the consequences of his decision if he chose such an option. Of course, there was also the possibility that he didn't care, but the Princess of the Garden found that incredibly unlikely for someone so wise yet seemingly blind to such an obvious problem.
Orion shook his head in response. "I don't know; we'll have to continue watching to find out," he responded.
He didn't know what was going through High King Eldric's mind, so he would continue observing the scene unfold to see what kind of decision he would make.
"How about you? What do you think is going to happen next?" The Princess of the Garden asked, shifting her attention to Maeve.
Maeve was stunned, not expecting the Princess of the Garden to direct her question to her, but she swiftly regained her composure. "From the looks of it and the rumours I've heard, the only way to settle this issue if it escalates is for High King Eldric to give in. However, knowing what kind of inflexible man he is, it will probably come at a cost, and as for what that cost is, we would have to continue watching to find out," Maeve responded, her tone serious.
The Princess of the Garden nodded before refocusing on the unfolding scene.
On the other side of the room,
"You? What are you doing here?! Didn't my orders mean anything to you?" High King Eldric said, seething angrily as he glared fiercely at Celeria.
Celeria shivered under the High King's intense gaze. Clenching her fists together, she contemplated her next move now that things had worsened. Initially, she believed she was prepared for whatever might happen when she entered the Canopy castle. However, with the High King now confronting her, her body trembled in fear, leaving her unsure what to do next.
"Father, stop it!" High Prince Kael said defiantly as he positioned himself in front of Celeria.
High King Eldric narrowed his eyes at his first son. "What are you doing, High Prince Kael?" he asked, his brow furrowing deeply.
High Prince Kael shook his head in response. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you such a question, father? Just what are you saying? Are you trying to imply that the woman who saved my life does not deserve to be in my presence?" he said, shifting his attention towards the crowds around them.
"Everyone here has witnessed what just transpired, and without a doubt, if the woman beside me hadn't been here,my life would have been in danger again. So, I'll speak for myself to decide whether she stays or goes!" he shouted.
Hearing High Prince Kael's words, Celeria's eyes widened, feeling her heartbeat speed up. She stretched out her hand to touch him, saying, "High Prince Kael, you don't need to––" she began, but High Prince Kael quickly interjected. "Don't you dare say anything? You are not going anywhere, nor is anyone taking you away from me. That is final," he shouted.
Celeria sealed her lips and nodded silently.
High King Eldric's body trembled angrily as he focused on High Prince Kael. "You…" he attempted to say, but he could not correctly utter a word.
Prince Alden noticed things were getting out of hand and decided to step in. "Father, First Brother, I think there is a peaceful way to solve this," he said, breaking through the tension. "And it's best we do so privately."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, brother, but either we settle this right here and now, or I renounce my crown and follow Celeria wherever she goes," High Prince Kael responded, looking at Prince Alden before shifting his attention back towards High King Eldric.
"So, it's best you make your decision here, Father. Will you stick to your orders or accept mine and Celeria's relationship?"
"Husband," High Queen Rowena called out, rising from her seat. She looked at High King Eldric and shook her head tiredly. "Though I understand and support the reason for your command, I believe this young woman has earned the privilege of being the High Prince's partner. Please, husband, why don't we discuss this in private and come to a compromise on this issue?"
