Chapter 107 - The Simple Dinner Banquet
Chapter 107 – The Simple Dinner Banquet
The dinner banquet was held in the castle's spacious dining hall. The long table was full of local dishes and liquor; Hugo's people occupied all seats, including the pack, some warriors, the grand duke's vassals who were left behind like Nathan and their family, and every important individual under the grand duke of Belcoot.
It was a lively dinner filled with stories from those who left and stayed behind and laughters — reminiscing wonderful times. The wives of the vassals and some ladies who were present also talked to me. Unlike the palace, everyone in here vouched for Hugo.
They told me tales about Hugo, who insisted on sitting beside me. As usual, Hugo happily chimed in and complimented himself even more. In the end, the ladies simply went silent, since Hugo was sabotaging his own dream-like image by being shameless.
"Our Luna." Nana smiled, sitting across from me. "I'm truly glad that this pack finally had its luna."
If she could hold my hand, she would've done it. But with the long and wide table between us, she couldn't. So I smiled in return, as she seemed very kind. Although she could be fierce at Hugo sometimes, she was like his mother.
She glanced at Hugo and when she was certain the latter was distracted while talking to the other men; she spoke. "Our Grand Duke is a little selfish for leaving his fief with a single word and returns without a word. He tends to worry us, but I can reassure you, you are in good hands."
"Thank you, Nana. That sounds very reassuring."
"Please take care of His Grace." Her eyes grew gentler as she sighed. "He might be sometimes selfish and careless, but he is a kind person. You might hear a few bad stories about him, but all those are from the mouths of those who didn't know him."
I was aware of everything she was saying and understood her worry. Did she think I would leave Hugo once the bad rumors about him reach my ears? It made me wonder how terrible they were for her to worry about it. Whatever it was… I frankly didn't care.
"Don't worry, Nana. I trust Hugh." I sported a reassuring smile, nodding at her encouragingly. Nana heaved a sigh of relief before she offered me to eat more. Apparently, Hugo warned everyone that all drinks that had a mix of liquor shouldn't be served to me. Not that I was disappointed about it — I hadn't recovered from that embarrassing night.
As the night grew deeper, the dinner banquet grew louder and livelier. I glanced at Hugo, who was talking loudly beside me, laughing and joking with others. He seemed he had drank quite a lot, but I knew he could hold his liquor well. So I didn't try to stop him.
Instead, I shifted my eyes in the direction where I've been feeling this intense glare since the beginning. There, my eyes locked with Adelia. She was keeping her silence, sharp eyes on me. Her glare didn't intimidate me, though. If anything, it intrigued me.
"Adelia," I called and smiled, pretending I didn't know her dislike towards me. Her eyes slightly dilated, taken aback by my action. I didn't want to fight Adelia. Hugo explained Adelia was like his little sister. When Hugo became the Grand Duke six years ago, Adelia was still twelve. So, I wanted to reach out to Adelia and be friends with her.
It didn't matter if she disliked me first, because I liked everyone who liked Hugo. That was better, so we could all live in harmony. Adelia sported a complicated expression before it died when Hugo leaned his face to my side.
"Rinrin, let's go back," he whispered in my ear, snaking his arms around my waist. I raised my shoulder and tilted my head, feeling a bit ticklish with his hot and deep breaths against my neck.
"Hugh," came out a careful reply, glancing at everyone to check if others were watching.
"Hmm?" His eyes dropped lazily, but his flustered face, while feigning ignorance, looked more bewitching. I pressed my lips and averted my eyes to avoid this faint seduction.
I heard him snicker before he spoke. "Everyone, it was a wonderful dinner. I'm all glad to see you all, but Rinnie and I need to call it a day." I raised my head with arched brows while he winked.
"Let's rest early," he said in a quiet voice with a smirk. I doubt he would like to rest early, though. I knew that look in his eyes.
"Your Grace, why are you leaving so early? How can you say you are glad to see everyone when you're leaving so early?" Ivo from the far end of the table raised his voice to catch our attention.
"You all know how I adore everyone. Don't drink too much."
This time, Mitch couldn't help but voice out his dismay. "Ivo and Nathan are the only people you adore! I never received such love!"
"That's right. Why have we never receive this love your grace is talking about?!" One after another, everyone followed Mitch and voiced out their dismay.
Hugo, although already had a few drinks, smirked evilly. "Mitch… drink to your heart's content until you drop dead. If you don't, I will assure you, you will tomorrow."
"Alpha…" Mitch frowned as his eyes quivered.
"Let's go, Rinrin." Hugo still had his playful smirk as he raised a brow at me.
"Oh — alright…?" I nodded, clasping his hand while he assisted me up. I bid everyone goodnight politely before Hugo placed his arms across my shoulder. As we left, I heard everyone tease Mitch, telling him it was better for him to die while drinking alcohol to death instead of waking up tomorrow to face Hugo's wrath.
I chuckled as Mitch threw a huge fit as we closed the door. Poor Mitch, I thought. Just when I raised my head to tell Hugo to be nice to Mitch, my words were thrust back into my throat.
"Hugh —" I clutched his chest as he suddenly stood in front of me, bending over and claimed my lips without a moment's notice. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer against his body.
Amid his intense kisses, I managed to speak. "Be — bed."
"Sure," he whispered into my mouth, but he didn't move and continued to kiss me. I flinched when the door behind me creaked. Hugo also stopped when Adelia's voice caressed our ears.
"Alpha Hugo…?" I could tell Adelia was surprised by her tone. I couldn't look at her as I felt a bit embarrassed to be seen being this intimate with him.
Hugo raised his eyes and sported an innocent smile. "Right. Bed." That was all he said before he swiftly carried me in his arms, not giving me enough time to react as he continued in his strides.
"Hugh…" I lowered my head, catching Adelia's figure behind him as she hung her head low. But when I looked up, Hugo didn't seem to care since he bent over, raising his arms to lift me up and continued on kissing me.. With the intense desire I felt from his lips, it didn't take long before my attention shifted onto him.