Chapter 103: Avril. Weyting

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend tonight’s banquet,” Her Majesty the Queen said with graceful poise and an authoritative tone.

As soon as the Queen spoke, the guests below responded with flattering remarks.

“It is our utmost honor to be invited to Windsor Castle for a banquet hosted by Your Majesty.”

“Indeed, we are very grateful for the invitation to your splendid event.”

“Yes, attending your banquet is the lifelong dream of many!”

Their praises came in waves—nothing more than repetitive, insincere words of “thanks,” “honor,” and “glory,” bordering on obsequiousness.

The Queen smiled as she listened to their flattery, nodding elegantly with an expression that said she was thoroughly pleased.

From a corner, Arthur listened and couldn’t help but let out a cold snicker. Hmph, no matter how much these people claim noble status in daily life, before someone of higher rank, they always grovel and abase themselves. Truly laughable.

Seeing the Queen’s expression of satisfaction, Arthur felt a twinge of contempt.

That old woman, always putting on such a show—does she never tire of it?

The Queen’s gaze swept the banquet hall once more, and her eyes inadvertently met Arthur’s. He raised his wine glass, swirling the red liquid inside, a sly smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

The Queen’s lips twitched several times.

That brat, thinking I dare not punish him, mocks me so blatantly? Hmph. Wait until I announce what I have planned later—then we’ll see if he can still laugh so carelessly.

With that thought, the Queen returned Arthur’s gaze with a smile that, no matter how you looked at it, reeked of conspiracy.

Arthur felt a chill run down his spine at that smile, a foreboding sense creeping up inside him, souring his mood. Glancing at the Queen’s irritating smile, he snorted coldly and turned his head away.

The Queen, seeing Arthur sulk and look elsewhere, smiled with growing satisfaction, her grin brightening.

At that moment, a gentleman speaking with the Queen noticed her smile deepen after hearing his words. His face lit up with joy, and he asked excitedly, “Your Majesty, do you agree with what I said?”

The Queen withdrew her gaze from Arthur and looked at the man, her lips twitching. Internally, she cursed, Who knows what nonsense you just said?

Though unaware of the man’s exact words, the Queen still nodded gracefully, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Standing beside the Queen, Rixi observed her every move with keen insight—she could even read the meaning behind the subtlest gesture. Seeing the Queen merely smile and nod, she knew the Queen hadn’t truly listened. Besides, she had witnessed the Queen and Arthur exchange looks moments ago—the Queen’s expression was one of admiration. At the thought, the usually stern Rixi’s lips twitched slightly.

The Queen gestured to Rixi, who immediately understood that Her Majesty wished to end the conversation. Rixi approached and whispered in the Queen’s ear. The man took the hint and made a discreet exit.

“Your Majesty, Miss Avril has arrived,” Rixi said with lowered eyes and a respectful bow after the man left.

“Oh? That girl is here?” The Queen’s eyes brightened, her face lighting up with a smile. She scanned the hall, frowning. “Where has that girl gone? I didn’t see her.”

Rixi let out a soft chuckle and pointed toward the balcony.

“Look, Miss Avril is over there.”

Following Rixi’s gesture, the Queen’s gaze fell upon the balcony.

A pale yellow curtain fluttered gently, and behind it, a faint silhouette of a man and woman could be seen.

The Queen nodded with satisfaction at the sight.

Outside on the balcony, Arthur, weary of the stifling air and the banquet’s hypocritical faces, as well as the Queen’s ever-watchful eyes, had taken advantage of a distraction to slip away.

He stood alone on the spacious, quiet balcony. Below stretched a seemingly endless path, vanishing into darkness where sight could no longer penetrate.

It was much like his relationship with Yingyue. Though they were together, and though she had regained the memories once sealed away, and though nothing stood in their way, their peace was shattered by sudden news. He was forced once more to push her away—into someone else’s arms—with the same painful excuse.

They were always apart more than together, yet no matter the distance, they remained bound in each other’s hearts. Even if tinged with hatred, each still held a place no one else could fill.

He wondered how much of that bond lingered in Yingyue’s heart after he repeatedly forced her away, and how much he could afford to squander.

Lost in these thoughts, Arthur grew restless. He tilted his head back and drained his glass of red wine, then turned to leave the unpleasant banquet behind.

“Are you Arthur Rivers?” a melodious female voice called out, tinged with a coquettish lilt.

Arthur looked toward the speaker and felt as though a flurry of pure, glistening snowflakes had drifted before his eyes, carrying the moist freshness of the first snowfall.

Before him stood a woman like freshly fallen snow. Her long, golden curls cascaded down to her hips, dazzling like flowing sunlight. Her skin was as fair as the first snow. Most captivating were her sea-blue eyes, shimmering with the light of ocean waters—deep, swirling pools that could instantly draw one’s soul inescapably.

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze moist with unshed tears. Her golden curls swayed gently at her waist, and her rosy lips parted in an angelic smile.

Arthur was momentarily flustered, then masked it with a cold glance, preparing to turn away.

But as he passed her, a pair of soft hands gripped his arm, and a low, pleading voice whispered in his ear.

“Why won’t you speak to Avril? Is it because you dislike me?”

Arthur’s body stiffened. He slowly turned back to see the young woman—Avril—her sea-blue eyes brimming with tears, lips pressed tight in a pitiful expression.

He sighed, unable to bear her sorrowful look. He stopped walking, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and handed it to her with a teasing smile.

“You’re a grown woman, and you’re crying over this? Aren’t you ashamed? Here, wipe it off before you look like a blotchy cat.”

Blushing, Avril hastily took the handkerchief and roughly dabbed at her face.

Arthur reached out instinctively, taking the cloth back and gently wiping her tears. As he did, he chided softly, “Don’t rub so hard—you might damage your face. If you end up disfigured, no one will want you.”

“Ah?” Avril blinked, stunned, watching this remarkably handsome man tenderly clean her tears. His crystal-clear blue eyes resembled her own but were uniquely enchanting. His rose-colored lips curved into a reluctant yet fond smile.

Her heart suddenly surged like a tidal wave, her chest pounding fiercely. Her gaze lingered on Arthur with pure adoration.

“There,” Arthur said, pulling away the handkerchief and regarding her clean face with satisfaction. “Still as beautiful as ever.”

Avril shyly hid her enamored eyes, blinking as she sweetly whispered, “Thank you, Arthur.”

“It’s nothing,” Arthur replied with a smile, shaking his head.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of deep eyes in the banquet hall observed the scene on the balcony—the way Avril looked at Arthur with infatuated eyes. Those eyes darkened with thoughtfulness.

As Arthur turned to leave, Avril quickly called out, “Will you stay with me for a while? I’m a bit lonely here by myself.”

Arthur hesitated.

Seeing this, Avril hurriedly said, “I’m Avril Whiting. I’m not a bad person!”

Her urgency left Arthur no room to refuse. He smiled reassuringly.

“All right, I won’t leave. I’ll stay. But no more crying—you’re going to use up all my handkerchiefs.”

Avril paused, then sniffed and smiled.

“Okay, as long as you’re here, I won’t cry.” She linked her arm through his, still clinging nervously.

Arthur said nothing to stop her, but sighed helplessly inwardly.

Avril’s face lit up with a radiant, charming smile, her sea-blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Let’s go inside—it’s a bit cold out here,” she said pitifully.

Arthur glanced at the lively hall, then at Avril, who shivered in her thin gown. He nodded.

“Okay, let’s go in.”

No sooner had they stepped into the hall than the lights abruptly went out. Avril immediately nestled into Arthur’s embrace.

A pale pink spotlight shone down upon them both.