Star stood in front of the massive mirror in his quarters, tugging at the fancy tunic Lila had picked for him. It was deep blue... silk that shimmered like water, with silver embroidery along the edges. Pants tucked into polished boots, a belt with a shiny buckle. He looked... different. Not like a farmer anymore. More like some storybook prince. But inside? He felt like a fraud. "This is ridiculous," he muttered, running a hand through his messy brown hair. Lila had tried to comb it... but it still stuck up in places.
"You look handsome," Lila said from the doorway, smiling. "The king will be pleased. First banquet as consort... big deal."
Star's stomach twisted. Banquet? With all those nobles staring? After the whispers in the halls last night... Varyn's plots... Mira's papers hidden under his bed. He hadn't told Elandor yet... still deciding. "Yeah... can't wait," he said sarcastically. "Bunch of snobs judging me."
Lila patted his shoulder. "Chin up. Show them you're not scared. And remember... eat with the right fork."
Star rolled his eyes. Etiquette lessons flashbacks... ugh. But he nodded. "Thanks, Lila. For everything."
She left, and soon guards knocked. "Time, consort." Star followed them down glittering halls, music drifting from ahead... harps and flutes, laughter echoing. His heart pounded. What if Varyn tried something? Poison in the wine? He touched the hidden dagger in his boot... sneaked from a drawer earlier. Just in case.
The banquet hall doors swung open... massive room, chandeliers dripping crystals, long tables loaded with food. Roasts, fruits piled high, cakes like towers. Nobles everywhere... women in flowing gowns, men in velvet suits. They turned as Star entered, whispers starting. "That's him?" "The farmer?" "How quaint... dirt to dining."
Star's cheeks burned. He spotted Elandor at the head table... the king in gold robes, crown gleaming. Their eyes met... Elandor's green ones lighting up. He stood, gesturing. "Star... join me."
Star walked forward, feeling every stare like needles. He sat beside the king, chair scraping loud. "This is... a lot," he whispered.
Elandor squeezed his hand under the table... quick, warm. "You're doing fine. Just be you."
The feast began. Servants poured wine... red and sweet. Star sipped carefully... no funny taste. Food came... fancy stuff like stuffed birds and creamy soups. He used the forks right... mostly. But across the table, Lord Varyn sat, scar twisting as he smirked. "So... consort. Tell us about your... farm life. Must be thrilling compared to this."
Laughter rippled. Star gripped his knife tighter. "It's honest work," he said, voice steady. "Better than scheming in shadows."
Varyn's eyes narrowed. "Scheming? Bold words from a peasant. Careful... accidents happen at banquets."
More whispers. A lady nearby giggled. "He eats like a horse... look at that grip."
Star's anger flared. He set the fork down hard. "If you got something to say... say it loud."
The room quieted a bit. Elandor cleared his throat. "Enough. Star is my chosen consort... respect him as you do me."
But a young lord... maybe Varyn's nephew... leaned forward. "With all due, Majesty... why him? Noble blood would strengthen the throne. Not... this."
Murmurs agreed. "Yes... prophecy or not, he's unfit." "A joke on the court."
Star stood, chair tipping back. "Unfit? Because I worked for my food? You all sit on silk... but I know real life. Hunger... hard days. Maybe that's what the kingdom needs... not more lazy lords."
Gasps. Varyn laughed cold. "Insolent! Guards... remove this trash."
But Elandor rose fast, voice booming. "No! Star speaks truth. The court has grown soft... blind to the people's pain. I chose him for that. For his heart... pure and strong."
The king turned to Star, eyes locking. Raw... vulnerable. Like in the garden. "He reminds me of what's real. And if you scorn him... you scorn me."
Silence fell. Nobles shifted... some nodding slowly. Others glared... Varyn most of all. "As you wish... Majesty," Varyn said, but his tone dripped poison.
Elandor sat, pulling Star down too. Under the table, their hands linked again... longer this time. "Thank you," Star whispered, heart racing from the defense... and the touch.
"You deserve it," Elandor murmured. "You're more than they see."
The feast continued... tense but calmer. Music played... dances started. Star watched couples swirl... elegant steps.
Elandor leaned close. "Dance with me?"
Star blinked. "Me? I suck at it... from lessons."
The king smiled. "I'll lead." He stood, offering a hand. Publicly.
Whispers again... but Star took it. They moved to the floor... Elandor's arm around his waist. Close... bodies brushing. Steps slow... one, two, three.
Star stumbled once... but Elandor caught him. Their eyes locked again... deeper. Vulnerability raw... Elandor's loneliness showing. Star's reluctance melting.
"You're beautiful," Elandor whispered... breath on Star's ear.
Star flushed. "Shut up... not here."
But the moment lingered... spark turning to flame.
As the dance ended, applause scattered. But Varyn slipped out... face dark.
Later, back in quarters, Star paced. The banquet... success? Elandor defended him... publicly. That meant something. But Varyn's threat... real.
A knock. Elandor... alone. "Star... about tonight."
Star pulled him in. "You stood up for me... thanks."
Elandor hugged him... warm, tight. "Always." Their foreheads touched... breath mingling.
Star's heart pounded. Pull away? Or... he leaned in. Lips brushed... soft, tentative.
The kiss deepened... first real one. Sparks exploded.
But a noise outside... they broke apart. "Later," Elandor whispered... leaving.
Star touched his lips... smiling despite everything. The banquet changed things...