Page 408 of Evil Hearts

Shallow Beauty

Maya Black

Chapter 1

The grand hallof Castle Burres was awash in light, the flickering flames of gilded chandeliers casting dancing shadows upon the stone walls. Banners bearing the royal crest swayed gently, echoing the celebratory spirit of the evening. Laughter and the clinking of goblets mingled in the air, punctuated by the melodious strains of a lute. It was a night of hope, a banquet to mark the delicate peace negotiations with the magical beings of the ancient forest—a momentous occasion for the kingdom.

Princess Elara stood at the edge of the dais, her golden gown shimmering like sunlight through the leaves. The fabric flowed around her as she moved, each step bringing with it the scent of blooming jasmine. Her chestnut hair was elegantly braided, adorned with delicate silver flowers that twinkled under the chandelier’s glow. Yet, despite the festivities, a flutter of unease coiled in her stomach.

“Are you not enjoying the feast, Elara?” a voice broke through her reverie.

Prince Rafe, her fiancé from another kingdom approached her with a jovial smile, his blue eyes sparkling. He was clad in his ceremonial attire, a deep green tunic embroidered with intricate gold threads.

“I am, Rafe. It’s just…” She hesitated, glancing toward the large double doors that led to the castle courtyard. “I find it strange to celebrate when the fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance.”

Rafe chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You worry too much. The creatures of the forest have always been temperamental. Tonight, we extend our hands in peace. We shall see their ambassador soon. Just think of the delightful feast! The pheasant is exquisite, and the honeyed cakes—”

However, before he could finish, the doors swung open, and a hush fell over the hall. All eyes turned toward the entrance. A figure stepped through, cloaked in a dark mantle that contrasted sharply with the lavish colors of the banquet. As he moved closer, the flickering light illuminated his face—sharp features framed by tousled, dark hair, pointed ears, and eyes that glinted like emeralds in the shadows. He had a strange, dangerous kind of handsomeness that made Elara’s heart skip.

“Prince Rafe, Princess Elara,” the newcomer greeted, his voice smooth and resonant. “I am Brian, Ambassador of the Sylvani, the wood elves of the ancient forest.”

“Welcome, Brian,” Rafe said, his tone diplomatic. “We are honored by your presence. Please, join us at the table.”

Elara felt a strange pull toward Brian as he approached, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. There was something wild and captivating about him, a magnetism she couldn’t quite place. She couldn’t help but notice the way he moved, each step graceful and purposeful, like a predator stalking its prey.

Brian bowed slightly, then lifted his hands, revealing a basket woven from twigs and vines. Nestled within were radiant apples, their skins gleaming in hues of red and gold. “As a gesture of goodwill, I present these enchanted apples. They symbolize our hope for harmony between our people.”

A murmur rippled through the hall, and Elara leaned closer, intrigued. The apples sparkled under the candlelight, their surfaces catching the flicker of flames like jewels. She felt her heart race as her gaze settled on one in particular—a single golden apple, distinct from the others.

“Each apple has a magic of its own,” Brian continued, his voice low and compelling. “They hold the essence of the forest, blessings of our ancestors. May they bring prosperity to your kingdom.”

“Thank you, Brian,” Rafe replied, his eyes scanning the apples. “We accept this gift with gratitude.”

As the guests began to take apples from the basket, Elara remained entranced by the golden one. Its surface seemed to shimmer, almost pulsating with an inner light. She reached for it, but her fingers hesitated just inches away.

“Do you like that one?” Brian asked, his tone playful as he caught her eye.

“It is… beautiful,” she admitted, unable to tear her gaze away. “I think I’d prefer to save it for later.”

Brian’s lips curled into a smirk. “Wise choice. Such beauty deserves a moment of solitude.”

“Indeed,” Elara replied, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. “I—”

Before she could finish, a loud cheer erupted from the guests, drawing her attention back to the banquet. Laughter and music filled the air, and Elara’s heart raced with excitement and anticipation. Yet, the golden apple lingered in her thoughts, a promise of secrets yet to unfold.

As the evening progressed, Elara tried to immerse herself in the grand banquet. She laughed at the jesters, danced with her fiancé, and savored the rich flavors of the feast, but her mindkept wandering back to the golden apple. She felt an inexplicable connection to it, a whisper that beckoned her to uncover its mystery.

“Would you care for another dance?” Rafe asked, pulling her from her reverie. “Or maybe, we could steal away to the courtyard garden to kiss?”

“Of course, I’d love to dance again!” she exclaimed, and together they stepped onto the dance floor. The music swelled, and Elara found herself twirling, her gown billowing around her. She was laughing, the joy of the night wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Yet, in the back of her mind, the golden apple waited, tantalizing and elusive.

After a few dances, Elara excused herself, making her way toward a quieter corner of the hall, where the shadows gathered. She sought solitude, a moment to contemplate the allure of the golden apple without the distractions of the banquet.

There, in the shadows, she could feel the magic of the apple pulsing through the air. She pulled it from her pocket, holding it delicately in her palm. The golden skin gleamed with a life of its own, and she felt a rush of exhilaration at the thought of tasting it.

“Elara?” a voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see Brian standing a few feet away, his gaze fixed intently on her. “You’ve chosen well.”

“I—” she stammered, momentarily caught off guard. “It was the only one that called to me.”

---