DAVENFORDS

Afternoon strikes and the palace was already engaged in different activities preparing for the Davenfords' upcoming reunion. All the maidservants and butlers in the palace were occupied with the task. They prepare the huge perfect banquet for later. None of them engage in small talk. They focus on their job, silently doing the task commanded to them.

While the other Davenfords were on their way to the palace, the other member of the clan had already arrived. Gathering in the palace hall, chatting with one another.

Sumire was in her room staring at her reflection in the human-size mirror, checking the light makeup she put on her face was correct. She took out a set of jewelry that Mort had given her. The jewelry goes well and is perfectly suited with her lava red gown embellished with expensive small pieces of diamonds.

The maiden flashed a bright smile after putting on the jewelry. She would never embarrass or bring Massoullèves in shame. She was carrying the name of their entire clan, including the Davenfords, with only Dreygur and her Grandmother Zèlle being close to the Massoullève family.

Sumire smiled big and sweetly. She felt satisfied with her gown. Elated, her eyes shine like a diamond landed on the ring on her left hand. Even though it wasn't Mort's engagement ring because she temporarily took it off to show off a jewelry set given by the man she loved, Sumire couldn't stop her heart from beating so fast. She was in tears of joy as she took a good look at the ring that was just carved as beautifully as her and Mort's engagement ring.

"As expected of my husband. He has good eyes for gems. He is good at everything, especially in bed!" She giggled mischievously and blushed hard when a scene popped out of her playful imagination.

Sumire calm herself down and slightly pinched her reddened cheeks. She tried to resist the smile she saw in the mirror.

"I must be out of my mind," she sighed heavily, "No, I just miss him so much that I cannot handle it anymore!" She added while holding her chest.

Sumire's mind was clouded with dirty thoughts. She was in such a naughty situation that she was the only one who did it when someone knocked on the door and bring her back to her senses.

"You can come in!" Sumire said and the door opened wide. From there, emerge Queen Zèlle who was already dressed up. Wearing a golden halo phoenix headpiece with rubies in it.

Even though her grandmother is old, the beauty of her youth is still visible on the Queen's face. Smiling, she entered the maiden's room with a sweet smile and full of admiration for the undeniable beauty of her granddaughter, Sumire.

"As expected." Queen Zelle said briefly and cast an eye from her head down to the toe. "Absolutely stunning." She added, couldn't say more after she was taken away by her granddaughter's breathtaking beauty. Even if the Queen spends every day with her, she will never get tired of seeing her beauty. Sumire's face is always refreshing to the eyes.

"Well, it runs in our blood. I inherited my beauty from you, Grandma." Sumire said with a chuckle then came closer and gave her grandmother a hug. She kiss the side of her cheek which made Queen Zèlle happy wishing Blanche and Claire were there too.

"Who else would you look like aside from me?" Queen Zèlle asked with a laugh while gently caressing her granddaughter's cheek.

"You look perfect like always." The Queen added which flatters Sumire's heart.

"I should be, Grandma. I carry the name of the Massoullève! I don't want to fail and be embarrassed." Sumire jokingly said that the Queen agreed.

"Then, shall we?" Queen Zèlle smilingly said. Sumire nodded. Holding hands, both of them left the room together and headed to the Royal hall where the Davenfords gathered together at the massive dining table.

The maiden was excited to meet the other Davenfords. She prepared for this day. She wants to meet them and she will do everything to get along with them, especially her Uncle Dreygur's father who she sees in the picture.

When they arrived at the grandeur venue, Sumire was awestruck and baffled by the beauty of the place. The scene looks more splendid, so noble than any royal events she had been to. Whoever comes up with the striking design is a genius. The dark shade of colors reign the place looks pleasing and soothing to the eyes. Golden heads of dragons made into chandeliers are more eye-catching than ever. The place oozing wealth and power.

'This is....' Sumire stopped walking when she noticed the vantablack carpet with golden skulls painted on it.

The maiden felt like she was floating in the abyss. She was feeling ecstatic at the sight. While her eyes were busy cruising the vast entirety of the Royal Hall, unaware of pairs of eyes looking down at her.

The pure-blooded Davenfords are present and were already sitting at the table with their expensive clothes on. Everyone was there except for Chadwick.

Some of the Davenfords felt admiration towards Sumire but hide it with their straight faces. Others are uncomfortable with her presence on the occasion, especially since they don't like the Massoullèves.

Taken away by his niece's beauty, Dreygur locked his eyes on the most gorgeous lady that very night. He didn't even bother to hide his admiration for Sumire, while Cataleia had no expression on her face. She was silent and just watching Sumire by Dreygur's side. Archduke Zeno on the other hand was disappointed upon seeing Dreygur's eyes full of love for the maiden who is busy admiring the place.

"I wasn't told another Massoullève was coming." All eyes darted at the one woman in the room standing with a strong presence and aura. Approaching towards them, everyone makes way to her.

Princess Nastya, the step-sister of Queen Zèlle and Archduke Zeno was also pure-blooded Davenford. She is in her late forties. Although she is beautiful, her looks and vibes are very different from her two step-siblings. She looks unapproachable with her eyebrows raised. She wears a stern face and is blunt in nature. Even though Princess Nastya is just the Queen's step-sister, she is not oppressed or outcast by any of the kin especially since she is a pure-blooded Davenford.

Sumire's eyes landed on the person talking only then did she realize that all the Davenfords were at the dining table, gaze set on her. She didn't even notice them even her eyes first landed on their place.

Composed and serene, Sumire didn't feel a hint of nervousness or alone but she did feel intense pressure because of the Davenfords' scrutinizing stares. It was as if her personality and value are being judged, which she is confident about.

"I apologize for not informing you." The Queen responded and then guided Sumire to the seat on the right side of the royal chair.

"My granddaughter, Sumire Massoullève." Queen Zèlle smilingly introduced her beloved granddaughter to the family.

Sumire bowed slightly to the Davenfords who immediately stood up all at once and bow to her. None of them were smiling except for Dreygur, whose eyes were glued to Sumire that he couldn't take his gaze away from her the moment she enters.

"The Davenfords." Queen Zèlle said and look at Sumire. She no longer bothered to introduce each of their names to her.

With pair of scrutinizing stares, Sumire would like to know more of them but it seems like she is crossing the line. The moment she steps into the hall, the Davenfords drew a line and built a wall against her.

"It's an honor to finally meet you all," Sumire said politely. They answered her with a nod and all sat down in their respective chairs.

The maiden refrained from sighing heavily and concealed the disappointment on her beautiful face. The reunion scenarios she had expected and in mind were very different. It seems like this reunion is a very boring business talk at the dining table. None of the Davenfords attempts to approach her. It feels like she is nobody's business. Though she wants to interact to know them better.

"Where's Chadwick?" Archduke Zeno asked which made the Queen stop putting food on Sumire's plate. Interest arose in the eyes of the Davenfords after hearing the name. They are waiting for the Queen's response who is still thinking about answering them.

"There." Queen Zèlle replied, pointing to the door that had just opened and spat Chadwick there.

The Davenfords immediately looked at the certain Massoullève who had just arrived. Chadwick whose wearing a white tuxedo, looking so hot and unbothered came in. Sumire pouted in her seat. They treated her differently, they were cold and seemed to have no interest in her. But when her uncle Chadwick arrived, their dead eyes came to life except for Dreygur whose expression had vanished in just a blink of an eye on his face.

"Something came up, I got late." Said Chadwick who sat on Queen Zelle's left side where he and Sumire were facing each other. Sumire slightly nodded to him. Cataleia, on the other hand, gave Chadwick a meaningful side eye which he immediately noticed.

"Oh, I think it worked out well last night since you are here." Chadwick smiled at Cataleia which surprised everyone.

Dreygur, on the other hand, was burning in anger. The look of shear fury on his face replaced his anger with fear and contempt. His expression revealed surprise for a brief moment, and then his eyes flashed with rage towards Chadwick when the Davenfords cast Chadwick and Cataleia questioning eyes back and forth.

"What do you mean?" Confused, Archduke Zeno asked as Chadwick cleared his throat before speaking.

"I saw both of them enter Dreygur's room while kissing passionately. I was about to approach them but they looked like animals in heat, so I just left." Chadwick replied. Sumire and the other Davenfords let out an audible gasp.

"And by the look of it, you don't even know Cataleia is a Davenford." Dreygur sarcastically butts in, which slightly surprises Chadwick.

"Oh, really? Then, congratulations." Chadwick simply said and was uncared for.

Frowning, Dreygur didn't expect Chadwick's reaction. He thought Chadwick will be in shock and panic, but he was calm. Even Cataleia was surprised by Chadwick's response. She is one of the lost Davenfords who was never placed in the family registration of the Davenfords due to family conflict. Her history was buried along in her late mother's grave. Cataleia used a fake last name so that no one would recognize her except the Davenfords who arranged everything to keep her away from the palace. Whatever happened back then, it should have remained on her dead mother's grave. Her return to the palace was for Dreygur, who was miraculously permitted by the Queen. She is certain that Chadwick doesn't know her so Cataleia wonders why Chadwick's reaction looks unbothered and chill when he has lost his chance succeeding the throne.

"Thank you," Dreygur said sardonically and then looked at Sumire who was blushing with excitement when finally she had seen the woman his uncle Dreygur loved the most.

"Congratulations, Uncle!" Sumire greeted happily in a high-pitched tone as she stood up and approached Dreygur and Cataleia who didn't know what to do but they both decided to smile and hug Sumire as well.

The other Davenfords around didn't even bother to greet them because Dreygur didn't say anything or confirm that he was going to marry Cataleia which they knew Dreygur would never do. When Sumire returned to her place, everything went back to silent. The Queen then spoke.

"I just want to tell you that I'm very happy that you gave time for this family's reunion. I'm glad we all got together again despite being busy with our responsibilities as royalties. And I'll take this opportunity to apologize, I didn't immediately inform you that Sumire was coming here. You see, she really wants to meet you all so I hope you will let and be kind to her." Queen Zèlle said which captures everyone's attention. They all nodded to her.

Princess Nastya, on the other hand, was curiously staring at Sumire while shifting her gaze to Cataleia, as if she had a scene etching in her mind. Dreygur's stares at Sumire were especially strange that even the blind people could feel what it was.

"Oh, God..." Unbelievably uttered, the princess caught everyone's attention. The Davenfords' questioning eyes shifted and looked in Princess Nastya's direction.

"Dreygur, you love Sumire, your niece romantically." She directly said without having a second thought. That statement sounded like a question to Dreygur's ears.

Sumire felt horrified after hearing those words from the Princess. Dreygur turned pale which confirmed Princess Nastya's thought in mind. Cataleia was stunned at her place. Archduke Zeno sighed heavily at his step-sister's bluntness while Queen Zèlle gritted her teeth and the rest of the Davenfords were surprised. Shivering, Sumire wanted the floor to swallow her alive. She felt extreme discomfort.

"That's bad." Chadwick interrupted the Princess which caught everyone's attention again.

"What do you mean? Sumire is single and so is Dreygur..." Princess Nastya didn't finish what she had to say when the Queen looked at her place brazenly which silence her.

"Sumire is engaged to a Mafia Boss. And they are both madly, deeply in love with each other." Chadwick said as Sumire looked up at him. Her Uncle saved her with his words.

Face darkened, Dreygur clench his hand into a fist and wanted to strike his cousin's face. The situation will get worsened if Chadwick is in and stir the trouble he made.

"I love her as my niece. I already have Cataleia." Dreygur said and captures Cataleia's hand but the Princess was still unconvinced. She gave him a straight and suspicious eye. Sumire didn't know whether to believe it or not.

"Then, that settles it. You should talk about your marriage." Smiling mischievously, Chadwick said but Dreygur remain unmoved by the tease of his demon cousin. He looked at Cataleia, pretending to be in love with her.

"We are not in a hurry. So outsiders should not have a say in our relationship." Dreygur said in a gentle tone making it more realistic like they are a real couple. Gullible, Sumire was tricked into believing Dreygur's acting.

"Then Sumire, how about you introduce your fiancè to us?" Archduke Zeno obtrude to which Chadwick and the Queen immediately agreed. So did the Davenfords, except for Dreygur who knew his father intentionally asked it.

"You will meet him soon!"

The maiden responded merrily with a sweet smile plastered on her lips which captivates the heart of young men Davenfords around her.

While the heavy tension gradually subsided at the Davenfords' dining hall, Mort along with Blanche, Laurel, Klauss, Narco and the twins boarded the private jet will soon reach Nort Le Frère. Dreygur's thousand knights are also waiting for him disperse on the ports and airports. He has also sent assassins to kill his biggest threat, Mort and one of them is Narco.

"I'm sorry, Dad. But you have to die if it means being free from my real family."