Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

Jennifer couldn't help but notice the subtle undercurrents of awkwardness between Fiona and Jaegar. Her eyes darted between them, catching the fleeting glances and the way they both seemed hyper-aware of each other's presence.

She remained silent, however, choosing instead to engage Pierre in conversation about the exciting soccer match they had just witnessed.

Jaegar, for his part, seemed equally ill at ease. His usual jovial manner was somewhat subdued, and he focused intently on his food, only occasionally contributing to the conversation.

When Fiona leaned over to refill his glass, their hands brushed momentarily, causing both to start slightly. The air between them crackled with an almost palpable tension.

As the evening wore on, fragments of memory from the previous night flashed through Fiona's mind. The warmth of Jaegar's presence as they had talked late into the night, the way his eyes had sparkled in the dim light of the dying fire, the moment when she had found herself leaning towards him, drawn by an unexpected and powerful attraction. She had caught herself just in time, but the memory of that near kiss lingered, colouring every interaction with a mix of embarrassment and unresolved desire.

A tint of redness caressed her cheeks thinking about the kiss; her body heated up involuntarily, and her legs started to wobble.

For Jaegar, the evening was a study in self-control. He was acutely aware of Fiona's every movement—the soft rustle of her robes, the floral scent of her perfume when she passed near.

He struggled to reconcile the matronly figure of his best friend's mother with the vibrant, alluring woman he had discovered in her the night before. The conflicting emotions warred within him, adding to the tension that filled the room.

Jennifer, watching this unspoken drama unfold, felt a twinge of sympathy for both Fiona and Jaegar. She could sense the confusion and attraction simmering beneath the surface, recognizing the signs of an unexpected and potentially complicated connection.

Part of her wondered if she should say something to Pierre if no one else, but she decided against it. Some situations, she mused, needed to resolve themselves in their own time.

As they enjoyed the meal, sharing stories and laughter, a sudden tapping at the window caught their attention.

Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire

A majestic hawcroe—a magical bird known for its reliability in delivering instant messages—was perched on the windowsill, its feathers a striking mix of hawk-like browns and vibrant peacock blues. It was about the size of one foot tall, beautifully enclosed in its shimmering violet blue feathers.

Hawcroe, right after delivering the letter, took flight right from where it came.

Jaegar, being closest to the window, stood to let the bird in. With an air of importance, the hawcroe swooped into the room and landed gracefully on the table before him.

Tied to its leg was a sealed letter, the wax bearing an unmistakable insignia.

"It's from the Imperial Palace," Jaegar breathed, carefully untying the letter. He recognized the stamp on the letter.

The room fell silent as he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. His read with a subtle calmness.

"It's an invitation," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "To the Imperial Soiree on the 26th of December, in the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace."

Jennifer gasped. "The Imperial Soiree? That's the most exclusive event of the year! But why would they invite you?"

Pierre cleared his throat. "Jen, you are forgetting that Jaegar is a prince. Of course he would be invited."

Jennifer knit her brows as she said, "I know that. But didn't they remove him from their family, like not even included in the crown system and all? Now they send an invitation, exclusive for the nobles and imperial family."

Jaegar shook his head. "It just says I'm cordially invited to attend, by order of the Emperor himself."

"So, what do you want to do?" Asked Pierre, wiping his mouth with the napkin.

Jaegar pondered, tapping on the letter. If the emperor himself had invited him, then it would be considered a different thing. Moreover, he was sure the palace wouldn't want him inside again, considering his last visit.

"I will go," Jaegar said.

Jennifer said loudly, "Why?! Even after knowing how they treated you?"

Even Fiona seemed worried, hearing his answer. Even though she doesn't know the whole issue between Jaegar and his family, she can at least tell that the imperial didn't favour Jaegar.

Jaegar smiled at her, "I know, Jen, I know. If the emperor himself sent an invitation, then you must go, isn't that right?"

Jennifer sighed, realizing how important it was. "Just be careful, okay?"

Pierre let out a low whistle. "This is big, Jaegar. Really big. The Imperial Soiree is where all the empire's young men and women would attend. Not to mention, it's a chance to rub elbows with the most powerful witches and wizards."

"It's decided then," Pierre sighed heavily, pushing his chair back and rising to his feet. The weight of the evening seemed to hang between them.

"I will leave tonight," Jaegar replied, finishing the last of his meal and standing as well. The decision was settled; there was nothing left but to part.

Pierre moved to face him directly, extending his hand. "Until next time then," he said, his tone firm, though a flicker of concern passed through his eyes.

Jaegar grasped his hand, their grips strong, the way only lifelong friends could manage. "Yeah," he replied, offering a small, reassuring smile.

Jennifer, who had been watching silently, stepped forward, her expression anxious. She reached for Jaegar's arm, her grip gentle but firm. "Be careful out there," she urged, her voice quiet, almost pleading.

Jaegar nodded, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "I will," he replied, the words an unspoken promise.

As Jennifer stepped back, Jaegar caught sight of Fiona, standing at the back.@@novelbin@@

Her eyes were fixed on him, a storm of unspoken words flickering in her gaze. She seemed almost hesitant, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to reach out but was holding herself back.