Rebirth of the Phantom Empress

Chapter 12 – The Gathering Storm

The air in Mirva's estate buzzed with frantic energy as preparations unfolded. Servants hurried about, polishing silverware, adjusting towering floral arrangements, and ensuring that the banquet hall gleamed under the golden glow of the chandeliers. The scent of roasted meats, spiced wine, and freshly baked pastries wafted through the corridors, mingling with faint traces of wax and lavender oil.

Selene moved through the chaos with calculated grace. She had spent the last few days weaving herself deeper into the fabric of the household, subtly maneuvering events to her advantage. The banquet was not just a lavish display of wealth; it was Mirva's desperate attempt to secure financial support. And Selene intended to use this event to further her own plans.

This was a rare opportunity—a gathering of the most influential figures in the city, including the guest of honour: Lord Kael Draven.

The name meant little to her, but the hushed whispers of the servants spoke volumes. He was a man of immense power, feared and respected in equal measure.

And for reasons yet unknown, he had accepted Lady Mirva's invitation.

Tonight, she was not just another servant; she was a player on the board.

---

**An Unlikely Favor**

Earlier that afternoon, while returning from an errand, Selene found herself in a precarious situation. As she passed through the bustling streets near the merchant quarter, she noticed a commotion—a group of men surrounding an elderly figure in fine robes.

At first, she ignored it. But as she walked by, she caught sight of one of the men attempting to slip his hand into the elder's coin purse.

Something in Selene snapped.

Before she could stop herself, she shifted her weight and deliberately knocked into the thief, sending the pouch flying to the ground. The thief cursed, but before he could react, Selene swiftly picked up the fallen purse and handed it back to the old man.

"My apologies, sir," she said smoothly. "I believe this belongs to you."

The elder studied her, his sharp eyes missing nothing. He turned to the thieves, who, realizing they had lost their opportunity, quickly slinked away into the crowd.

"You have a keen eye," the man mused, dusting off his sleeve. "And quick reflexes. Most would have turned the other way."

Selene inclined her head slightly. "I simply dislike seeing people taken advantage of."

The elder chuckled, a deep, knowing sound. "A rare sentiment in these times." He paused, his gaze lingering on her. "Tell me your name."

"Selene," she answered cautiously.

He nodded, a flicker of interest sparking in his gaze. "I will remember that name."

With a final, thoughtful look, he turned and disappeared into the throng of the market, leaving Selene standing there, a strange sense of foreboding settling in her chest.

Little did she know, she had just unknowingly aided one of the city's most influential figures—a man whose gratitude would not be forgotten.

---

**The Banquet Begins**

Night fell, and the estate transformed into a scene of opulence. Nobles and merchants arrived in carriages lined with gold trim, their extravagant attire shimmering beneath the lantern-lit sky. Mirva greeted them with a saccharine smile, her jewelry-heavy hands gesturing as she poured sweet words and empty promises.

Selene moved like a shadow through the grand hall, dressed in a simple yet pristine servant's uniform. Her eyes scanned the crowd, memorizing faces and gauging dynamics.

Then, the doors opened once more.

A hush spread through the room as a tall figure entered.

Lord Kael Draven.

His presence commanded attention. Dressed in midnight black with silver embroidery, he carried himself with effortless authority that sent whispers rippling through the nobles. Some gawked, others assessed. Mirva, standing near the entrance, barely concealed her delight as she rushed forward to greet him.

Selene watched from a distance, her breath catching slightly.

He was unlike any man she had ever encountered. There was an undeniable sharpness to him—a quiet, restrained power that radiated from every movement.

For the first time since arriving in this city, she felt something stir inside her.

Not fear.

Not awe.

But recognition.

---

**A Fateful Misstep**

As the evening wore on, Selene continued her work, ensuring food and wine flowed without interruption. But she also listened—whispers of trade deals, talks of shifting alliances, and murmurs of a looming conflict between factions.

She gathered everything: every glance, every slip of the tongue.

But then, fate intervened.

While executing her quiet surveillance, she took a wrong turn. The halls of the estate were vast, and in her attempt to navigate through the servant passages, she unknowingly stepped into an unfamiliar room.

The moment she crossed the threshold, she froze.

A figure stood by the window, his silhouette outlined against the moonlit glass.

Lord Kael Draven.

Time stretched unbearably thin as he slowly turned, his cold, piercing gaze locking onto hers, a gaze that felt as if it could cut through the very fabric of her being.

Silence enveloped the space between them, thick and palpable as if the world around them had faded into a muted blur. The air felt heavy, charged with unspoken words and tension that crackled like static.

Selene's pulse quickened, a wild drumbeat in her chest, but she schooled her features into a mask of neutrality, determined to maintain her composure. Lowering her gaze in deference, she moved to step back, a silent retreat from the intensity of his presence.

But then—

"You."

The single word, low and edged with curiosity, stopped her in her tracks.

She hesitated, then met his gaze once more. His expression was unreadable, but there was a spark of intrigue in his eyes.

Selene's breath hitched.

Before she could respond, a voice called out from the hall, breaking the spell.

Selene bowed swiftly and turned, disappearing into the corridors before any further words could be exchanged.

But even as she resumed her duties, her mind remained in that room, replaying that single word.

You.

And somewhere deep inside her, an unsettling realization took root.

This man…

He would not forget her.

And that could change everything.