Chapter 54 Onyi's POV
The king stepped forward, a broad smile on his face as he welcomed everyone to the ball. By his side, the queen sat emotionless, her eyes seeming to look through the crowds rather than at them. Her presence was regal but distant, as if she was lost in thoughts far removed from the festivities.
The king's voice boomed across the ballroom, drawing everyone's attention. "Tonight, we gather in splendor and unity," he said. "But tomorrow, we embark on a venture of great importance. Tomorrow, we will march to the temple of the black witches to claim what is rightfully ours – their gold."
A murmur ran through the guests, some looking intrigued, others concerned. The temple of the black witches was rumored to be a place of dark power and danger. Onyi felt a shiver run down his spine at the announcement. He didn't like the sound of this at all.
The king seemed undeterred, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "We will show the black witches the power of our might. We will return with their gold, and our kingdom will be richer for it."
The queen didn't react to the announcement, her expression remaining as emotionless as stone. Onyi wondered what she thought of the king's plans, but her face gave away nothing.
The music started again, and the night swept the guests back into its whirlwind of dance and laughter. But Onyi couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Tomorrow's venture to the temple of the black witches loomed like a shadow over the festivities.