窃情谋欲

The zoo was crowded. Very crowded. It was bustling with dwarves, elves, dark elves, humans, and many other races.

There was a large aquarium at the entrance of the zoo, the very first thing they saw entering through the gates. Wild dolphin-like things with larger fins and happy puppy face swam happily around the water, exciting the audience.

"That's the Aguilirian Blue Hylark," said the hero. "They are happy creatures but hunt in packs and can tear apart a blue whale in just seconds. Very dangerous creatures." He shook his head.

"You are knowledgeable," Danielle acknowledged.

"Thanks," Calen smiled. "I love reading books and exploring the world." He was finally happy to receive a compliment from her after trying so hard for the last few hours and he craved more of it.

He then named the next set of cages like he had read the bestiary or something. 

They walked through the rows of cages, observing various exotic creatures from all corners of the realm. Calen continued to share his knowledge, occasionally pointing out interesting facts about each creature they encountered. Danielle found herself slowly warming up to his presence, acknowledging his genuine passion for exploration and learning but otherwise, annoying personality.

As they approached a large enclosure housing a magnificent creature with shimmering golden feathers, Calen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Behold, the Sylverian Phoenix," he announced. "Legend has it that its feathers possess extraordinary healing properties. They are said to bring good fortune and grant wishes to those who possess them."

Danielle was captivated by the Phoenix's beauty, its wings spreading in a graceful display as it soared through the air within its spacious enclosure. She couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder, contemplating the possibilities held within the realm of myth and legend.

Aurelia, always the curious one, leaned closer to Calen and asked, "Do you think we could get a feather? It would make a marvelous gift for our parents."

Calen's expression turned pensive as he considered the request. "Obtaining a Sylverian Phoenix feather is not an easy task. They are incredibly rare and highly protected. But... I know someone who might be able to help."

Intrigued by Calen's suggestion, Danielle inquired, "Who is this person? And how can they assist us?"

"Uh huh," Calen taunted with his finger. "That is highly classified. How can I share it for free?"

"So, what do you want us to do in return?"

"Well, I don't know if you are aware of this, but the city is having a carnival today. I was planning to attend the carnival. And the banquet after that. I want a partner for the masquerade party. Join me and the feather is yours." He extended his hand toward Danielle, who looked at him like he was the most ridiculous person in the world.

"No. Obviously no." She sneered at him. "Masquerade party, huh? I would rather be with a wild dolphin than you." She ridiculed him.

"you--" Calen, wanted to beat this woman down, to pin her down and smack the shit out of her. The images of someone beating him blindfolded resurfaced, making him more angry.

'You came from nothing, you are nothing.' The words resounded through him like the whole universe was taunting him.

He bite down the anger in him just as he and the ladies heard a small chuckle from the left side.

They all looked at the voice and found a woman, an elf, with her face covered with a silk veil, subtly giggling with her hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just taken aback by this lady's reply. Not to offend you or something," she raised her hands in defense.

"Not at all," Calen said. He was curious about her. She was pretty. So pretty. He knew who she was, just as Aurelia knew her. The brute of a man behind her was evidence of her identity.

Lumiere, the ice princess.

...

Calen's eyes widened with surprise as he recognized the woman before them. Lumiere, the ice princess of the Winter Kingdom, was known for her striking beauty and cold demeanor. Her presence alone commanded attention, and it was evident that she held a certain level of power and influence. Her beauty, just like her mother, was rumored to wage wars across kingdoms if ever they were exposed to the outer world.

Aurelia's eyes widened in excitement as she whispered to Danielle, "That's Lumiere, the ice princess! What is she doing here?"

Danielle's curiosity was piqued as well. Lumiere's reputation preceded her, and it was rare to see her outside the Winter Kingdom. She wondered what had brought Lumiere to the zoo, and why she was observing their conversation.

Calen, always eager to make connections, stepped forward and greeted Lumiere with a polite bow. "Princess Lumiere, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you here. Might I inquire about the reason for your visit?"

Lumiere's gaze shifted from Calen to Danielle, her eyes briefly studying her. "I was simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the zoo, savoring the sights and sounds. And it seems I stumbled upon an interesting conversation."

"Ah, I see," Calen nodded enthusiastically. 

Calen observed the brute of a man beside her. Derick Esteria, the werewolf. More than him being the top contender of the Winter Kingdom to win the tournament, what made Calen's blood boil was the fact this brute of a man was the one who was going to wed her, the most beautiful lady in the entire realm.

There was nothing he would give just to see her face under her veil. He decides to drop his conquest on Danielle and formed a quick plan to seduce the ice princess.

"Ah, this is my fiance, Derick Esteria. He's one of the competitors from my kingdom." She gestured at the man behind her, who was stoic and silent like a statue.

"A pleasure," He curtly replied.

"Ah, I'm Aurelia. This is my best friend Danielle and this, young gentleman is...er..." She looked at Calen like she doesn't know his name.

"Calen," he said. "Calen of Aldmoor."

Derick's eye landed on him the moment he said his name. Obviously, he had heard about him. Like him, Lumiere furrowed, seeing the young man. She was aware of him, the most dangerous man in the entire tournament.

Calen also held Derick's gaze, like he was aware of what he was thinking. He had a small smile tugged on his lips.

Oblivious to all of them, the most dangerous of the young generation was simply watching them from afar with a small smile on his face, waiting for the perfect opportunity to enter the chat.