I got transmigrated with Incubus system-Chapter 10: The Royal dinner 2

The royal dining hall shines with polished silver and crystal, lit by hundreds of magic candles floating below the high ceiling.

Arthur enters confidently, noticing how everyone is seated. His father sits at the head of the table, Queen Isolde on his right with Gareth next to her. Across from Arthur's seat is Lysandra herself, with golden hair and wearing an elegant high-necked blue dress in her family's colors.

"Prince Arthur," the announcer calls out, making everyone look at him.

Arthur bows precisely—just deep enough to show respect without looking weak. "Thank you for inviting me, Father."

King Roderick points to the empty chair. "Sit down, Arthur. You've been away from family gatherings for too long."

As Arthur sits, activating his Emotional Sensing ability, wanting to check how everyone at the table is feeling.

[Energy -5]

[Sensing Active: Range 5m]

[Queen Isolde: Discomfort 75%, Curiosity 40%, Resentment 65%]

[King Roderick: Suspicion 60%, Curiosity 70%, Concern 55%]

[Prince Gareth: Annoyance 80%, Confidence 90%, Jealousy 15%]

[Lady Lysandra: Anxiety 75%, Disgust 65%, Curiosity 45%]

```

This is interesting. Queen Isolde's dislike isn't surprising; she's always preferred Gareth. The King's worry might mean he's becoming less confident in Gareth as his heir. But Lysandra's feelings are most intriguing. Her disgust probably comes from court rumors about Arthur, but her curiosity—that's something Arthur can use.

Up close, she's even more beautiful than he realized. Her golden hair is arranged in a complex braid decorated with tiny blue gems, and her blue eyes, though looking down, are strikingly bright. Her full, naturally pink lips are pressed together, showing her discomfort.

"Wine, Your Highness?" A servant offers a crystal bottle.

"Please." Arthur holds out his glass, then notices Lysandra's empty cup. "Shouldn't Lady Lysandra be served first? That's the custom in Silvermoor, isn't it?"

Her eyes quickly look up at his face, showing surprise. "You know about Silvermoor customs, Your Highness?"

"I've studied many things that others think aren't important," Arthur replies with a small smile.

The servant pours wine for Lysandra, then Arthur. As he takes his filled glass, Arthur's fingers lightly touch Lysandra's, seeming accidental but actually activating his Desire Amplification power through this brief contact.

[Energy -10]

[Desire Amplification: Target - Lysandra]

[Effect: Moderate Success]

```

Her blue eyes widen slightly, and a light blush appears on her cheeks as she quickly pulls her hand away. She takes a sip of wine, maybe trying to hide her reaction, but Arthur notices her throat tighten as she swallows.

"So, Arthur," the King says. "What will you do if you fail the Trial of Arcane Mastery? Your brother has been talking about his plans to expand our military partnerships with House Ironwood."

Arthur takes a slow drink of wine, noticing how Lysandra's eyes linger on his throat as he swallows. "With respect, Father, I prefer to think about succeeding rather than failing. House Blackrose has shown interest in strengthening connections with the crown through my work."

"Valentina Blackrose?" Gareth laughs dismissively, using the same tone he always uses with Arthur.

"She's just keeping her options open, brother. Her spies are everywhere—probably even in your bedroom, I bet."

The rude suggestion hangs in the air. Lysandra's discomfort is obvious as she stares down at her plate.

"Unlike some," Arthur replies calmly, "I don't discuss state secrets in bed."

Gareth grips his knife tightly. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Just that being careful with information is important, even in passionate moments," Arthur says, sounding innocent despite the hidden insult.

He watches Lysandra carefully, noticing how she grips her fork tighter when he hints at Gareth's unfaithful behavior.

[Lysandra: Anxiety 80% ↑, Disgust 60% ↓, Curiosity 55% ↑]

```

Her changing emotions confirm what Arthur suspected—Gareth has shared secrets in bed, possibly with other women.

"You talk about being discreet while you're involved with Blackrose?" Gareth's voice gets louder. "Everyone knows they're just spies with blood on their hands."

Lysandra flinches at his raised voice, a reaction that seems familiar to her. Arthur makes a mental note about Gareth's temper.

"The Trial is coming soon," Queen Isolde cuts in, clearly trying to reduce the tension. "Arthur, have you prepared what you'll show for the magic challenges? Your brother has been working with Master Thorne on some impressive battle spells."

Arthur notices how she deliberately reminds everyone of his magical weakness. "I'm taking a different approach," he says vaguely. "Brute force rarely solves complicated problems."

"An excuse for being weak," Gareth mutters, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Gareth," King Roderick warns. "Show respect at my table."

Arthur notices how quickly the King defends him—unusual and promising. Maybe his father isn't as committed to Gareth as he thought.

"Lady Lysandra," Arthur says, changing the subject. "I understand you've mastered the third level of divine magic at a very young age. That's quite impressive."

Lysandra looks up, genuinely surprised that he knows about her achievements. "Thank you, Your Highness. Though it's just dedication rather than special talent."

"Not true," Arthur insists. "The Silvermoor records show only six mages in your family have achieved such mastery before turning twenty. You're the seventh."

Her blush deepens, and she actually smiles—a small but real expression that makes her face not just beautiful but radiant.

"You've read the Silvermoor archives?" she asks.

"A fascinating collection," Arthur confirms. "I especially enjoyed reading about your great-grandmother's advances in healing magic during the Plague of Weeping Stars."

Gareth interrupts with an exaggerated sigh. "Do we have to discuss ancient history? Lysandra's talents are best used for producing heirs and supporting my reign, not dwelling on dead relatives."

The light in Lysandra's eyes fades, her smile disappearing completely. Arthur feels genuinely angry at his brother's casual cruelty, surprised by his own reaction. Is this protectiveness part of his incubus nature, or something from his former self?

Queen Isolde cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should discuss the upcoming Solstice Ball instead? Lady Lysandra, I understand your gown is being crafted by the royal seamstress."

As the conversation shifted to safer topics, Arthur maintained strategic eye contact with Lysandra, never long enough to draw attention but sufficient to establish a connection. By the time dessert arrived—poached pears in honey wine—he had counted three instances where she initiated eye contact with him.

Queen Isolde clears her throat. "Perhaps we should discuss the upcoming Solstice Ball instead? Lady Lysandra, I understand the royal seamstress is making your gown."

As the conversation moves to safer topics, Arthur makes strategic eye contact with Lysandra, never long enough for others to notice but enough to create a connection. By the time dessert arrives—poached pears in honey wine—she has initiated eye contact with him three times.

"If you'll excuse me," Arthur says after finishing his dessert, standing gracefully. "I have Trial preparations that need my attention."

"Always studying," Gareth laughs. "Books won't help you in a test of magical power, brother."

Arthur smiles, though it doesn't reach his eyes. "We all use the weapons we have, don't we?" His gaze briefly moves to Lysandra. "Lady Lysandra, you might want to visit the palace library sometime. I've found some fascinating texts on Silvermoor history that could interest you."

The invitation seems innocent enough that Gareth can't object, but Lysandra's slightly parted lips tell Arthur she understands what he's really suggesting.

"Perhaps I will, Your Highness," she replies softly.

As Arthur bows and leaves, he feels multiple people watching him—his father thoughtfully, Gareth suspiciously, and Lysandra with curiosity. A successful first move in this game.

At the dining hall doorway, he suddenly feels a strong surge of emotion that isn't his own, flowing through his blood bond.

```

[Blood Sense Active: Valentina Blackrose]

[Emotions Detected: Jealousy 85%, Suspicion 70%, Desire 60%]

``

The intensity of the emotion almost makes Arthur stumble. A quick vision flashes in his mind: seeing the dining hall as if through a servant's eyes. One of Valentina's spies has been watching, and she's monitoring through their connection.

Arthur keeps his face calm as he leaves the hall. The blood bond is more invasive than he realized. He'll need to be careful—Valentina Blackrose doesn't like to share, and he just showed interest in another woman.