Chapter 1259:

Edward’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “As if they could cage me.” Elyse laughed softly.

When they’d finished eating, Edward guided them to Louise and Garret, who were conversing with Chesney. Nearby, another figure was deep in discussion, her back turned, hinting at a tall, statuesque woman silhouetted in elegance.

“Who is that?” Elyse whispered to Jayden, her curiosity piqued.

Jayden narrowed his eyes, his brow furrowing in thought. “She looks familiar. I believe I saw her at the morning celebration.”

Edward overheard their quiet exchange and leaned in with a faint smile. “That’s Rebecca, queen of the neighboring kingdom.”

The sound of her name reached Rebecca’s ears, and she turned, her gaze meeting Elyse’s with deliberate, almost feline grace.

She wore a flowing gown of deep purple, her hair swept into a flawless updo; it seemed sculpted. Her bright, piercing eyes held a quiet strength, softened only by the elegance that surrounded her like an aura.

For a moment, surprise flickered across Rebecca’s face as her gaze settled on Elyse. Then, her lips curved into a knowing, warm smile. “Edward,” she intoned, her voice smooth yet commanding, “and who might these two be?”

Edward stepped forward, every inch the gracious host. “Allow me to introduce Jayden Owen, a cornerstone in the peace accords. And this is Elyse Lloyd, the victor of the Swan Cup.”

Rebecca inclined her head, her gaze unwavering. “Ah, so you’re the young violinist who played this morning. Your music was exquisite, truly unforgettable.”

Elyse blinked, caught off guard, her surprise quickly blossoming into delight. “Your words are too kind. I’ll strive to live up to such praise.”

Rebecca’s smile lingered, her eyes still on Elyse; warm, yet so sharp they seemed to see through her.

Sensing an almost imperceptible tension in Rebecca’s gaze, Elyse shifted slightly, as if to ease an invisible weight.

Catching Elyse’s subtle movement, Rebecca turned back to her conversation with Louise and the others, her graceful retreat no less imposing.

Edward steered Elyse and Jayden toward a secluded lounge.

“I’ll need to pay a brief visit to Rebecca,” Edward explained. “You two can make yourselves comfortable here. I’ll return shortly.”

As soon as Edward departed, Elyse exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her shoulders visibly relaxing.

Jayden observed her, tilting his head curiously. “Are you all right? Something seems off.”

Elyse nodded slowly. “Yes… well, no. It’s hard to explain.” There was something about Rebecca’s gaze that felt unnerving.