?<strong>Chapter 1259:</strong>


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


    When they’d finished eating, Edward guided them over to Louise and Garret, who were engaged in conversation with Chesney. Nearby, another figure was deep in discussion, her back turned, giving only the hint of a tall, statuesque woman silhouetted in elegance.


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


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


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


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


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


    For a moment, surprise flickered across Reba’s face as her gaze settled on Elyse. Then, her lips curved into a smile, both knowing and warm. “Edward,” she intoned, her voice smooth yetmanding, “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 ords. And this is Elyse Lloyd, the victor of the Swan Cup.”


    Reba inclined her head, her gaze never wavering. “Ah, so you’re the young violinist who yed 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.”


    Reba’s smile lingered, her eyes still on Elyse. Warm, yet so sharp that they seemed to see through her.


    Sensing an almost imperceptible tension in Reba’s gaze, Elyse shifted slightly, as if to ease the invisible weight pressing on her.


    Catching Elyse’s subtle movement, Reba 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 Reba,” Edward exined. “You two can make yourselvesfortable here. I’ll return shortly.”


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


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


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


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