Andrew Rozek “The Banquet” Short Story Contest Submission 11/3/23
The Banquet “The banquet is set to begin in fifteen minutes, your majesty,” I stared up at the queen’s towering figure. “The butterfly liaison council will be arriving shortly.” “I’m aware, but thank you, Borle,” she slid white gloves over her black claws. “Shall we start heading to the banquet hall and make sure everything is in order?” “Yes, your majesty,” holding open the door, I let the queen walk into the hall and quickly followed behind her. Her steps were made gracefully but with great purpose, and I had trouble keeping up with my short stature. “I hope they have the flowers in perfect order, I truly didn’t send out a team of thieves to take those for nothing,” the queen scowled. “I also hope they’re the correct flowers. The butterflies grow a great variety of them, but I specifically requested they take milkweed.” “If you don’t mind my asking, why milkweed?” I pulled out the notepad kept in my coat pocket, ready to write down any information on butterflies I could get. The queen and other officials in the castle often rely on me to relay quick information, and thus, I take notes on whatever I can and carry those notes on me. “It’s their favorite. A real delicacy among their people, but the royal family is especially fond of it. Using these flowers will give us the highest chance of success, and it’s quite ironic if their fondness of this delicacy is what gets them killed, is it not?” “I guess so, your majesty,” I wrote down what the queen had told me. “You sound unsure. Why’s that?” the question sent a shiver throughout my wings. “Ah, well…” I innocently raised my gaze up to the queen. “I understand that it’s far too late to cancel the event, and that is not my request by any means, but your majesty, do you truly believe that this is the best way to go about things?” “Are you questioning my authority?” the queen stopped in her tracks, menacingly staring down at me. “Not at all, your majesty!” I raised my hands defensively. “I just…it is certainly true that they’ve committed very cruel acts against our people, however, I don’t feel like retaliating with violence is the answer.” “If they killed our people, don’t they deserve to die also? How many moths have died to the hands of those wretched butterflies? How are we to avenge our dead if they don’t experience a similar level of cruelty?” her tone was cold and condescending, cutting through the silence of the hallway. “I understand where you’re coming from, Queen Anastera, I just wish-”
“There’s nothing for you to wish, Borle. Your job is to assist me, not make decisions for me. What I say goes, and you are to attend this banquet and see it through. Is that clear?” “...yes, your majesty.” We resumed walking, even faster than we had been before. We strolled past various guards assuming their positions to prepare for the banquet, and I nodded at them cordially, both of us aware of the event about to occur. The queen didn’t acknowledge them. I checked my watch. “Ten minutes, your majesty.” “Yes, Borle.” The silence between us was only bearable due to the chatter coming from the now near banquet hall. The doors were already open, and the queen and I walked in, taking in the sights. To say that the banquet hall was enticing is an understatement. The large mahogany table and red tablecloth were as it always was, a staple of moth culture, but the wallpaper had been replaced. It was now adorned with a vibrant floral pattern, complimenting the beautiful flowers on the table. The plants were milkweed just as the queen wished, in enticing shades of purple, red and white, their sweet fragrance permeating the hall. “Your majesty!” one of our many event coordinators ran up to the queen. “Are the preparations satisfactory?” “Incredibly,” the queen smiled, pleased. “Even I am beginning to salivate at the smell of these flowers. I’m glad that such high quality milkweed was able to be gathered.” “Only the best for you, your majesty,” the coordinator bowed. “We’ll be heading out shortly. The banquet is sure to be successful.” “Thank you,” the queen nodded and turned back to me. “Do you need one last explanation of how this is going to play out?” “No, I’m aware, your majesty,” I shook my head. “I feel bad that these beautiful decorations and arrangements are going to be ruined. I know it’s made to appeal to the culture and inclinations of a butterfly, but as you mentioned, even I find myself enticed.” “I’m sure it’ll look better once their blood has stained everything.” The queen walked away from me after that, starting conversation with the guards that were set to stand around her while the banquet went on. Left aimless, I checked my watch again. Five minutes. The butterfly liaison council should have entered the castle and began their escort to the banquet hall by now. They’d be here any second and the banquet would begin. I looked over at the queen, reluctant to head back to her side. I trusted her, and I knew that in the end, this was the way things were to be, but still couldn’t shake the idea from my head that violence wasn’t the answer. After the cruelties the butterflies committed to our people, why should we be cruel back? Maybe that’s just the nature of war, however. “Everyone, I suggest we take our seats. The butterfly liaison council is approaching this room as we speak, and the more orderly and presentable we are, the better we will be able to take them by surprise,” the queen announced. I approached and took my seat next to her, the rest of the room following in silence.
The queen waited before speaking again, “I know many of you are quite excited for this banquet, but we all must strike together so as the ensure our success. Signals will be given by my guards and I, and please recall the code words and terms that we have previously discussed, as I’ll be using them to pace us.” A small murmur of agreement rose around the table. “Perfect. I trust that everyone here will perform spectacularly, and that our feast tonight shall be great. Small chatter is allowed from here on out, but please fall silent as soon as the butterfly liaison council arrives and the banquet truly begins. Thank you.” The rest of the moths at the table clapped quietly before delving into their own conversations. I checked my watch one last time. “Two minutes, your majesty.” “Yes, Borle,” the queen smiled at me. “I know I’ve been harsh, and while I am requiring you to attend this banquet, I truly will not give you any penalty if you choose not to participate.” “Thank you, your majesty,” I smiled, although, my eyebrows were furled. “I understand that it’s important to our fight, but this is not something I can do with my own hands.” “I understand,” the queen set her hand over mine on the table. Her claws were still visible despite the glove that covered them, and I felt a little sick, knowing what those claws were going to do shortly. “Even without this banquet on your record, you are still invaluable in fighting this war. The butterflies will surely fall soon enough.” “That I hope for, your majesty.” “Yes, however, do hush now. I hear them approaching. And although your claws aren’t striking butterfly flesh tonight, please, Borle. Never forget the moth.” The butterfly liaison council came in through the door at the moment, escorted by guards, and our queen was quick to welcome them. “Welcome! Please take a seat wherever you see fit. I promise we don’t bite.”