The King stood up from his seat and moved toward Annalise's direction. The Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess followed suit as they too stood up from their seats but didn't follow the King.
As for Annalise, despite being aware of the custom, she was just unable to move her body. She felt too weak to even think about standing up. So, she kept sitting on her seat as her eyes followed the king who surprised not only her but also her parents as he stopped right in front of her before crouching on the ground.
"Your Majesty..."
"My King?"
Both Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess spoke out almost immediately in surprise and confusion but remained standing next to their seats as the King dismissed their worries with a shake of his hand before he took hold of Annalise's hands in his own and looked directly into her eyes.
