Thorin, his posture rigid with the formality befitting a lord of his stature, turned towards Asher.
His voice, cool and detached, broke the silence, "Is there anything else I can help you with, Your Majesty?"
Asher, the corners of his lips tugging upward in a satisfied smile, replied smoothly, "That will be all, Lord Thorne. I shall return to my place now."
With a final, meaningful glance toward Esther, whose discomfort only deepened under his knowing gaze, he turned to leave.
The subtle curl of his lips spoke volumes, leaving an air of unresolved mystery swirling in his wake.
"Fufu...he really did it," Sabina whispered under her breath, her voice a silken thread laced with intrigue. She alluringly licked her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief and anticipation.
No sooner had Asher's silhouette vanished through the grand archway of the castle than Esther, driven by a surge of urgency, hurried to intercept Thorin.
