Naria's heart pounded as she entered the grand hall. It was filled with guards and high-ranking officials, all of whom were eyeing her with suspicion. The walls of the hall were adorned with gold, and the ceiling was so high that it seemed to stretch on forever. The grandeur of the hall only served to amplify Naria's feelings of unease.
She walked towards the altar where a man who looked like the king sat in his imposing chair. His short black hair and red eyes seemed to bore into Naria, and she felt as if she was being judged.
Who's this? He asked in a cold voice.
The whispers of the people in the hall only added to her discomfort.
"She looks like a commoner," the man frowned in disgust.
As he examined her, Naria could feel the weight of his scrutiny. She tried to stand tall and composed, but her back was drenched in sweat. Then Raiver walked in beside her, and Naria felt a flicker of relief.
