The grand hallways of the Vermilion Kingdom echoed softly with the footsteps of Nyx, Nathan, and the butler after the silent encounter with the fourth prince, Ainsworth Vermilion. There was tension in the air, and the butler had long noticed this, so he gave the grandfather and granddaughter some space.
Seeing the considerable distance between them, Nathan turned to Nyx, his expression serious as he spoke in a disappointed tone, "You were too prideful back there. I guess it's partly my fault for not telling you earlier. You see, in the entire kingdom, it's a custom to always bow to members of the royal family. It's a sign of resp—"
"Or a weakness?" Nyx sneered, a hint of disgust in her eyes. Her steps didn't falter as she kept her gaze ahead, the opulent castle decorations reflecting in her beautiful black eyes.
