The air in the dining hall had thickened, growing heavier than blood, and Alexandra could barely swallow her food. The man named Kingsley had fallen silent, a brooding presence in the corner of the room. Herrera and Karen exchanged words, their voices like distant whispers. Aunt Monica, however, remained fixated on her meal, chewing methodically, seemingly indifferent to the tension around her.
"You know how overprotective parents can be. They want us back home right after the wedding," Cleo sighed as she began packing up her things. Alexandra and her twin sister, Cloe, were sharing a room—the one provided for them during their stay in the castle.
"It's alright," Alexandra chuckled softly, glancing at the girls as they folded their clothes into neat bundles. "I'm surprised they even let you stay this long after the wedding," she said with a warm smile, rising to her feet as they finished up.
