At the royal family's private dining hall, casting a warm glow over the ornately set table. Crystal goblets glinted alongside fine china plates, each bearing an array of delectable breakfast fare. Flaky pastries, fresh fruit, and the rich scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air, belying the palpable tension that hung over the gathering.
At the head of the table, Queen Lyra sat ramrod straight, her expression carefully neutral as she observed her children. To her right, Princess Elara picked at a croissant, her appetite seemingly nonexistent. Beside her, Prince Darion scowled into his tea, his knuckles white where they gripped the delicate porcelain cup.
At the opposite end of the table, the youngest royal, Princess Cora, chatted animatedly, seemingly oblivious to the strained atmosphere. "And then the stable boy showed me the most darling foal! Its coat was the color of spun gold, Mother, you simply must come see it with me."
