The crown prince sank into a dark red velvet-covered couch in the queen's lavish drawing room, his posture both regal and casual as he swirled the ruby-colored wine in his glass. He accepted the drink from one of the queen's maids with a curt nod, though the tension in the air made it clear he found little pleasure in the moment.
Behind him stood a line of young maids, their heads bowed low as if trying to make themselves invisible. Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads, betraying their unease.
None of them dared to look up, their discomfort palpable in the heavy silence of the room. They longed to flee from the oppressive atmosphere, but the crown prince had deliberately refrained from dismissing them.
He didn't want to be the sole witness to the grotesque events unfolding beyond the tall double doors of the queen's chamber.
