The words struck like a thunderclap, shattering the fragile tension and plunging the room into chaos.
Gasps and murmurs erupted around us once again, but all I could hear was the deafening roar of my own heartbeat.
My vision swam, my knees threatening to buckle beneath me as Vincent's grip on my hand turned painfully tight. His composed mask was slipping, the cracks revealing the storm brewing beneath. He turned to Atlas, his voice calm but laced with something far worse than venom
"What did you just say?" Vincent growled.
"That I wish to take Lady Iris as my wife."
"You dare to make such a request?" Vincent said, his tone cold enough to freeze the room. "You think you can demand the hand of my intended in front of the entire court?"
Atlas remained unbothered, his smirk only deepening. He stood tall, his presence unshakable, and his eyes locked on Vincent's with unyielding confidence.
