The crowd parted for him, their heads lowering in submission, but I couldn't move. My legs felt like lead, my pulse thundering in my ears as his piercing gaze found mine instantly.
"Your Majesty," Atlas said, his voice sharp and measured, though the tension in his posture was unmistakable.
But Vincent ignored him, his intense eyes locking onto me. "Pardon my late entry," he said smoothly, though his tone carried a sharp edge.
"We thought you'd decided not to show up," Atlas replied, a knowing smile tugging at his lips, though his eyes narrowed slightly.
Vincent smirked, shifting his gaze briefly to Atlas before returning to me. "I would never miss the celebration of my most feared and respected general." His words dripped with both mockery and challenge.
