Liria trailed behind Daena, her thoughts swirling. She was exhausted, mentally and physically, but the promise of food dangled like a distant beacon of hope. Yet, a nagging sense of dread gnawed at her stomach, making her wonder if she'd even be able to eat.
As they stepped into the grand dining hall, Liria froze. Queen Verida and Queen Nyssara were seated at the long table, their regal postures unwavering. Enara lounged nearby, elegantly picking at a plate of fruit, her midnight eyes flicking toward Liria with a hint of curiosity.
"Good morning," Verida said, her deep voice cutting through the air like a blade. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly. "I trust you both slept well… or not, judging by the explosion we all heard in the dead of night?"
Liria swallowed hard, her steps faltering. Ananara, who had been perched smugly on her shoulder, whispered mockingly, "Oh, look. They noticed. Shocker."
