The grand hall was filled with courtiers dressed in dark, opulent robes. The moment Alina entered, the hum of conversation ceased. All eyes turned toward her, some curious, others openly hostile. But it was the figure seated on the black throne at the end of the hall that truly captured her attention.
King Kael was nothing like she had imagined. He was taller and broader than she expected, his presence commanding and intense. His long, raven-black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his sharp, angular features seemed chiseled from stone. But it was his eyes—cold, merciless, like shards of ice—that sent a shiver down her spine.
Kael rose from his throne, his movements smooth and predatory, like a panther ready to pounce. As he approached, the courtiers stepped back, making way for their king. Alina stood her ground, refusing to be cowed by his intimidating aura.
When he finally stopped before her, he did not bow or offer any greeting. Instead, he looked her over with a gaze that was both assessing and dismissive. "So, this is the princess they sent me," he said, his voice low and mocking. "Another sacrificial lamb to appease the so-called peace."
Alina clenched her fists beneath her cloak, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I came here to honor the peace treaty, Your Majesty," she replied, keeping her voice steady.
Kael's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Peace, is it?" he said, leaning closer. "Remember this, Princess Alina: you are not here as my bride. You are here as my prisoner. One wrong move, and you will end up like the others."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence, and a murmur rippled through the crowd. Alina's heart pounded, but she refused to show any sign of fear. She simply nodded, lowering her gaze in a gesture of submission, though inside she burned with anger and humiliation.
"Good," Kael said, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Now, let the celebrations begin."
The crowd erupted into applause, and the tension in the room shifted as the courtiers turned their attention to the feast laid out before them. Kael returned to his throne, his expression inscrutable, while Alina was led away to her seat, a place of honor that felt more like a cage.