Kael's gaze snapped down, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of a delicate hand resting on the scuffed toe of his boot. For a moment, he froze, his entire being focused on the point of contact. The tension in the castle hall was heavy. This was a man who did not take kindly to being touched without permission.

"Who are you?" Kael's voice was low and rough, like the growl of a beast awakened from a deep slumber. His words hung in the air, a challenge that dared the other person to explain themselves.

The person's eyes met Kael's, a spark of curiosity and defiance flashing in her eyes. "I'm...Aria," she replied, her voice sounding nice.

Kael's gaze lingered on Aria's face, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the two simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, without warning, Kael's face twisted into a scowl.

"Who are you, Aria?" he growled, his voice laced with disdain.

Aria's eyes widened in mock innocence as she took a step closer to Kael. "Why are you yelling?" she asked, her voice dripping with fake concern. "I was just trying to help by tying your shoe."

Kael's face turned beet red with rage as he spluttered, "I don't need your help with my shoe!" He took a menacing step closer to Aria, his fists clenched at his sides.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the unfolding drama. A collective gasp echoed through the space.

Aria, seemingly oblivious to the danger, tilted her head to one side and asked, "Are you okay? You seem a little...testy."

The room erupted into a mixture of gasps and snickers, with everyone pitying Aria for her bravery – or foolishness. Kael's anger reached new heights, his eyes blazing with fury as he towered over Aria.

Immediately after she spoke, Aria turned around and left. As she walked away, her hips swayed with a carefree confidence that only served to further enrage Kael. His eyes blazed with fury as he watched her depart, her dismissal of him clear in every step.

The room remained silent, the collective breath of the onlookers held as they awaited Kael's reaction. For a moment, it seemed as though he might explode, his anger reaching a boiling point.

Then, with a sudden movement, Kael turned and stormed out of the hall, his heavy footsteps echoing through the silence.

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and nervous laughter, all eyes fixed on the door through which Kael had departed.

Aria walked calmly out of the hall, a small smile playing on her lips. She seemed entirely unaware of the commotion she had caused, or the danger that she had courted.