"The next matter concerns her."
Kyren's arm extended toward Athillia. But the Bargesian Princess kept her gaze lowered, still drifting in her own thoughts while her face shadowed with gloom.
All eyes fell upon the young princess.
"Athillia, what troubles you?" asked the grand duke, noticing the heaviness in her expression.
She gave no reply, her drooping eyes lost in contemplation.
"Athillia!"
Callis lightly patted her shoulder, jolting her back to the moment.
"Huh?" The Brgesian Princess blinked, turning to the Mederian princess in confusion.
"His Highness is calling you!" Callis whispered urgently.
Startled, Athillia turned and found everyone staring at her.
"Are you all right?" asked the grand duke, his tone laced with concern.
Matthew's expression darkened. The mere fact that Kyren called the teenager by her first name unsettled him. It suggested familiarity, perhaps even closeness… Too close.
"I-I'm all right!" Athillia stammered.
