The hallway seemed to narrow as Velmar stepped closer, each step echoing like a challenge struck into the marble.
His guards flanked him, all clad in red and silver, clearly expecting trouble, or perhaps hoping for it.
"Do you think," Velmar began, voice smooth and sharp, "that just because you've charmed her with that brooding face and rebel attitude, you understand what it means to stand beside royalty?"
Alex didn't answer.
Zahara stepped forward, but Velmar lifted a hand without looking at her. "Please, Princess. You've always had a kind heart, even to strays. But this... this is beyond pity, isn't it?"
Lilia made a sound—half a snort, half a growl—but Mira gently caught her arm.
Alex hadn't said anything yet, and Mira, knowing Alex, was sure he wasn't going to stay quiet forever.
Lilia also knew it but couldn't tolerate how the guy talked.
The silence, however, wasn't broken.
