Hati's venomous words hung in the air, a stark contrast to the tranquil music that now felt jarringly out of place.
Queen Ulva, moments before a mere observer, was now the focus of her husband's blistering fury. She flinched, but she didn't break. Her chin remained high and her gaze unwavering as she met the king's radiating anger head-on. She had endured his punishments before, both emotional and physical, and had forged a certain kind of steeliness. It was an armor born from years of resentment and the bitter truth of her own powerlessness.
As Hati commanded her to leave, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of her lips. It was a smile of grim satisfaction that he didn't catch.
She hadn't even been enjoying the dinner, knowing she was a mere replacement for Selene.
