Everyone sat down as King Aden took his seat. Rhynera expected Prince Adam to pull out her chair, but he ignored her and took his seat. A guard stepped in to help her instead. Rhynera's body ached, but she didn't complain, trying to please the king and queen.
"Welcome, Crown Princess," Queen Sephora said with a warm smile. "You look lovely, just like a true princess of Deakonia."
Rhynera forced a smile, glancing at Prince Adam, who refused to meet her gaze. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It's all thanks to Prince Adam's... efforts," she said, trying to hide her discomfort.
The queen beamed, patting Prince Adam's hand. "Isn't he just wonderful?"
Ashen and Lumina approached their seats, but something was off. For the first time in years, a space had been left between them and the others. Ashen hesitated, taken aback.
Just then, Aurelia's voice cut through the air.
