Servants came along, carrying trays loaded with different kinds of food.
Eliora picked up her fork and began to eat, trying to calm the knot in her stomach.
As she looked over the crowded hall, she caught sight of her parents waving at her and smiled back.
Beside her, Zarek was talking to two council members, a man she didn't recognise and a noticeably graceful woman.
Eliora didn't care about their politics. She just wanted the noise to stop. Surprisingly the woman turned to her and offered a sweet smile.
"My queen. I am Haleen, a member of the Council. I must say, you are a very stunning woman."
Eliora blinked in surprise. She did not expect a council member to speak to her so warmly, especially not one of the beasts, but she remembered her lessons. She lifted her chin and spoke with grace.
"Thank you, Councilwoman Haleen. Your words are kind."
Deep down, she knew she could not trust anyone in Volkar, and especially not smiling members of the king's council.
