The moment the dowager queen exited the dining hall, the air shifted.
What had been taut with restraint loosened—but not into comfort. Instead, it thinned, stretched tight by words left unsaid.
Lady Rhaelynn was the first to rise.
She smoothed her skirts, chin lifted, eyes glinting faintly as though she had not lost a single battle this morning. Her pride and ego was everything to her, and if she hated Aurelia now, it has been upgraded to sheer loathing.
Selene followed a step behind her, silent as ever, head bowed in practiced deference. As they passed Aurelia, Selene inclined her head slightly. A courtesy. Nothing more.
The doors closed behind them with a muted thud.
Silence followed.
Soren exhaled slowly through his nose, rubbing a hand over his jaw. Daeron, entirely unbothered, leaned back in his chair and reached for his wine again, swirling the deep red liquid in his goblet like the morning had been nothing but entertainment.
