AT THE SAME TIME
MICHAEL
The tension had just begun to dissolve, Terrence cracking a rare grin, Xavier muttering something about diplomacy manuals being rewritten, and Zavier tugging me close so he could quietly murmur about how 'public alpha pissing contests' should be banned by divine law when the courtyard doors opened again. Every head turned. The music faltered mid note. Even Rose, who'd been halfway through teasing Charlie about his 'fan club,' went still. A herald's voice rang out across the marble hall, clear and pompous as a bell.
"Announcing Her Royal Highness, Princess Wanessa of the Northern Dominion."He said.
And then she appeared. Silver gown, pale as starlight. Long braid that shimmered like ice. Shoulders bare, chin high, smile carved with surgical precision. She didn't walk she glided straight through the crowd like she owned it, which, to be fair, she almost did. Charlie froze mid-gesture, still holding his crumpled napkin shield.
