I said nothing, maintaining a studied silence despite the fiery gazes that bored into my small frame. The atmosphere was thick with tension, a palpable weight that threatened to suffocate the room.
Before it could become unbearable, one of the three children—the one who appeared oldest, perhaps thirteen or fourteen—clapped his hands once, sharply. Some eyes shifted towards him, finally breaking their focus on me, but others remained stubbornly fixed.
"We're all very busy people," he announced, his voice smooth and confident. "If Uncle permits, we can discuss the matter at hand."
"Sit," the Duke commanded, gesturing with a subtle flick of his hand towards the ornate sofa opposite his own. The three children moved with practiced grace, sitting with impeccable posture.
"Thank you for the warm greeting despite the abrupt visit, Uncle," the golden-haired boy said, a disarming smile gracing his lips.
