People stopped whatever they were doing. Conversations ceased, drinks overflowed, and people gawked. Their gaze fell on Aaran and then on Amara and Lucien.
It wasn't until the Emperor moved to greet his in-laws that the public breathed. However, Aaran remained cold, just as the Emperor had told him to act.
"Welcome, King Aurelia, Queen Aurelia. Please come inside."
The Emperor intentionally addressed them as Aurelia, as if to create a distance between them and Aaran.
Amara smiled, grabbed Lucien's hand, and walked in. But they weren't alone. Analeis followed them inside. The knights hadn't forgotten her. Years ago, when she was kicked out, they had sent many knights and hounds after her, but none of them returned.
One knight raised his sword, pointing at Analeis. The attendees were excited to see a fight when Analeis smiled.
"Shall we take this outside?" she asked.
