The King's reassuring words, "You and your family are under my protection," seemed to help Alina relax a little. She took a deep, calming breath. She still looked a bit nervous, but more focused. You could almost feel how important this moment was, knowing her words could change a lot.
"My Lord King," Alina began, her voice a little shaky at first but getting stronger, "where… where should I start telling this whole story?."
King Noor IV thought about her question for a few seconds, looking thoughtful. He needed a clear story, in order, starting from when Eric's actions might have made the Empire angry.
"Tell me," he said, his voice calm and even, "how you and Prince Eric reached the Roland Kingdom. Begin there. After that, detail all subsequent incidents as clearly and precisely as you can remember them."
