For a moment, no one in the hall spoke.
Even the vampire lords, who had been speaking in hushed tones amongst themselves, fell into utter silence, their gazes snapping toward the raised dais where King Zyren sat with Aria on his lap. The weight of expectation seemed to choke the air, thickening it until even breath felt unnatural.
Aria, who had been reaching for a piece of fruit from the grand silver platter before her, froze mid-motion. Her fingers curled slowly inward, retreating to her lap as her gaze flicked up beneath her lashes toward Zyren, bracing herself.
"I agree! It's been a while we had one!" Zyren's deep voice echoed through the long hall, sharp and clear. Every syllable struck like a hammer, cracking the oppressive stillness. "Send one to the Castle butlers!" he commanded, his cold eyes drifting toward the head servant, who stood beside him with her head bowed in reverence.
