The spiral staircase opened up to a spacious hall with more than enough sofas to accommodate twenty people at the same time. To the left was where the sound of cutlery and chatter was coming from; the dreaded dining hall.
Willow was right. There were certainly some familiar faces, and even the expressions they were upon seeing Alyna were exactly as they were back then.
"Your highness has graced us with her presence. Should we stand and be courteous to you?" A snarky remark came even before Alyna took a seat.
Willow pushed her down on the seat and pinched her in warning to stay calm. Alyna smiled politely and reassured her with a nod.
As soon as Willow sat down, Alyna turned to the person who made the remark and said, "Go ahead, Chelsey."
"Hm?" Chelsey looked up from her plate, al
