-LILIAN-
The hushed murmurs died the moment I stepped across the threshold of the grand dining hall. Every eye in the cavernous room snapped to me, a collective gasp rippling through the assembled Lieges and high-ranking members of Alexander's court.
The clinking of cutlery ceased, and the low hum of conversation evaporated. It was as if a spotlight had been thrown onto me, leaving me exposed under a thousand scrutinizing gazes. The weight of their disdain was almost a physical pressure, pressing in from all sides. I felt like a lamb led to s*******r, dressed in a violet gown that screamed for attention.
Alexander sat at the head of the impossibly long, polished table, a dark, imposing figure on his throne-like chair. His battle mask, a constant figure, was present revealing only his p
