A soft blush colored my cheeks, and I met his gaze with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. The king's compliment, uttered with such sincerity, created a moment suspended in time. The grandeur of the dining hall faded into the background, leaving only Liam and me, connected by an unspoken understanding.
As Diana gracefully withdrew, leaving us alone in the regal setting, Liam approached with a gentleness that belied his stature. He extended his arm, an invitation for me to join him at the table.
"Please, my queen, allow me the honor of your company," he spoke with a courtly charm, his eyes never leaving mine.
I accepted his arm, and together we took our places at the lavishly set table. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, creating a tapestry of shadows that danced on the
