The room had emptied slowly with people murmuring in disbelief, shooting death glances at Anana as they left the East Court. The announcement Lucien had made still rang in every mind like a gong struck too hard.
“She is mine.”
The words circled Anana like a storm she couldn’t step out of.
She sat motionless beside the now-empty throne chair, her breath shallow, her skin prickling with heat and confusion. Lucien had already turned from her, walking toward the tall exit doors with measured steps, like nothing had just happened. He hadn’t spared her a glance since that explosive declaration.
He disappeared beyond the stone arch without looking back.
And still, Anana sat.
It wasn’t until Ira approached and gestured firmly with a nod toward the door that Anana finally stood, limbs slow an
