SOLANA
I was doing everything Roman told me to do, including breathing, staying close, and smiling politely. But the tension in the air felt like a boulder pressing down on my chest.
I couldn't stop thinking about Esme's reaction, Roman's trembling, and the king's strange familiarity. Even the queen's eyes occasionally landed on me with a look that indicated that I was an insect wearing a dress too expensive for its species.
Still... I held Roman's hand. I didn't let go for a second. The moment the servants poured wine into our glasses, Queen Ophelia's chair slid back with a loud scrape. Totally far from elegant.
"Oh! Careful with the wine," she cooed, leaning across the table as though she was about to whisper to my husband. My instincts were on high alert. Her hand reached forward.
