The tension in the room was palpable, hanging in the air like a thick fog. The lady turned around, her movements graceful and serene. Ashlee’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of her. The queen radiated a beauty so profound that Ashlee wondered how anyone could possess such a mesmerizing presence. The queen was the most stunning woman Ashlee had ever seen.
“Uh…” Kelzriss shifted on his feet, tapping his leg nervously before dropping to one knee in a formal greeting. “Greetings, your highness,” he said, his voice steady but laced with a tension Ashlee could almost taste.
Ashlee, determined not to appear less formal, bowed instead of kneeling, her movement precise and respectful. The queen’s lips curled into a subtle smile, the tiniest of expressions that carried more w
