"But—"
Before I could say anything, Zora came to hold my shoulder, looking at me as she shook her head, after which she focused on the king as she spoke.
"It was an honor meeting you all."
After she said this, Zora went away with the maid, leaving me to the eyes of all the ones gathered in the hall. I kept a small light smile on my face as Queen Elenara spoke.
"My... my, you are more handsome than the rumors. Why don't you take a seat before we all talk?"
With such simple words, she defused the entire bad atmosphere, lightening up the serious situation as I responded.
"Thank you, and you are more beautiful than all the rumors speak of, Queen Elenara."
With that small yet respectful reply, I took a seat against all of them. The eyes of all four focused on me, but my main focus was on the king's sister Valdris, one of the capture targets and one linked to my bloodline. Thankfully, she isn't in a relationship at all. This time, it's a widow that I will have to deal with.
