Soraya's POV
The moment the side doors opened and Princess Seraphine stepped forward with Liam and me at her side, the throne room fell into a hush.
It wasn't the usual hush of nobles showing respect.
No.
This silence felt sharper… heavier… like the air itself was watching.
I lifted my head—and my breath tangled in my throat.
Prince Alderon sat beside the King and Queen, bathed in the dignified glow of the royal dais. His silver-blonde hair gleamed beneath the chandelier light, his posture rigid with princely poise.
But his eyes were no longer cold.
They were on me.
Locked. Unmoving.
He didn't even try to hide it. He stared as if seeing me for the first time—even though he'd seen me in countless forms: bruised, muddy, exhausted, furious, stubborn… and now—
Lavender silk.
Soft hair.
A calmness I didn't truly feel.
I forced my chin to remain steady under his gaze.
