"How long do we have to endure this torment?" Gloria asked softly. It was difficult to relax when every glance in the hall seemed to land on her, weighing her down like chains of expectation.
"Just a little longer," Ren murmured. "You know why we're doing this."
Soon after, a small group of noble ladies approached, their smiles painted on with practiced ease. They curtsied and exchanged pleasantries, their words polite but their eyes probing. Ren and Gloria responded with equal grace, playing the game.
Across the hall, Kai stood near the King, quietly discussing the next phase of their strategy. But his attention wavered when he noticed something, or someone, approaching from the corner of his eye.
Chancellor Oka.
He was moving slowly, deliberately, closing in like a shadow that refused to be ignored.
Kai leaned toward the King. "When are we going to deal with this one?"
The King's lips curled into a cold smile. "Tomorrow will be a harsh day."
