A heavy silence settled over the grand chamber, thick as fog.
Sunlight streamed in through the tall arched windows, but it did little to warm the chill in the air. The air was still, taut with unspoken words. It felt like the room itself was holding its breath.
At the long obsidian table, a tall black-haired noble shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His fingers tapped lightly against the carved wooden armrest—an unconscious display of unease. Finally, he cleared his throat and broke the silence with a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"There's no need to be so tense, is there, Grand Duke?" Marquise Ferdin asked, his voice light, but his shoulders just a little too stiff.
On the other side, seated beneath the imperial crest embroidered behind his throne-like chair, Grand Duke Ruth lifted his gaze slowly. His silver-white hair was immaculately combed back, his crimson eyes sharp and unreadable.
His cold stare cut across the room like a blade.
