The King, the Princess, Zethan, Prince William, the younger prince, and Lilia sat around the grand dining table. The only sounds that filled the room were the soft clinking and clanking of cutlery against plates.
Lilia sat beside Zethan.
Today, everyone sat together—not in Prince William's usual chamber dining hall, where Lilia was used to—but in the main hall.
They ate in silence, tension faintly hanging in the air.
The King had requested everyone to dine together, wanting to use the opportunity to get to know Zethan better—a decision that shocked the entire court, including the king himself.
Every now and then, Zethan would quietly place a piece of meat, chicken, or fish onto Lilia's plate, his actions gentle and thoughtful.
William simply ate. The look on his face was enough to show the shock he still felt from his loss.
The King finally spoke, his voice calm and composed.
