Serena sat there quietly, her food untouched. Her heart was still heavy from what she had just heard.
The queen's words kept echoing in her head...Lady Elara… the love story…
She couldn't even breathe properly. Everything felt strange. The air, the people, even her seat. She looked down at her plate, but the food looked tasteless.
When she lifted her eyes, she saw the queen watching her silently from across the table. There was something in that gaze...maybe disgust. Serena didn't know. She just felt small, unwanted, and out of place.
Her chest tightened.
She couldn't stay there anymore.
She stood up suddenly, bowed deeply to the King and Queen, and said with a trembling voice. "Forgive me, Your Majesty… I must leave."
And before anyone could say a word, she turned and ran from the hall.
"Serena!" Vaelen called after her with a worried voice. His eyes followed her disappearing figure with sadness.
