King Lioness stood calmly as the echo of swords faded, his piercing golden eyes still on the two girls. The energy between them was still palpable, like the final notes of a beautiful but dangerous symphony.
He let out a quiet exhale and turned slightly as he heard someone call out behind him.
"Your Majesty," said a soft, elegant voice.
He turned.
There she was.
Serene, composed—Gloria. Her long dark hair framed her face neatly, and her amber eyes radiated calm confidence behind her spectacles. Her maid uniform was crisp, and she carried herself with the poise of nobility.
She bowed gracefully, her hand resting over her heart. "Pardon our rudeness, Your Majesty."
She stepped forward and extended a sealed letter, marked with the Armand family crest.
"This is the letter Lord Garius asked us to deliver to you," she said.
King Lioness accepted it with a nod. "You're the second envoy, then."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Gloria—personal maid to Lord Javier."
