Chapter 52: Poison The Queen

The grand dining hall was once again warm with the glow of candlelight, its gilded walls reflecting the soft flicker of flames. A sumptuous feast was spread before the royal family, but Alina barely touched her plate. She sat at Thorian’s right, her chin resting lightly on her palm as her thoughts drifted to the kiss.

Rian’s touch. His lips. The way her heart had betrayed her when their faces were so close.

“Alina?” Lyra’s voice cut through her reverie, soft but probing.

Alina blinked, her eyes darting to her sister. “What is it?”

“You’ve been stirring that same piece of meat for five minutes,” Lyra said with a knowing look, her fork paused mid-air. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Alina lied, forcing a smile. She picked up her fork, stabbing at the food to appear engaged, but her mind wandered again.