Dark Figure

During Dinner.

Rara remained seated beside the queen, but her gaze was firmly fixed on the king. Her posture was respectful, but her attention was unmistakably on him, her eyes darting occasionally to catch his reactions.

Her movements were delicate, like a devoted daughter eager to please. She had learned from the morning’s encounter that the queen’s temper was not something to be trifled with, and she was determined to avoid provoking another outburst.

Despite her focus on the king, she occasionally turned to the queen with a sweet smile, though her attentiveness was clearly directed elsewhere.

The queen, who had been in high spirits that morning, was now visibly displeased.

Her expression was a mix of frustration and resignation as she watched Rara’s overt attempts to gain the king’s favor. The air around her felt charged, as though her displeasure could manifest physically.

The meal itself seemed to lose its appeal for the queen. The once-delicious food now tasted bland and unappet