"Princess," he said, his voice a low, smooth rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. "You look...well."
It wasn't exactly a compliment. It wasn't anything, really. Just a simple observation, delivered in that cool, indifferent tone of his.
Still, she had to respond.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice a little steadier than she felt. "I am pleased to be able to join you."
Join him.
What a laughable choice of words.
As if she had any choice in the matter. As if she weren't just following the script written for her.
He gestured to the seat across from him, a silent, imperious command. She took it, the chair scraping softly against the stone floor, the sound echoing in the vast, empty space.
The table was set with a feast, a spread of rich, decadent dishes that would have made her mouth water if her stomach wasn't tied in knots. Roasted meats, glazed vegetables, loaves of bread still warm from the oven.
