Coming out of the awkward silence, everyone straightened in their seats inside the pulvinar. The brief display from Aliastar had left a subtle tension in the air, one that no one present dared to acknowledge openly.
Even those who had witnessed countless political exchanges understood that what had just occurred was not a simple act of arrogance, but a reminder.
"Ugh!! Forgive me, my lord. I have failed to discipline those entrusted with arranging the seats here. I will surely see that this error, born out of their pure ignorance, will be accounted for with heavy punishment."
Winston spoke quickly; his expression was strained and slightly twisted as he forced the words out.
The earlier cheerfulness that had filled his face was gone, replaced by a cautious restraint. His voice carried an attempt to recover lost dignity.
Aliastar did not respond to his ramblings.
He simply sat on his newly formed throne.
