Chapter 358: The Crowd and the Rose
Lyria's POV
I was flanked by my guards, their presence a constant reminder of my position.
I had asked them to keep a little distance, however. I was only going to greet people. The commoners were not criminals, after all, and I saw little reason for them to hover so closely that everyone around me felt as though they were being watched.
Besides, the suitor candidates who had won their matches would be among the crowd as well. I was hardly without protection.
The moment we reached the area where the citizens had gathered, however, it did not take long for us to be surrounded.
Nobles who had scarcely spared me a glance before were suddenly eager to make my acquaintance. Their smiles were bright, their manners impeccable, and their words polished to perfection.
They spoke of their estates.
Their families.
Their connections at court.
