The King gave a single nod before taking his seat at the head of the table. Only then did we sit.
I avoided his gaze entirely… I only focused my attention on the food in front of me.
We ate in total silence for a while, the clinking of cutlery against plates the only sound echoing through the grand hall.
Then the King spoke. "I believe all of you maidens have heard about the trials?"
A brief pause followed his words, heavy and expectant.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Charlotte answered first, her voice composed.
The others followed shortly after, their voices blending in careful agreement. "Yes, Your Majesty."
I hesitated. Then, forcing my voice steady, I spoke as well.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The King's gaze swept across the table slowly, as though measuring the weight of each response.
"Good," he said.
A silence lingered before he continued. "Then you should also understand that these trials are not for the faint-hearted."
