Chapitre 21: The Family Dinner

As she makes her way to the royal palace, Lexzandra's mind is a chaos of thoughts and emotions. The imposing structure looms ahead, each step she takes feeling heavier than the last.

Upon reaching the grand entrance, she takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the ordeal. When her name is announced by the herald, she steps into the grand dining room with her head held high.

The room is as opulent as she remembers, with high ceilings adorned with frescoes and crystal chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow.

The massive dining table is laden with an array of sumptuous dishes, the aroma of the feast tantalizing her senses.

Her father, the emperor, sits at the head of the table, his expression inscrutable, giving nothing away. The years have not softened his stern visage; his eyes, though keen, remain impassive as they settle on her.