章 50: I realize you were still alive

"I'll leave you to your beauty sleep," Liria muttered, slipping out of her room and heading toward the dining hall. 

The dining hall was already buzzing with quiet conversation when Liria arrived. Enara was seated near the head of the table, wearing an expression that suggested she was both supremely bored and mildly annoyed by the pleasantries around her. Her parents, Queen Verida and Queen Nyssara, were in their usual seats, exuding an aura of regal authority. Milara, ever the picture of excitement, was bouncing in her chair like she'd been fueled entirely by sugar and adoration for Liria.

Liria took a deep breath and entered, her boots clicking softly against the polished obsidian floor. As she approached the table, Enara gave her a brief glance before gesturing imperiously to the seat beside her.

"You're late," Enara said, her tone sharp but lacking malice.

"Had to dodge an overly dramatic pineapple," Liria replied, sliding into her seat.