[Music Recommendation: Arcade (Instrumental version) ~ Duncan Laurence]
Everyone fell silent, the only sound being Oriana's quiet sobs, which still sounded distant. The ministers and guests looked on in shock, their faces pale and frozen. Nicholas's eyes were fixed on the lifeless body of his servant, his face twisted in a mix of anger and grief. The royal family seemed equally stunned; Fidelis's face looked calm and expressionless, while Sophie's eyes were wide with fear.
The silence was oppressive, heavy with the weight of the sudden and brutal act. It was as if time itself had stopped, leaving everyone trapped in a moment of horror and disbelief.
Adric alone seemed unmoved, his expression cold and calculating. He gazed down at Oriana, his eyes void of any emotion. The executioner stood still, his sword still raised but dripping with blood, a reminder of the horror that had just taken place.