Chapter 25: Noble Hall
The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the noble hall. Ethan entered with calm steps, his eyes sweeping over every detail of the room: tapestries, the kingdom’s crests, and half a dozen nobles arranged in a circle, speaking in hushed tones. At the center, as if she ruled over that small theater, stood the princess.
Unlike the previous night, today she wore a darker, more formal outfit, which contrasted with the light tone of her hair. Still, what drew attention wasn’t her evident beauty, but the absolute coldness in her eyes, as if none of it truly mattered.
"Here is the man who saved my life," she said, her voice soft. The nobles turned, some with expressions of genuine curiosity, others trying to measure who that outsider might be.
Ethan simply inclined his head slightly. "Your Majesty," he replied, simply.
"Come. I want you to meet those who serve me," she continued, gesturing for him to approach. He did, always keeping a casual, almost careless posture, yet attentive to every glance, every stray word among those present.
Among the nobles was an advisor with a tired expression, an attentive woman who seemed to be part of the personal guard, and a young man who barely hid his disdain. The atmosphere was polite but heavy with doubt and expectation.
"Ethan, isn’t it?" the princess asked, looking directly at him. "Strange that you appeared at the exact moment to save me."
"Coincidences happen," he replied, letting a faint smile form at the corner of his lips. "Or perhaps it was fate."
The princess raised an eyebrow. "I, however, believe fate is rare in this world," she murmured, before turning back to the nobles. "This man saved me from something that could have cost everyone here far more than just my life. You should show gratitude."
Some quickly murmured praise or greetings. The arrogant-looking young man limited himself to a nod, saying nothing. Ethan noticed the details: who spoke first, who stayed silent, who looked away.
"They say you came from afar," the advisor remarked, his voice hoarse. "But we know little of you."