---

¬ HILN

"Isn't the reason as to why she is here rather obvious?" a combination of distinct low rich voices chorused, ending the silence that followed after the King's outburst.

My attention was immediately directed to the other guests seated at the table. There were more strange faces, some of them including Fashire's relatives and even siblings, a lot of whom I didn't recognise since I hadn't seen them at Fashire's castle when he had apparently called them over.

The twins were seated there, a little farther from the King and Lady Dana, who happened to be seated right across the King, the empty seat next to hers belonging to the absent Fashire. One of the twins who I presumed to be Lord Vann had an irritated scowl smearing his face as if he had tasted something horrible, and Lady Ann stared at me, carrying a blank expression as if she couldn't care less.