When he reached the very front, Areis's eyes finally met the king's. Instinctively, he straightened his posture. The hall fell so utterly silent that it seemed Areis could hear even the faintest sound, as though a pin dropping would echo loudly across the room.
His eyes drifted once more around the hall, confusion and unease tightening his chest. Then, without warning, he dropped to the floor.
A ripple of confusion spread through the room as people stared in disbelief. Areis placed his hands firmly before him, lowered his head until it nearly touched the ground, and bowed fully.
"Long live the king," he said clearly, his voice steady despite the tension coursing through him.
Slowly, he lifted his head again, staring back at the king.
The greeting caught the king completely off guard. It was unexpected and after a moment of stunned silence, the king burst into laughter. His voice crackled through the hall, loud and unrestrained.
