The Royal Meeting Room was quiet, save for the aggressive squeak-squeak of Elian polishing a silver candlestick.
He was vibrating with anxiety. The [Cold Shoulder] skill was active, wrapping his mind in a cool, numbing mist that suppressed his natural urge to fling himself at the Prince's feet, but his internal monologue was still screaming.
'This is a bad idea,' Elian thought, rubbing a spot of tarnish. 'I'm ignoring the Tyrant. I'm ghosting the Male Lead. I'm going to get executed for 'Emotional Neglect'.'
[Skill Duration Remaining: 11 Hours, 30 Minutes.]
The doors opened.
Princess Rowena swept in. She looked remarkably composed for someone who had screamed "I hate your breathing" at her fiancé yesterday. She wore a high-necked gown of severe grey wool, clearly aiming for 'Penitent but Powerful'.
She stopped when she saw Elian.
"You," she said, her lip curling. "I heard you were... busy last night."
Elian didn't look up. He didn't bow. He just kept polishing.
