Sairis's POV
The king's alpha scent hit Sairis the moment he stepped in.
It was strong. Heavy. Commanding. It pressed into the air like something alive, filling every corner of the dining hall. For a second, it made Sairis pause inside his chest, not in fear, but in awareness.
Everyone stood.
The movement was instant, like one body responding to a single order.
Sairis rose with them, a beat slower than the rest, just enough to look natural, just enough to match Lady Candice's composed image. He adjusted his breathing, letting his face settle into calm.
It took him a moment to fully adjust to the king's presence, but he did not let it show.
Only Loreen remained seated, and that was for obvious reasons. Outside of official or formal meetings, the prince did not always bow to the king, unless it was necessary. Power had its own rules inside families like this.
