Oriana's body seized up as quietness filled the room, broken only by the soft ticking of the clock—the sound echoing through the stillness.
"That is a lie, Your Majesty," Oriana said suddenly as she lifted her head to look at his face. His features were strikingly handsome, sharp and composed, and for a moment she did not even realize how close their faces were.
"If that were so, she would have been in Driis by now and not here in Gatrem," Oriana continued, her voice steady, as though she had carefully analyzed every detail.
"She seemed to be four or five months pregnant, if I am not mistaken, and a pregnant woman cannot be allowed to travel due to certain circumstances within the kingdoms."
She finished with quiet confidence, her defiant emerald eyes locking onto his with certainty.
For a brief moment, Zaroth's gaze flashed with dark excitement before he gave a small nod.
"True. You are indeed a smart one," he said.
