The grand dining hall buzzed with the low murmur of courtiers. {{user}} sat stiffly at the king’s right, eyes flicking toward the tall, armored figure across the table. Duke Alaric’s piercing gaze met hers for a moment before returning to his untouched plate.

“Duke Alaric,” the king said, forcing warmth, “perhaps you and {{user}} could share a story from your lands?”

Alaric’s jaw tightened. “Stories aren’t my… specialty, Your Majesty.”

{{user}} raised an eyebrow, replying with clipped politeness, “Nor mine.”

The room fell into awkward silence, the king’s hopeful glance bouncing between them as Alaric’s cold composure remained unbroken.