Several minutes passed like that.
Then, without warning, the music stopped.
Every instrument fell quiet at once.
A heartbeat of stillness swept across the banquet hall.
A loud, clear voice echoed through the space.
"The royal family is here!"
All heads turned toward the grand entrance.
The towering doors opened slowly, and a procession stepped inside. Guards in armor walked first, then three figures entered the hall with calm, dignified steps.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Nobles straightened their backs.
Others lowered their heads respectfully.
Michael's eyes shifted toward the trio.
A middle aged man in heavy, ornate robes walked at the front. His expression was calm. Behind him were two younger men, both dressed in refined attire.
To Michael's faint surprise, he recognized two of them instantly.
The middle aged man was the Second Prince of the kingdom whom he had once been trapped with in an illusion for before Michael helped stabilize the situation.
