The inevitable night came—the one in which Vihaan would have to face his older brother, the man whose place he had taken against his own will.
Rihaan was seated in his usual place—the Crown Prince's seat.
King Rudra said nothing to him, eating in heavy silence.
No one else at the table dared to mention the palace's recent affairs. It was as though an unspoken rule had settled over the room.
Instead, the family spoke of other kingdoms and their ongoing negotiations. Some announced forthcoming marriages; others offered polite congratulations, smiling as brightly as they could.
Yet beneath the idle conversation, tension lingered, their awkwardness wasn't hidden. Or perhaps they weren't good actors—the kind of people who could mask their emotions just like royal family members.
Their gazes occasionally drifted toward Rihaan, only to be quickly averted—as though looking at him for too long might invite trouble.
