King Markus entered the first room, his towering presence filling the small space. Kaius followed closely behind, silent and observant. As Markus stepped inside, his sharp gaze fell upon Livia, who was sitting nervously on the edge of a wooden chair. She looked up, her wide, tear-filled eyes meeting his for only a moment before she quickly lowered her gaze, trembling under the weight of his authority.
Markus felt a surge of anger, not at her, but at the situation that had brought such a pitiful young girl to this point. He pulled out a chair and sat across from her, his piercing eyes studying her carefully.
“What is your name?” he asked, his deep voice calm but commanding.
“Livia, your Highness,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Markus nodded, his expression unreadable. “
