Chapter 163. Testing

"Still," another lady chimed in, swirling her wine, "it is the first event uniting the Empire and the Kingdom. Everyone will be watching."

Including you, the unspoken words lingered thick in the air. Before Aakifahlynn could respond, a presence shifted the atmosphere.

Demarion approached, his dark attire a striking contrast to the array of velvet surrounding them. Conversations faltered, curiosity sharpening as he stopped at Aakifahlynn's side.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked mildly.

"Only if you're afraid of fabric opinions and accessories, oh let's not forget the jewelries," she replied, her lips curving.

He leaned closer, voice lowered. "I've faced greater threats."

One of the socialites laughed, though her eyes assessed him openly. "Emperor Demarion, will you be opening the bazaar?"

It was at this moment Aakifahlynn felt as if this, what was happening right now was dejavue...

She felt as if this happened before...

A few days earlier,