In the grand hall, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the minutes ticked by without any sign of Cassian. The nobility assembled, their whispered conversations creating an undercurrent of unease.
Annora stood at the altar, her radiant gown shimmering under the lights, but her expression betrayed her inner turmoil. Each passing moment without Cassian's arrival felt like a dagger to her pride.
The assembled guests exchanged skeptic glances, their murmurs growing louder. The absence of the groom was not just a personal slight to Annora but a public spectacle that threatened to tarnish the reputations of the royal family.
In noble society, where appearances were paramount, such an incident was nothing short of scandalous.
Annora's mind raced. She had been meticulously groomed for this union, understanding the political alliances it would forge and the power it would consolidate. Cassian's unexplained absence was not just a personal affront but a potential political disaster.
