Chapter 8. Sophie

Leaving my room with Reina, I try to steady my nerves as we make our way to the grand dining hall. The hallway seems longer than before, each step echoing my heartbeat. Reina, walking beside me, flashes a reassuring smile, but it doesn't completely ease my apprehension.

I can't help but think, 'Will they like me? Won't they see me as weird? What if I don't meet up to their standards? They are royalty after all. Calm down, Sophie,' I mentally chide myself when I catch myself thinking of all the worst-case scenarios. You've not even gotten there yet.

We enter the spacious dining hall, and I meet the rest of the family already seated and discussing amongst themselves. A hushed silence falls over the room, and all eyes turn towards us. I freeze slightly, burdened by the weight of their gazes. Reina sees this and comes to nudge me forward. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I make my way towards the long dining table, my palms sweating.

We approach the long dining table, and I try not to fo