A sudden awkward hush fell upon the crowd like an unexpected veil of silence. Even the jealous Fae faltered, her earlier confidence failing as she had not seen that response coming. She dropped the words out of resentment, feeling cheated of her chance of getting Valerie for a mate.
Now, it was as if an invisible pause button had been pressed, and the collective awareness of her circle of friends braced for an uncertain moment, leaving a lingering discomfort in the silence.
"Does your parents know that you are not interested in Prince Valerie?" One of the Fae finally spoke up, breaking the palpable tension that hung in the air.
Elena did not answer the question, lifting the goblet to her lips and the Fae thankfully got the hint and did not press for answers.
